With the 2020 NFL Draft just wrapping up, the Buffalo Bills look like a different team than they did in 2019. The Bills didn’t have a pick in the first round of the draft, but I’m sure Bills fans weren’t too upset, as they essentially used their first-rounder to acquire wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
They had a disappointing loss in the wild card round last season, in a game that made many a lot of money at offshore sportsbooks. In hopes of getting over the hump, Buffalo was looking to upgrade their gaps through the draft. They did that and more.
Here’s the thoughts and analysis on each player selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Bills’ 2020 Draft Selections
A.J. Epenesa | DE | No. 54 overall (Round 2)
A.J. Epenesa is like the D.K. Metcalf of the 2020 NFL Draft. In 2019, Metcalf was projected to go much higher than he was picked all because he put up dismal combine stats. Then, he put up almost 900 yards with seven touchdowns his rookie year. Epenesa was a steal for the Bills at No. 54 overall, and he makes their defense just that much better.
Epenesa is a monster, at 6’5”, 275 pounds, and comes from Iowa, a program Bills HC Sean McDermott absolutely loves. The defensive line is looking bright, with Ed Oliver and Epenesa on both sides. Epenesa looks to help the run game, since both Jordan Phillips (Arizona Cardinals) and Shaq Lawson (Miami Dolphins) are no longer with the team.
Zack Moss | RB | No. 86 overall (Round 3)
Zack Moss added to the backfield beside Devin Singletary is going to be quite the one-two punch for opposing defenses. Moss is a power back that runs through defenders, the opposite of the speedy, shifty Singletary. Moss has been compared to Marshawn Lynch because of his running style, so hopefully he turns Beast Mode once he steps foot on an NFL field. Buffalo’s backfield is young and full of promise and, most importantly, can balance a Bills offense that won’t need to worry about throwing as much in 2020.
Gabriel Davis | WR | No. 128 overall (Round 4)
Gabriel Davis is just another weapon added for quarterback Josh Allen. Davis is 6’2”, 216 pounds and clocked a 4.54-second 40 time at the combine this year. He and Diggs will be Allen’s new vertical threats. Davis has strong and consistent hands, something the Bills needed due to many receiver drops in 2019. The rookie also helps with the run game, as his size and strength make for great blocking ability. If Allen works on his deep-ball accuracy and hits his receivers, Davis might be one of his favorite targets.
Jake Fromm | QB | No. 167 overall (Round 5)
If you could’ve seen Bills’ Twitter after the pick for Jake Fromm in the fifth round, you’d be laughing. Everyone assumed that this meant Josh Allen was on his way out and Fromm would be the starter. GM Brandon Beane and HC McDermott saw this as an opportunity to develop Allen’s in-game intelligence. While at Georgia, Fromm had plenty of big-game experience and intelligent game-management. Fromm will likely battle it out with Matt Barkley and Davis Webb for a spot on the roster, and presumably the backup position.
The Bills seem to be adding competition to every position room in hopes of getting the absolute best out of their guys. Fromm is part of this process.
Tyler Bass | K | No. 188 overall (Round 6)
It was really surprising to see Buffalo take a kicker in the draft, but it makes sense, because they had filled every roster hole beforehand. Stephen Hauschka struggled towards the end of the season last year, making many with NFL betting angry, so getting a young guy in there was worth the risk. Tyler Bass has a cannon for a leg and showed consistency for the most part during his college career. In 2019, he struggled, as he went 20/28 for field goals made. If he can get used to the NFL atmosphere, he could be something special. It’s unlikely that Bass gets released, since the Bills used a sixth rounder on him, but he could get sent down to the practice squad.
Isaiah Hodgins | WR | No. 207 overall (Round 6)
Last season, the Bills struggled to get vertical at times, and some of this was due to receiver size. Now, their biggest guy is 6’4” in Isaiah Hodgins. Hodgins clocked a 4.61 at the combine, so he isn’t blazing fast, but has impressive ball tracking ability. He needs to improve on his initial release away from defenders, but he’ll win most 50/50 balls due to his size and strength. Adding him in the sixth round was worth it because he offers tremendous upside to be Buffalo’s primary red zone target.
Dane Jackson | CB | No. 239 overall (Round 7)
Dane Jackson was a steal in Round 7 for Buffalo, who likely just added him for the depth and competition. Jackson is a tough slot corner that brings physicality to the field. He’s 6’0”, 187 pounds and plays with competitiveness that McDermott is always looking for. He breaks up passes well, as he allowed just 42 percent completion rate while at Pittsburgh.
Once he gets beat, he tends to get grabby and tug on the jerseys, which could be a bad sign. If he can improve on his weaknesses and make his reps count, McDermott will love him and give him his opportunity.
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