The bill reappeared at the tip of making a Super Bowl this past season, but eventually fell to the Chiefs 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game. Buffalo continues to own the Chief during the regular season, but when the playoff lights were on, that was a different story.
So, what should the bill do from here? Are they continuing to try and pack offenses with talent to rule MVP Josh Allen, or do they decide that turning to the other side of the ball and stopping Patrick Mahomes and Co. is an easier way to beat them than simply kicking them out on the scoreboard?
Now, on the 30th pick of SB Nation Community Mock Draft, Bills Pseudo-GM Matt Byham decided to choose Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston in the hopes that Uber-Athletic Defender will help Buffalo’s defense take the next big step.
30.) Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Byham: The bill has several needs through drafts, but the outside of the corner remains the greatest concern, just above the defensive tackle. Given the way the board is developed and the number of DTs already selected before 30, landing Maxwell Hairston at the end of round 1 feels like a big victory. Hairston must press quickly and stick to the receiver at the next level, using Buffalo along with Buffalo as a player with true explosive bursts and speed. His ability to play both Zone and Man coverage is a major asset to Buffalo’s defensive system. Perhaps a little too small, but Hairston’s long arms and real tips for stealing football will help him in the NFL.
analysis: Hairston was the Wildcats’ two-year starter, and named himself with six career intercepts in that range. At 5’11 and 183 pounds, Hairston is not the most physically impressive player of the top cornerbacks, but he may certainly be the most athletic. 4.28 With 40 hours and 39.5 inches vertical, Hairston has the physical properties of an elite that thrives in any press scheme. However, he is a massive responsibility as a run defender, so that’s what you need to keep in mind when either team connects him to their secondary.
The remaining 5 players:
- Luther’s Burden, WR, Missouri
- Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio
- Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
- Grey Sabell, IOL, North Dakota
- Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
The Kansas City Chief is currently on the watch, with two talented wideouts sitting at the top of the remaining board. Both are great receivers, but not in the exact same way. If the Chiefs want to continue casting elite talent on Mahomes, they can’t make a mistake either. If they choose to swap Joe Sunny up front, the North Dakota Glazabelle is still available.
