NFL Mock Draft: Two Texas Prospects Are Selected by the Bills
In ESPN’s most recent mock draft, two of the Texas Longhorns’ top prospects ended up with the Buffalo Bills thanks to the pipeline from the school to the NFL.
The Buffalo Bills could do much worse than one that qualified for the College Football Playoffs the previous season if they had to choose two players from a college in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Bills selected defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat and receiver Adonai Mitchell from the Texas Longhorns in the first round of ESPN’s most recent two-round mock draft. Buffalo would have Mitchell to fill the vacancy left by Gabe Davis, should he sign a free agent contract elsewhere.
“Gabe Davis is set to become a free agent, and the Bills are in need of an upgrade at WR2 behind Stefon Diggs,” reports ESPN. “Mitchell, a 6-2, 205-pound receiver with powerful hands and ample vertical speed, is lanky and long-striding; he ran a 4.34 in the 40 and demonstrated explosiveness with a 39.5-inch vertical jump. Diggs would be under less pressure if there was a wide receiver who could win in different ways, and quarterback Josh Allen would have a threat downfield. Mitchell is the target of the arrow pointing up, and Buffalo would be wise to steal him.
Mitchell, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 205 pounds, dominated the NFL Scouting Combine. In addition, he scored 91 in the athleticism test, ranking fourth among receivers at the combine, and ran a 4.34 40-yard dash. Based on his prospect grade of 6.37, he is expected to be a strong starter.
Mitchell recorded 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns during his junior year at Texas. His performance earned him a spot on the league and AP All-Big 12 second team. In addition, he was voted the Big 12’s Newcomer of the Year. Prior to the current season, he played at Georgia before moving to Texas.
At the combine, Sweat weighed 366 pounds and stood 6-foot-4.5. He played five seasons at Texas. With a career-high two sacks and eight tackles for loss, he saved the best for last. He won the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award and was chosen a unanimous All-American in 2023 as a result of his play.
Sweat’s grade of 6.40 indicates that, in two years, he should be a reliable starter.
Defensive lineman and receiver are two of the Bills’ most pressing needs. With Mitchell, Buffalo would have the weaponry it needs to add Stefon Diggs as Josh Allen’s opposite if it wants to stay competitive with the AFC’s top. He might also take over as Allen’s first choice if Diggs withdraws or leaves.
Buffalo would receive a bully in the middle of its defense in Sweat, who can help the team step up in the postseason and create a formidable tandem with Ed Oliver.
The Bills need to add more youthful talent to the roster as they approach free agency due to their needs and cap room constraints. They may receive two players with instant effect in Mitchell and Sweat who will provide them the extra boost they need to contend for the playoffs the next year.
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