NFL Mock Draft: Bills Look for a Solution Regarding Mahomes.
Similar to other AFC teams, the Buffalo Bills face the challenge of overcoming Patrick Mahomes in order to seize opportunities before their Super Bowl aspirations close. As part of their offseason strategy, the Bills are projected to take a significant step by selecting Illinois defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton with the No. 28 overall pick in a post-Super Bowl mock draft, according to CBS Sports. The rationale behind this move is framed in the context of building a roster that can effectively counter Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in postseason encounters. The selection of Newton is seen as a strategic move to enhance the Bills’ defensive front, providing a strong presence alongside Ed Oliver, particularly with Newton’s ability to contribute to the pass rush. In the 2023 season, Newton showcased impressive productivity for Illinois, recording 7.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Notably, his performance in the last five games of the season, where he secured five sacks, highlighted his consistency and impact towards the end of the year. Recognized as the 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Newton has amassed an impressive 102 quarterback pressures over the past two seasons, surpassing other FBS defensive tackles by a significant margin of 35 pressures, as reported by CBS Sports.
