The 2019 NFL draft will provide the Buffalo Bills with a gigantic opportunity to build off of last year’s optimism after a promising rookie campaign for QB Josh Allen.
The Buffalo Bills have 10 picks in the 2019 NFL draft and after a promising season from last year’s first-round pick, Josh Allen, the arrow is certainly pointing up in Western New York.
But like any team looking to turn the corner and start competing for division titles, they need to hit on this year’s draft class to build out the foundation of what has a chance to become a winning roster.
Here’s a look at what their 2019 draft haul could end up looking like after four rounds.
Round 1, Pick 9: Brian Burns | Edge | Florida State
Brian Burns is one of this year’s premier defensive prospects and is regarded by many in the draft industry as the best pure pass-rusher in the bunch. He bulked up to 249 pounds for the NFL combine, answering questions about his lighter-than-ideal frame for the next level. His athletic scores confirmed he can play at that weight, too. He registered a 4.53 40-yard dash and a 36-inch vertical jump and looked like one of the most fluid edge defenders during the on-field drills.
It’s tough to find an ideal landing spot for Burns in the first round because a lot will depend on whether teams think he can play with his hand in the dirt, assuming he maintains 250-plus pounds on game days. But the Bills need pass-rushing help and Burns will provide an immediate upgrade over Trent Murphy, who despite his status as a reliable veteran player, doesn’t have nearly the upside entering 2019 that Burns has as a sack artist.