This is edition three of my Pick-Six series. I picked Cole Bishop and Ray Davis last year; let’s see how I do in 2025!
The draft is still 106 days away, but this is a year-round hobby. My editor, Robyn Mundy, knows I already had 500 players on my board a week after the 2024 draft, and after removing those returning to school, I have 608 right now for this year. I pick 6 players at each of the Bills’ 10 draft picks bimonthly, and tell you why they’re on Brandon Beane’s radar. I’ve put my guesses in first-to-last order for each pick.
In one of my favorite quotes so far, All Access says Tyler Booker is “as feisty as a hippo and as wide as one….dominating [2023] season in which he registered 41 knockdown blocks (3.4 per game was most on the team)”. In a Brandon Beane-scouted game, Tyler earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his play vs Ole Miss. He’s been named to the Outland Trophy Watch List two years in a row, recognizing the top interior lineman in college football. In 2023, Booker allowed only 2.5 total sacks and 4.5 pressures across 676 snaps, missing just 3 assignments.
Beane speaks about YAC, and in 2022, Emeka Egbuka had 526 Yards AFTER the Catch. He shows the ability to win vertically, has natural hands, and plays through contact. Egbuka tracks the ball well, and has a good size/frame, enough to be catching 72% of targets over his career. Will Beane think he already has his “slot” in Shakir? Will he think more D-Line presssure is more of a priority than another WR in the mix? Egbuka had no stats in the scouted games vs Penn State, Oregon, or Wisconsin in 2023, and only 1 catch for 4 vs Rutgers. But make no mistake; Egbuka is your YAC Monster with sure hands, dynamic slot with terrific route running and separation. He can double as a kick returner (605 yards in his career). Along with Ayomanor and Tre Harris, Egbuka is my early favorite.
Despite being double-teamed frequently, Deone Walker was extremely productive, finishing with 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks a season ago. Deone has worked hard on getting his weight down and his endurance up. The sky’s the limit if this continues. The athleticism is obvious, and it stands out even more due to his size. Deone has played stand-up EDGE rusher, 1-tech, and 3-tech, moving all over on stunts. Defensive Coordinators love that. He wins with quick hands and short-area agility. He’s a perfect heir to DaQuan Jones’s throne, and would be an upgrade up the gut, where we’re vulnerable to the run.
Shemar Turner is a standout defensive lineman known for his elite ability to disengage and powerful block-shedding, as highlighted by T3Scouting. Ranking 6th in speed and fifth in pressures with 28 after nine weeks, the 3-tech demonstrates significant potential as a power rusher. Turner’s athleticism is evident in his explosive sideline-to-sideline play, and he shows flashes of a great bull rush. In 2024, Turner is likely to receive snaps both inside and out, bolstered by having received the most snaps among A&M’s defensive linemen last season.
As a Nagursky Trophy-winner, a Win Rate of 12.7%, and 10 Sacks this year against SEC competition, Kyle Kennard highlighted his prowess as an EDGE rusher in the SEC. During Kennard’s four years at Georgia Tech, Kennard notched 54 solo tackles and started 19 out of 42 games, showcasing his reliability in a rotation. In 2024, Kennard has commenced the season with an impressive performance, racking up 7.5 sacks in his first 6 games, including a memorable strip sack against Kentucky. Kyle’s ability to effectively seal his edge makes him a valuable asset, bolstering his 132 career tackles. Kennard clicks instantly from an edge-sealing role to that of a closer: 35 career tackles for loss, with 12 of them in his 6 games with SCAR. Kennard was honored with the South Carolina Spirit Award for the defense during the spring, underscoring his influence both on and off the field.
What if the Bills’ second safety is a chameleon? Barrett Carter is a versatile member of the back seven called by Dabo Swinney as “one of the best pure football players I’ve had in 20 years”. Think of who Dabo has coached! Carter can be a traditional off-ball linebacker, a larger safety with tackling chops, or a Taron type. Beane will like Carter’s impressive play speed (4.5 range at college camps), his level of competition, ability to drop into coverage, and the timing and explosion in his click-and-close. Carter can be turned loose as a blitzer defend against the run game. The senior was #1 in ACC Total Points per Pass Rush in 2023 (the Eagles’ Jeremiah Trotter Jr was #2). In the scouted game vs Pitt, Carter was a game-wrecker, with 12 tackles, 9 of them solo, half a sack, 2 TFL, and 1 PD. Carter addresses three distinct needs for the Bills. Clemson players drafted by Beane? 9 defense, 2 offense, and Clemson leads all schools in ScoutScore this season.
What if the Bills need to walk away from James Cook (6-0, 204, 4.42) to retain their other free agents? A sixth Buckeye on this list attracting the Bills’ attention, TreVeyon Henderson is an electrifying running back known for his impressive performance on the field. In 2023, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry (down from 5.5 in 2022), and gained 6.3 yards per reception on three catches, compared to 10.97 in 2022. Bills scouts were present for his stellar 2023 performance against Youngstown, where TreVeyon averaged 11.2 ypc on five rushes. Henderson also shined against Rutgers with 22 carries for 128 yards (5.8 YPC) and one touchdown, and against Wisconsin with 24 carries for 162 yards (6.8 YPC) and another touchdown. Despite the competitive market for running backs, Henderson’s exceptional pass-blocking, playmaking ability, and versatility as a kick returner make him a strong candidate for the Bills’ third pick. Like Cook, Henderson’s a playmaker, scoring the most career points in this draft class.
Short, undersized, blah, blah, blah, but Josaiah Stewart‘s incredible upper body strength just hits you on tape. Scouts love his raw natural ability. It’s raw because Josaiah only started playing as a high school freshman. Stewart’s personal-bests have come against stiff competition, including 7 Tackles vs Alabama and 3 Sacks against USC in 2023. He showed his performance against the Trojans was no fluke, notching 2 sacks and 3 tackles against USC in a scouted game in 2024.
Jake Majors, a fifth-year OC / OG, has demonstrated remarkable consistency and leadership with 46 games played and 45 starts. He earned the prestigious title of Outland Trophy National Player of the Week on September 10, and SEC Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week on September 9, following a significant road victory at Michigan. Majors has been recognized as a semifinalist for both the Campbell Trophy and the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award in 2024, reflecting his excellence on and off the field. A 2024 preseason watch list candidate for the Rimington Trophy, he was also a 2023 Joe Moore Award semifinalist. Known for his academic prowess, Majors has earned Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors three times from 2021 to 2023.
After 4 games in 2024, Tai Felton had already amassed 604 yards and 41 catches, a 14.7 average, pretty consistent with last year’s 12.2 YPC average against AP-ranked teams. Felton scored his first TD of this year on a fade in a Bills-scouted game, and went 9 for 84 and a TD in the second, the 1-point win over USC. As the ‘Z’ receiver in a Pro Style offensive scheme, he complements his teammate, Kaden Prather, extremely well. Players are drawn to Tai by his friendliness and confidence. Great fit in the Bills locker room. Hey –wasn’t Maryland Diggs’ school? Prather or Felton work for me.
Lathan Ransom, a standout Buckeye SS, spent over five months rehabbing after breaking his leg in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day 2022, but returned with a vengeance. Known for his toughness and veteran presence, Ransom has amassed 152 career tackles, the most among current Buckeyes, with a team-high 97 solo stops. Despite missing the last five games of the 2023 season due to an injury in the Wisconsin game, he boasts impressive stats, including 14 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and 7.5 tackles for loss. An excellent man-press defender and above-average run stopper, Ransom had 9 tackles against Michigan and was in on a PBU, a scouted game.
Fadil Diggs, pronounced “fuh-DILL,” transferred from Texas A&M to Syracuse for his redshirt senior year. Syracuse runs a 4-2-5 defensive alignment not unlike the Bills’ system. In 2023, Fadil achieved a career-high with four sacks and 36 tackles. In the scouted game vs UNLV, Diggs had 4 solo tackles, and led the team in both sacks (2) and TFLs (2), and in a second scouted game, Diggs recovered a fumble to seal an OT win against VaTech in overtime. giving the Orange a rather improbable win. He’s effective as a QB spy and is often used in bracket coverage on the opposing ‘X’ receiver. Fadil has known ‘Cuse Head Coach Fran Brown since seventh grade, when he used to play 7 on 7 with Duce Chestnut and Alijah Clark. Fadil is not related to Stefon Diggs, but Beane would sure make fans happy by assigning him the #14 jersey.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, possibly the draft’s fastest WR at 4.32, transferred to Auburn after 4 years at Penn State, gaining 1,598 receving yards on 116 career receptions with the Nittany Lions, and there are tons of Bills connections to PSU, and there are 5 on the roster. KL-S was the only player in Penn State history with multiple 80-yard receptions, using his screaming speed to stretch defenses vertically –which the Bills need, especially with Curtis Samuel’s history of groin and hamstring injuries. He had 20 catches of 20+ yards at Penn State, where KL-S was the projected number-one wide receiver for Penn State in 2023 with Washington and Tinsley moving on. Last I checked, Lambert-Smith was third in the SEC in receiving yards, and sixth in receiving average with 20.8 YPR. He’s tied for #1 in touchdowns (8 of ’em). His uncle, Kam Chancellor, played for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.
Gabe Jacas is a formidable presence on the field, known not only for his wrestling strength, but also for his football prowess. As a sophomore in 2023, Jacas played in all 12 games with 10 starts (9 at outside linebacker, 1 at defensive line), excelling against Penn State, a scouted game, with his first sack of the season. Ranked #69 on The 2023 Athletic’s Freaks List, Jacas made a significant impact with his sacks, coming in second only to the legendary Simeon Rice in Illinois history for true freshmen. Gabe’s high-pressure gameplay places him in the top 6 for pressures per game –surpassing well-known players like the Bills’ Rousseau and Epenesa. Here, Gabe talks about how wrestling has helped him on defense.
(Author’s Note: Since I was asked, a 2-4-5 defense like David Bailey plays is 2 defensive linemen, 4 LBs (any of which can blitz), and 5 DBs (usually 2 CB, 2 Safeties, and a Rover. It’s not vastly different to what the Bills play, and the ScoutScore of 5 suggests more than average interest.)
Jordan Hancock, the talented nickel corner for the Buckeyes, ranks 6th on the list of Top Breakout CBs in 2023 based on the In-Game Athleticism (IGA) Score. Despite high expectations, an undisclosed hamstring injury in October 2022 curtailed Hancock’s progress, preventing him from showcasing his full potential. With a complete offseason, Hancock’s potential became evident. Known for his prowess in man coverage, Hancock stands out among his peers, even drawing comparisons to Taron Johnson. Hancock’s zone coverage needs the McDermott touch, but he’d make a fine Taron 2.0. If the Bills move on from Kaiir Elam (or Cam Lewis), you’ll se a corner in Beane’s first 5 picks.
Matthew Golden is an explosive athlete known for his dual role as a slot receiver and kick returner, which we’ll witness real soon in the college playoffs. Golden boasts an impressive 64% completion rate as a receiver, showcasing his reliability on the field. As a kick returner, Golden returned 9 kicks for 321 yards last season, averaging an insane 35.6 yards per return and scoring 2 touchdowns, including a remarkable 100-yard return. His high explosion factor is further highlighted by his high school long jump record of 21′ 8.5″. For a closer look at his versatility and playmaking skills, check out his WR highlights.
Gee whiz –a wrestler that went to William and Mary…sounds familiar! Charles Grant, a standout LG from McDermott and Brady’s alma mater, brings an impressive blend of athleticism and a wrestling background to any NFL team running a run-heavy zone blocking scheme. Transitioning from LT in college, Grant’s explosive movement to the second level and NFL-threshold arm length make him an ideal fit for LG, despite his current lack of mass. Known for his active hands and aggressive style, Grant seeks to pancake opponents, skillfully using his viselike clamps to control defenders. Ranked as the Coastal Conference’s top tackle in pass-blocking efficiency, Grant allowed just one sack on 334 pass-blocking snaps and served up 40 pancakes this year. With a top speed of 21 mph, a 32-inch vertical, and 35-inch arms, Grant is expected to dazzle at the Combine, while his humanitarian efforts earned him a finalist spot for the Wells Fargo Advisors Humanitarian Award. McDermott-approved. I expect a Bills 30-visit and scouted Pro Day from Grant.
The move to Syracuse has paid off both literally and figuratively for Kyle McCord. While he was only 59.8% vs AP teams on 61 throws in his final year with the Buckeyes, he’s 69.6% with 4 TDs and 0 INTs for ‘Cuse so far in 2024. With McCord, you’re getting a midround quarterback with good size and above-average escapability who’s played in a Pro Spread. Kyle has thrown for 5,235 yards in his 4-year career, with 61 touchdowns against 20 INTs That’s a nice mid-round pickup if you have your starter entrenched already. I think they’re interested in Kurtis Rourke of Illinois, too. Garrett Nussmeier returned to LSU; I think he’s in the running in 2026.
Redshirt senior Kalel Mullings showcased his talent with 5.0 yards per carry on three touches against AP-ranked teams in 2023, while also fulfilling kick return duties in both 2023 and 2024. In the 2024 season, Mullings has amassed 948 yards on 148 carries with 12 touchdowns, including a long run of 63 yards against AP-ranked opponents. His excellent vision, physicality, and temperament [interview] make him a compelling NFL prospect. The Buffalo Bills, in need of a power back, would benefit from his skill set; Mullings, who delivered a standout performance with 17 carries for 159 yards and 2 TDs in a scouted 27-24 win over USC, fits the mold of a mid-round gem reminiscent of former Bill Leonard Fournette.(6-0, 240, 4.51). Kalel’s not a starter, nor does he have to be on the Bills. He’s the thunder to the lightning backs we have. Raheim “Rocket” Sanders and Phil Mafah are also in play for that role.
Dylan Fairchild, Sedrick VanPran’s left guard, stands out as one of my top five pass-blocking interior offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft. Notably, his expertise isn’t limited to pass protection; on display in this textbook run-blocking play, reminiscent of Kromer drills I’ve seen at St. John Fisher Training Camp and written up in AstroNotes. With an impressive 92.3 pass block grade and zero pressures allowed in 2023, and 2024’s Zero Sacks Allowed / Zero QB Hits Allowed / 2 Pressures Allowed tallies, it’s clear that Fairchild knows how to assert his dominance.
Phil Mafah had a successful 2023, leading the Tigers with 149 carries for 805 yards and nine TDs, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and 4.9 against AP-ranked teams. Notably, Phil had Clemson’s longest run of the year with a 49-yarder against Duke –a Bills-scouted game. In 2024, he’s already had challenging games, the loss against Georgia with a just-average 16 carries for 59 yards –also scouted. Mafah’s career, all at Clemson, totals 2887 rush yards, 309 receiving yards, 28 touchdowns. His best 2024 outing was against Louisville (30-171 2 TD; 5 of 5 receptions) –also a scouted game. Mafah is also recognized for his academic achievements, being a regular All-ACC Academic Team selection. I have him as the #2 passblocker in the 2025 RB class (unscouted Tahj Brooks is #1). Mafah falls here due to a procedure on his shoulder, which he played through down the stretch. He’s one tough Mafah.
Jaylin Noel, entering his senior season in 2024, demonstrated remarkable consistency with a reception in 32 consecutive games, making it the fourth-longest streak in Iowa State history. Notably, Noel became the first FBS player since 2014 to achieve four 50+ yard receptions, two 50+ yard kick returns, and two 30+ yard punt returns in a single season. Jaylin’s career stats include 165 receptions for 1,661 yards and 10 TDs, with 768 kick-return yards. Noel’s ability to get deep has been noticed by Brandon Beane; in this year’s CyHawk game, Noel posted an obscene 5-133-26.6-1TD stat line in front of Bills scouts –and got behind a much-too-slow Xavier Nwankpa (but Noel’s a problem for lots of safeties). He’s a wonderful blocker and an ace kick returner, too. Ryan Roberts says Jaylin “might be the most efficient route=runner in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Runs routes with great tempo, no tells, and consistently accelerates in and out of breaks.” Whoever’s our ST Coach will advocate for this Big 12 Co-Special Team Player of the Year.
Kobe Hudson, UCF’s WR1, was PFF’s highest-graded receiver in 2023 against single coverage, with a score of 93.7, outperforming Teitaroa McMillan, Jaylin Noel, and Tre Harris. In a pivotal game, Hudson caught 6 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns. His performance included a 20-yard game-winning touchdown, crucial in UCF’s comeback victory over TCU. He’s a deep threat; he had two catches each going 34 yards, with this TD, in the scouted game vs WVU.
Jack Kiser is a versatile linebacker known for his ability in run defense and coverage, making him a vital component of the team’s multiple defense. In 2023, he played in all 13 games, standing out as a special teams contributor and consistently holding his ground at linebacker, finishing third on the team with 62 tackles and tying for the lead with 41 solo tackles. His 2023 performance included 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and significant quarterback pressure, showcasing his multidimensional skill set. This year, Kiser led the ND tacklers in a scouted game vs Texas A&M. His interview gives you insight on his ideal fit for the team. You know Beane’s always looking for that Day 3 Bernard.
Jonas Sanker, pronounced “YO-niss,” earned First Team All-ACC honors with the Virginia Cavaliers, showcasing exceptional performance throughout the 2023 season. Leading the team with 107 tackles, he also recorded four TFLs, 11 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles. Sanker stands out in this class with an impressive 3.95 solo tackles per game, the stat closely rivaling former DBs Damar Hamlin, Dane Jackson, and others I have put in my Pick Sixes in past years. In the scouted game against Clemson, Sanker had 8 tackles, 7 of them solos, and a TFL. His coverage skills are particularly notable, as seen in his standout performance against Pitt.
Ricky White‘s the Mountain West OPOY. He transferred from Michigan State after two years, and led UNLV in receiving for the past three years, and the Special Teams Player of 2024 has 3 blocked punts this season. Ricky made a significant impact with 8 receptions for 144 yards in a 2023 Bills-scouted game against Wyoming, and followed with a 10-135-(13.5) -1 TD stat line against Syracuse this year, a Bills-scouted game. His Runnin’ Rebels enjoyed their best season in 23 years, finishing 8-2 overall and 5-1 in the Mountain West. With an impressive, #2-ranking 3.83 yards per route run, White is that field-stretching, YAC-collecting, deep-threat danger. Brandon Beane has added 5 Bills players from the Mountain West –all from the offensive side of the ball.
Editor’s babble: Liquid gold from Dean Kindig. His ‘Pick Sixes’ are a great distraction from worrying about the Bills playoff game against Denver. We are grateful for all of Dean’s invaluable contributions to our blog. You can also find Dean on Xwitter @TCBILLS_Astro.
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