ESPN sees the Buffalo Bills keeping their focus on the secondary of the defense early on at the upcoming 2025 NFL draft.
In a full-length mock draft the spans all 257 selections, the top three for the Bills include selections 30, 56, 62. Of those three, the first pair sees New York dip into the pool of players that line up in the defensive backfield.
At the top, the first true "need" on Buffalo's roster is address. Cornerback Trey Amos from Ole Miss is the pick. While Christian Benford just signed a contract extension with the team, Rasul Douglas remains a free agent. Douglas started across from Benford at cornerback last year.
In Round 2, Texas safety Andrew Mukuba heads to Buffalo. After taking Cole Bishop in the second round of last year's draft, Mukuba and Bishop could be a secondary pair for the Bills moving forward.
Finally, Buffalo's third selection--which is still in Round 2-- is wideout Jayden Higgins from Iowa State.
ESPN's Matt Miller breaks down all the picks, which can be found below:
Round 1, pick 30:
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
The Bills were more aggressive this offseason than a year ago, locking up in-house talent (wide receiver Khalil Shakir) while bringing in free agents (edge rusher Joey Bosa). But Buffalo needs more help in the secondary, and Amos is one of my guys in this draft. He has size (6-1, 195 pounds) and speed (4.43 in the 40), and it shows on tape. He executes in-phase coverage and has the skills to be an exceptional press-cover cornerback. Amos bounced around in college (Ole Miss was his third school) and is a bit raw, but he's a playmaker who notched three interceptions last season. He has the potential to be the Bills' future CB1 and a long-term building block.
Round 2, pick 56 (via MIN/HOU):
Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
The Bills go 2-for-2 on SEC defensive backs (Trey Amos was their first-rounder), getting a safety with awesome instincts and coverage recognition. Mukuba thrived as a deep safety this past season, grabbing five interceptions and showing playmaking ability. He hits harder than his 5-foot-11, 186-pound size suggests and has closing speed (4.45 in the 40) with fast processing skills. He's the rare safety who is aggressive but poised enough to not to take himself out of plays or bite on misdirection. Mukuba could serve as a reserve behind Damar Hamlin early on.
Round 2, pick 62:
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
With quarterback Josh Allen getting a big-money extension, drafting young players for him to throw to is smart roster management. Higgins is a true X receiver at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds and has the ability to consistently win on breaking routes underneath. Put him in the offense with Khalil Shakir in the slot and Keon Coleman working outside and the Bills have a trio of young, talented players for Allen.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 2025 NFL draft: ESPN full mock ...
