2016 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers Get Their Pass Rusher

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 14, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) celebrates in the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) celebrates in the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Their talent will still have them selected in the first round, and Jack’s considerable healing time will have him going before Smith.  In no other scenario would a linebacker of Smith’s caliber be left on the board at #19, but this is the exact scenario the Bills could be benefiting from.  As they will be looking for significant defensive help after their divorce with Mario Williams this week, Smith is more than worth the gamble at 19.

Smith has the intelligence and cover skills to play in the middle, and the athleticism and tackling skills to play the outside.  It may take patience, but the Bills would be rewarded handsomely for taking this gamble.

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19

Jaylon Smith

LB, Notre Dame

Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills

Jaylon Smith and Myles Jack are two of the best linebacker prospects to come out of college football in a long time.  Unfortunately, both are coming off of injuries which affect the way their draft stock is impacted.

Their talent will still have them selected in the first round, and Jack’s considerable healing time will have him going before Smith.  In no other scenario would a linebacker of Smith’s caliber be left on the board at #19, but this is the exact scenario the Bills could be benefiting from.  As they will be looking for significant defensive help after their divorce with Mario Williams this week, Smith is more than worth the gamble at 19.

Smith has the intelligence and cover skills to play in the middle, and the athleticism and tackling skills to play the outside.  It may take patience, but the Bills would be rewarded handsomely for taking this gamble.

Next: 20. New York Jets

Schedule