With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Defensive lineman Vita Vea #50 of the Washington Huskies on the field during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Defensive lineman Vita Vea #50 of the Washington Huskies on the field during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Vita Vea. 22. player. 16. . Defensive Tackle. Washington Huskies

With the second of two first-round draft picks, the Buffalo Bills could potentially select an offensive lineman or a wide receiver to complement Lamar Jackson. With the opportunity to select the best defensive tackle in this draft class, however, Buffalo would be hard-pressed to do otherwise.

Kyle Williams is in his mid 30s and Marcell Dareus is no longer with the Bills, which makes Vita Vea the perfect target at No. 22 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Vea can be somewhat frustrating on film, but his ceiling is that of an All-Pro type of player. He’s a powerhouse at 6’4″ and 344 pounds, with an upper body that moves guards and centers off the line, and the agility to catch even the best of linemen off guard.

Vea is the very definition of a nose tackle, in that he can consume multiple blockers, create penetration up front, and open lanes for his linebackers.

In Buffalo, Vea would potentially work under the guidance and leadership of Williams—a proven and respected veteran. It’s possible that he could retire or sign elsewhere, but that’s just another reason to go all-in on Vea.

With or without Lamar Jackson, the Bills live and die by the quality of their defense. Vea is the type of player who can anchor it for years to come.

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