Bills Projected to ‘Twitch Up’ With First-Round Pick

The Buffalo Bills are mocked to draft an interior defensive lineman in the first round of the NFL Draft later this month. They appear to be set at the edge rusher position so it is time to start rebuilding the interior line. 

With that in mind, we say the Bills are going to draft Walter Nolen, defensive tackle from Ole Miss, with the 30th selection in the first round. 

Nolen was a finalist for the Outland Trophy last season, which is awarded to the nation's top offensive or defensive lineman. He started all 13 games for the Rebels and totaled 48 tackle with 6.5 sacks and three passes broken up.

According to NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zeurlein, he is projected to go late first round or at worst, at the top of the second round. This would be a good slot for Nolen to be selected by GM Brandon Beane and the Bills.

"Nolen has NFL-starting size but won’t blow you away with his physical traits. However, he gains quick advantages with his explosiveness into contact and ability to beat up blockers when singled up," Zeurlein said. "He has the athletic talent to play into gaps but needs to play with better hands to keep himself clean at the point of attack. He wins as a rusher with his athleticism and play strength, and doesn’t need to be schemed for. 

"The pass rush still requires refinement, but he already flashes quick-win moves that foreshadow good pressure and sack production as a pro," Zeurlein said. "Nolen’s blend of explosiveness and playmaking talent create high upside as a three-down interior lineman."

One NFC national scout told NFL.com Nolen plays hard and is very talented.

“Nobody questions how talented he is and how hard he plays,” the scout said. “Super twitched up and really explosive.”

Good enough for us. We see a Bills fit.