Final Pick Six — 2025 NFL Draft, High-Character Edition

I challenged myself to re-listen to all the interviews below to select this year’s Final Pick Six, trying to find personality and character matches with the Bills’ ethos that Brandon Beane stresses when saying, “our culture here is more important than winning football games”. Last year’s Pick Six brought us VanPran-Granger, DeWayne Carter, and Ray Davis, among others.

Let me give away the full mock right at the start! Nobody does that, but you might have something to actually do today:

ROUND 1 #30-DT1T Kenneth Grant [interview]
ROUND 2 #56-CB Benjamin Morrison [interview]
ROUND 3 – ACQUIRED: EDGE Femi Oladejo [interview]
ROUND 4 #109-WR Tai Felton [interview]
ROUND 4 #132-DT3T Vernon Broughton [interview]
ROUND 5 #169-LB Teddye Buchanan [interview]
ROUND 5 #170-EDGE Fadil Diggs [interview]
ROUND 5 #173- RB Kalel Mullings [interview]
ROUND 6 #177-TE Jake Briningstool [interview]
ROUND 6 #206-WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith [interview]

That last column labeled “2024” tells you the Scout Score points for that player. I encourage you to listen to the interviews above, as they tell Beane as much as the player’s forty time or RAS score.

ROUND 1 #30

Three hogmollies weighing almost a half-ton. A cornerback described as “the next Tre White”, who we just added to the CB position group. An unblockable EDGE with an ACC-leading 16.5 Sacks and 21 TFLs last season. The SEC’s best Left Guard who logged 3.4 pancakes per game in 2023 and allowed only one sack in his 3-year career. Tough choice. Add in the QB-needy teams who didn’t choose QB in RD1 (Browns? Giants? Saints? Steelers?), and a potential move-down for more RD2 picks makes the choice even harder.

Who just missed the six: CB Maxwell Hairston.

Just say no: EDGE Mike Green. Some sexual misconduct at Virginia was reported to campus police, and it resulted in his dismissal. It wasn’t the first time; he’d had a similar charge while at Lafayette High School.

What I’d do: With the RD1#30, the Bills select Kenneth Grant, DT1T, Michigan. The Bills take the draft’s best run-stuffing 1-tech who instantly rids them of one of the team’s fatal flaws over the last several years: runs up the gut. We’re 27th against gut runs. Take some Immodium.

ROUND 2 #56

Both Tuimoloau, Judkins, and Sawyer had the most Bills-scout eyeballs, with T.J. Sanders (the Bills’ 30-visit from this group) a close second. Benjamin Morrison is the other 30-visitor, ranked earlier than these many fine choices.

Who Missed the Six: FS Xaview Watts. Watts plays FS, and I think the Bills will be looking for a SS that’s faster than Rapp, not a second Cole Bishop in the same round a Free Safety was drafted last year. Still, Watts was the FBS leader in interceptions last season with seven, and I don’t have to tell you which NFL team led in turnovers in 2024 with a total of 32. They also had the best turnover margin, gaining 24 more turnovers than they lost.

Just Say No: LT Aireontae Ersery. Says his OL Coach: “He’s got to focus on a little things and continuing to get better….It’s the little things like taking care of your body with proper recovery, I mean, kids are still kids. When they’re done, they want to go and relax.” – To me, this coach is saying a lot.

What I’d Do Here: Trade up for CB Benjamin Morrison, the best interview I heard among the CBs, and just an outstanding person. To get him, the Bills could trade with DAL at #44 using the Bills’ #56, 109, and #177 [Trade Chart Here], and I’d be delighted! Morrison would have a real chance to start, and that fills the second biggest need of the Bills: a starter opposite Christian Benford. Bills don’t need 10 picks, but they need a CB. Some teams prefer Morrison to Trey Amos, in which case Beane wouldn’t have to reach so far to take Amos, the guy comped to Tre White, the newest member of the Bills.

If I don’t trade up for Morrison, I’d get Cleveland on the phone, because they took Abdul Carter, not a QB, with their first-rounder, and Jaxson Dart is still on the board. Do they want to give up RD2 Pick 1 and R4 Pick 2 (184 pts) to get back into the first round at RD1#30 (196 pts)??

Next, I offer up James Cook for their RD3 Pick 12 to the Dallas Cowboys, who just lost out on Jeanty and Omarion Hampton. Both teams comply.

With RD2#1, we take the draft’s fastest EDGE, J. T. Tuimoloau. He gets home fast; he logged 34 Sacks + TFL pressures in 37 games, or .92 per game. Those are numbers that Brandon Beane always looks at for his EDGE rushers (Rousseau=1.03, Epenesa=.97, Basham=0.97). Of the 20 pass rushers with .75 career pressures per game or more, Tuimoloau has the most Bills scout visits in the last 2 years.

ROUND 2 #62

Who Missed the Six: Elic Ayomanor shows untapped potential and is recognized as one of the best downfield blockers in the college game. Ayomanor caught 11 passes for 96 yards and a TD in Stanford’s ACC opener at Syracuse in front of three Bills scouts. In an earlier game, a Bills scout saw Ayomanor lead receivers in a 7-catch, 107-yard game, a loss to TCU.

Just say no: WR Isaiah Bond. The baggage isn’t worth the benefit. You can get a WR that stretches you vertically in RD4.

What I’d do here: Take CB Darien Porter, one of your two 30-visits at this pick. In a scouted game against Iowa, Porter showcased his defensive prowess with 2 tackles and 2 interceptions. His unique combination of length, speed, and athleticism makes his upside higher than most other cornerback visitors. QBs targeting him have faced a terrible 0.4 passer rating. If the Bills opted for CB Trey Amos in RD1 or traded up for CB Benjamin Morrison, then DT1t Alfred Collins is the choice.

ROUND 3 – ACQUIRED ON DRAFT DAY

How do the Bills get a RD3? Beane trades an offensive lineman to the Browns, Bears, or Commanders, NFC teams who are flush with picks. Or, Beane offers James Cook after Jeanty unexpectedly goes off the board. The Raiders, Bears, or Cowboys might prefer Cook for a third-rounder to Hampton, Henderson, or Judkins with a first- or second-rounder. The Bills could also get a pick in this range by packaging picks in RD 4, 5, and the 2026 draft, although that’s not in Beane’s standard procedure.

Just say no: RG Tate Ratledge. It’s a bad interview and a position ably manned by O’Cyrus Torrence and Sedrick Van Pran Granger.

Who just missed the six: DT3T Shemar Turner. I just think they like Joshua Farmer a bit more.

What I’d do: EDGE Femi Oladejo is such a dovetail fit for the first of two EDGEs drafted by Beane. In 2024 alone, he recorded 57 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks, highlighting his impactful presence against the run. While Olu’s pass-rushing capabilities are still evolving, his power, urgency, and relentlessness make him a high-ceiling prospect. He’s tops in the EDGE class for “getting home” (sacks + TFL) per game over his career (2.65 per game). His wingspan (82⅛”) is Groot-like.

ROUND 4 #109 (would be part of trade up for Morrison)

Who just missed the six: WRS Xavier Restrepo, Miami. In 2024, Restrepo caught 7 of 8 targets for 112 yards and a TD in his first scouted game, showcasing his separation, elusiveness, and reliability, and then totaled 163 yards on 7 reception (23.3 ypr) in one scouted game, a come-from-behind, 39-38 thriller, then 9-148 (16.4) 1 TD in a third scouted game. Echoes of Khalil Shakir. I just don’t think a slot receiver gets snaps in that position room.

Just say no: RB Cameron Skattebo. What to Giddens, Devin Neal, R.J. Harvey, and Skattebo have in common? They all had a low scout score, and played in the Big 12, the conference Beane largely ignored this year, along with the AAC and Mountain West.

What I’d do: Take WR Tai Felton here, a personality matchup for sure. 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, a 1-point win over USC. As the ‘Z’ receiver in a Pro-Style offensive scheme, the 4.32 speed merchant provides the Bills with their deep threat at a value pick. Players are drawn to Tai by his friendliness and confidence.

The Bills really like LB Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr., and should not be counted out in RD4. He has the lowest missed tackle rate in college football. Pooh ranks fourth in solo tackles per game in my Top 250. He met with the Bills at the Combine. One of the two Mockdraftable comps for him is Terrel Bernard. It’s just that two LBs above him in solos per game are Teddye Buchanan and local kid Shaun Dolac, and both might be drafted when the Bills make 4 picks out of 8 in a row beginning at pick #169.

ROUND 4 #132

Who just missed the six: EDGE Saivion Jones. Against USC, scouted by the Bills, Jones made a significant impact in the win, with 4 solo tackles, an assist, and 2 sacks, leading all defenders. However, Jones was far less noticeable in the loss to Florida, and had the EDGE class’s worst interview.

Just say no: LB Smael Mondon, Georgia. In mid-July 2024, Mondon was charged with racing on highways/streets and reckless driving but was released after paying $26. Remember that in January 2023, Georgia football player Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed in a car wreck in Athens. Mondon’s undersized, but has excellent acceleration (even when he’s not in a car; his 1.52 ten-yard split was tied for 14th in NextGen history), agility, and change of direction.

What I’d do: DT3T Vernon Broughton, known for his rapid ability to generate pressure, was second only to RD2 prospect Alfred Collins as the highest-graded defensive tackle in the CFB semifinals. In the Longhorns’ SEC Championship game against Georgia, a highlight for scouts, Broughton recorded a season-high 6 tackles. As a fifth-year defensive lineman, Broughton has played in 55 games with 16 starts, accumulating 69 career tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and four fumble recoveries. He’s smart as he is athletic, with high school accolades include All-American and a finalist for the Watkins Award, recognizing top African American male high school scholar-athletes.

ROUND 5 #169

Here the Bills go on a tear, taking 4 players in the next 8 selections. Who just missed the six: LB Jay Higgins of Iowa. Higgins was also Pro Football Focus’ top LB in Week 2 during a Bills-scouted game, despite a loss to Iowa State (But perhaps PFF missed his coverage bust that resulted in Jaylin Noel’s 75-yard touchdown). In 2023, Jay made 12 tackles, 6 solo, and a pass deflection in a scouted game against Illinois. This year, Higgins led the P5 in tackles and is arguably the best coverage linebacker in the draft. As a testament to his leadership, he said, “When you play for your brothers, all things are possible.” McBeane heard that. A Higgins pick would not surprise me.

Just say no: RB Trevor Etienne. Etienne’s top-tier ability to transform any handoff into a potential touchdown will likely entice NFL teams to overlook a recent DUI arrest and other charges. The RB class is so deep that other options still remain.

What I’d do: The Bills take tackling machine #1, Teddye Buchanan from Cal. Buchanan’s standout performance in a scouted game against Auburn saw him notch 9 solo tackles and 2 sacks, contributing to a team-high 5 Auburn turnovers and a 21-14 Cal victory. In 2023, Buchanan’s stats included 71 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions. In HS, Buchanan was a 2-way player, as quarterback and linebacker. First Team All-ACC, and almost all of the Bills ACC players are defensive selections. Teddye’s 40″ leap at the Combine led all linebackers. P.S. I have Shaun Dolac in my Best PFAs article here.

Note: If I keep Cook, we’d take our second EDGE, Tyler Baron out of Miami. He had the best interview among the EDGEs. Baron was ranked No. 4 on the SEC EDGE rankings by CFN365. His career stats include 52 games, 23 starts, 114 tackles, 56 of them solo, 10 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, and 1 pass breakup. Hey, wasn’t Greg Rousseau a Hurricane?

If I trade Cook away, I resist the temptation to take Jaydon Blue (see our final pick) and give Kromer a Center / Left Guard, Jake Majors out of Texas. In Majors, you have a versatile, experienced Center who can play LG. Majors was my Best Bet in my IOL ELimination Game here. Both David Edwards and Connor McGovern are FA 2026.

ROUND 5 #170

Who just missed the six: Jake Majors C Texas. He’s my best guess if the Bills need a LG OC with both starters becoming free agents next season. He’s played a “major” role for years: 46 games played, 45 starts. Majors 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 (scouted) road victory at Michigan. Majors was recognized as a semifinalist for both the Campbell Trophy and the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award in 2024. Known for his academic prowess, Majors has earned Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors three times from 2021 to 2023. In Majors, you have a versatile, experienced Center who can play LG. Majors was my Best Bet in my IOL ELimination Game here.

Just say no: Howard Cross III, not that I’d be overly disappointed. Cross is that smaller, slippery type of 3-tech too much like Ed Oliver, but in 2023-24, Notre Dame had him starting all 13 games as the Irish defense’s nose tackle, and that won’t likely be his NFL position. Regardless, Cross should add more bulk, but he sure has the athleticism and production. Cross was named the Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week vs Manny Diaz’s Duke squad, with 13 tackles, 10 of them solo, 2 FF, 3.5 TFL, and 1 QBH in the 21-14 win. Then in the Bills-scouted game at Louisville, he recorded 7 tackles, two solo, and 1.5 TFL. His hometown is 5 hrs. 20 min. to Orchard Park.

What I’d do: Take your second EDGE, Fadil Diggs of Syracuse. Pronounced “fuh-DILL”, Diggs transferred from Texas A&M to Syracuse for his redshirt senior year. Syracuse runs a 4-2-5 defensive alignment like the Bills’ system. In one scouted game vs UNLV, Diggs had 4 solo tackles, and led the team in both sacks (2) and TFLs (2). In a second scouted game, Diggs recovered a fumble to seal the OT win against VaTech in overtime. giving the Orange a rather improbable win. He’s effective as a QB spy and is often drops in bracket coverage on the opposing ‘X’ receiver. Diggs has known ‘Cuse Head Coach Fran Brown since seventh grade, when he used to play 7 on 7 with Duce Chestnut and AlijahClark. Fadil Diggs is not related to Stefon Diggs, but Beane would make fans happy by giving him the #14 jersey. His Pro Day 26 bench reps would have been good for 8th at the NFL Combine.

ROUND 5 #173

Who just missed the six: Que Robinson, EDGE, Alabama. Before sustaining an injury on November 9, 2024 during Alabama’s dominant 42-13 victory over LSU, Robinson was leading the team in sacks with four. His final-year stats include 23 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries, and one forced fumble, underscoring his disruptive presence on the field. His impressive performance earned him the ‘Make It Possible’ award from the ReliaQuest Bowl, a recognition voted on by players and coaches. With long arms and a towering height, reminiscent of Rousseau, Robinson impressed scouts at the Combine and Pro Day. His injury may have sidelined him for key games, but his potential and athleticism will make some GM look smart

Just say no: Kyle Monangai RB Rutgers. Monangai ranked 4th in Yards After Contact with 881 in 2023 and delivered a dominant MVP performance in the 31-24 win over Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl. He’s buddies with KC running back Isiah Pacheco, so there’s that. While the had a ScoutScore of 7 in 2023, Bills had no credentialed scouts at Rutgers games, home or away, in 2024.

What I’d do: Field-stretcher and kick returner Jaylin Lane is a compelling interview, but I took Tai Felton earlier. Also a returner, Michigan RB Kalel Mullings had already amassed 184 yards on 23 carries (8.0 YPC) with two touchdowns, including a long run of 63 yards against AP-ranked opponents. His excellent vision, physicality, and temperament 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 and 24-211-4.6-2 TD vs Minnesota, fits the mold of a mid-round gem with body type reminiscent of former Bills snowplow, Leonard Fournette (6-0,240,4.51). He’s not a starter, with 4 starts in 55 games played, so he’s used to a committee back role. I checked to see if Jor-El was his father. IYKYK.

ROUND 6 #177 (would be part of trade up for Morrison)

Who just missed the six: Drew Kendall, C Boston College. Kendall is considered one of the top centers in a notably-thin offensive center class. Following in the footsteps of his father, Pete Kendall, a former Boston College lineman, Drew has amassed 34 starts, demonstrating his experience and pedigree. One of the fastest interior linemen, Kendall excels particularly in the Bills-y outside zone runs, thanks to his elite foot quickness and lateral movement. Kendall’s hip flexibility allows him to stay fluid through transitions, enabling him to redirect and recover effectively if initially beaten. He demonstrates strong anchor abilities against bull rushes, showcasing functional lower-body strength, though his inconsistent strike timing can lead to problematic holding calls. While his agility is a significant asset, Kendall sometimes struggles with pad level discipline and balance, occasionally playing too upright and bending at the waist, which can affect his leverage and stability. Kromer would help.

Just say no: Nick Nash, WR, San Jose State. Nash is the FBS leader in receiving yards (1,382), receiving TDs (16), yards per game (115.2), and the most catches this year (104). A “my ball”-getter, Nash plays Slot in San Jose’s “Spread-N-Shred” offense, which inflates stats more than most. Now, will he go higher than fellow Mountain West WR, Khalil Shakir (148 overall)? No, and he may drop past the Bills last pick, primarily due to scheme, level of competition, and a bottom-5 forty time.

What I’d do: Take Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson. I’ve had both Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid as personality fits for the Bills in past Pick Sixes. Can I go three for three at TE? Briningstool ranks third in career receiving yards among tight ends, just behind Benjamin Yurosek (also a possibility) and behind RD1-bound Colston Loveland. Despite a rather pedestrian 45% blocking rate (a skill often back-burnered in Clemson’s Air Raid offense), Briningstool’s receiving skills make him a valuable offensive asset.

ROUND 6 #206

Three Smiths here, and one in the wings. Who just missed the six? DT3T Tim Smith. Smith has recorded 12 pressures over 54 games, starting 22. Named a preseason All-SEC third-teamer, Smith plays the DT3T position in a 4-2-5 defense. According to Nick Saban, while Smith shows flashes of brilliance, he has been “up and down” and needs to be more consistent. His experience and talent make him a key player, but consistency will be crucial for Tim to get on the field.

Just say no: Mello Dotson, CB. Dotson met with the Bills formally at the Combine; he’s a top-5 zone corner, I know, but wrong conference, slow-as-molasses forty, and inconsistency. Plus, you already have your CB3 and CB4 in-house. Mello finished the 2023 season tied for fourth in the league with four interceptions and was second with the two pick-sixes. Additionally, Dotson ranked fourth in the Big 12 with 13 passes defended, showcasing his exceptional defensive abilities. In 2024, Dotson had 5 INTs, and again, two of his five were for touchdowns.

What I’d do: Draft WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, possibly the draft’s fastest WR at 4.32. He transferred to Auburn after 4 years at Penn State, gaining 1,598 receving yards on 116 career receptions with the Nittany Lions. KeAndre was the only player in Penn State history with multiple 80-yard receptions, using his 4.32 forty time to stretch defenses vertically. Lambert-Smith had 20 catches of 20+ yards at Penn State, where he was the projected number-one wide receiver for Penn State in 2023 with Washington and Tinsley moving on. Lambert-Smith’s third in the SEC in receiving yards, and sixth in receiving average with 20.8 YPR. He’s tied for #1 in touchdowns with 8. His uncle, Kam Chancellor, played for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Editor’s babble: Dean just keeps getting better at narrowing down the ‘Billsy’ type players McBeane covets. We cannot thank Dean Kindig enough for his enlightening draft analysis. I think he’s one of the best in the business and it’s a privilege to work with him. You can also find Dean on Xwitter @TCBILLS_Astro.