Even before the Buffalo Bills have played their first preseason game for the 2024 NFL season, there’s already a lot of debate about the team’s primary needs. A common topic is the perceived lack of proven talent among the receivers, especially given Josh Allen’s role as quarterback, which amplifies scrutiny of unproven pass catchers.
It’s worth noting that, aside from Allen, nearly every position could theoretically benefit from an upgrade if aiming for All-Pro-caliber talent. However, this expectation can be unrealistic and unfair to players like tight end Dalton Kincaid and linebacker Terrell Bernard, who have yet to fully establish themselves. Despite their impressive performances as first-year starters, it’s premature to suggest they should be replaced. Achieving All-Pro status often depends on effective coaching and player development.
Teams are always looking to improve and fill potential gaps, so the ongoing discussions about the need for a dynamic playmaker or an additional defensive back for head coach Sean McDermott are common.
It’s not too soon to start evaluating 2025 NFL Draft prospects and how they might fit with the Bills. Matt Miller, ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst, recently released an early mock draft for 2025, showing the Bills picking 26th in the first round. This projection suggests they will finish the 2024 season just behind the Bengals and ahead of the Ravens, implying a playoff loss to the Ravens. The Chiefs, picking at 31, are projected to be the runners-up to the 49ers in the next Super Bowl.
What does Miller predict the Buffalo Bills will do with their late first-round pick?
At the 26th spot in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills choose:
The Bills’ primary needs for 2025 appear similar to those of 2024. After drafting Keon Coleman to join Khalil Shakir and Curtis Samuel at receiver, GM Brandon Beane might turn to enhancing the team’s pass rush, another significant issue, next spring. Although Greg Rousseau shows promise, counting on Von Miller beyond this season is uncertain. Nic Scourton, who recorded 10 sacks at Purdue in 2023 and has the size and strength at 6-4 and 280 pounds, could make a significant impact at Texas A&M. Watching his performance against Michigan last year, where he achieved two sacks, reveals his defensive prowess.
There’s no disagreement on the Bills’ urgent need for edge rushers. Besides Rousseau and Miller, Buffalo lacks a truly dominant edge rusher. Miller, at 36, is likely past his peak performance.
Without Miller, what’s the strategy? Rousseau and Epenesa are more traditional defensive ends, not specialized in creating pressure, though their solid performances could improve. However, the team still needs top-tier pass rushers, so scouting next year’s prospects early is essential.
Nic Scourton, new to my radar, appears to be a dynamic and industrious defensive line prospect. Heading into his junior year at Texas A&M, Scourton has a lot to prove following a productive 2023 season. His NFL-ready size and explosive athleticism should help him demonstrate his NFL potential, especially with a move to a wider position in the Aggies’ defensive scheme.
In an article on SB Nation’s sister site, Rock M Nation, Nathan Hurst analyzed what Scourton offers as a player.
Nic Scourton has made an immediate impact as an EDGE rusher at the Power 5 level. Despite receiving little attention from major programs out of high school, with Purdue being the only P5 school to offer him, the Texas native chose the Boilermakers and quickly made local schools regret overlooking him.
As a true freshman, he played in all 14 games for the Big 10 West champion Boilermakers, recording 15 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble—the highest tackle count for a freshman defensive lineman at Purdue since George Karlaftis in 2019.
Scourton took a significant leap in 2023 under former Mizzou coach Ryan Walters, amassing 33 tackles, 10 sacks, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble as a sophomore. These impressive stats earned him a second-team All-Big 10 selection and made him a highly sought-after recruit in the transfer portal following Purdue’s disappointing season.
Following Miller’s advice, here is the footage of every snap from Nic Scourton against Michigan in 2023:
Scourton, who will turn 20 at the end of August, has substantial room for growth and development as an edge rusher. His Big Ten Conference-leading sack production in 2023 as a 19-year-old sophomore has heightened expectations and drawn considerable attention for his 2024 season. Will he replicate or exceed these numbers in a new scheme against SEC competition? That’s what everyone is eager to see.
What are your thoughts on the pick—are you familiar with Nic Scourton, excited about his potential, or hoping the Buffalo Bills take a different direction?
