2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after college football season

I’m not sure there’s a receiver in this class who is worthy of a Top 10 selection, but the Bills don’t have the luxury of waiting until day two to solve this need.

Buffalo’s top two receivers this season were a pair of rookies, 2nd round pick Zay Jones and undrafted free agent Robert Foster. Both flashed potential, with Foster coming out of nowhere and producing over the second half of the season. Jones and Foster both figure to be a part of Buffalo’s future plans, but neither project as a legitimate No. 1 WR at this level.

I expect Ole Miss WR D.K. Metcalf to jump up draft boards after what is expected to be an eye-opening combine. Metcalf has the size and hands at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds that NFL teams covet in receivers, and he should run a blazing 40-time that solidifies his place as the draft’s top receiver.

There will be a ton of competition for that distinction, but Metcalf is the only guy who has the potential to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, and I expect him to begin separating himself from the pack in the pre-draft process. He was off to a tremendous start this season before a neck injury cost him the rest of the season.

Buffalo is actually a little bit closer to playoff contention than anyone thought coming into the season, with many analysts pegging them as the favorite to land the No. 1 pick in this class. They overachieved thanks to one of the league’s best defenses. They finished second in defensive DVOA, which allows them the ability to reach for offensive help with the ninth pick.

I’m still far from sold on Josh Allen’s viability as an NFL starter, but the Bills have to give him a fair shake by surrounding with him talent and bulking up their offensive line to give him time to evaluate coverages.