Buffalo Bills mock draft 1.0: First two rounds of the 2018 draft
By James Reeve
FIRST ROUND, 22nd OVERALL (via CHIEFS)
16. . Linebacker. Alabama. Rashaan Evans. 22. player
The Bills need urgent upgrades on a defence that ranked in the lower half of the NFL across the board last season.
Rashaan Evans would be an instant starter for this team with the ability to play at either inside or outside linebacker, thanks to his days with the Crimson Tide.
His 6-foot-3, 234 lbs frame is fast and he is a big tackler, recording 74 total tackles (13 for loss) in his last season with the National Champions.
Evans is also adept at chasing down QBs, with six sacks, seven hurries, a forced fumble and three broken passes to his name from last season alone.
He has some work to do with making tackles in open space, but his coverage ability against tight ends and backs will give the Bills an important threat against both the pass and run.
Additionally, having played for a championship-winning program will stand Evans in good stead when it comes to putting pressure on himself to improve and be a strong contributor in the NFL.