Ringer mock up today. Has the Bills going with LB Nick Bolton from Missouri at 30. I've never heard of the dude since I don't watch other bad teams due to Syracuse being enough bad college football for me.
BUFFALO BILLS
With Matt Milano scheduled for free agency, Buffalo could stand to add some youth and talent to the linebacker spot opposite Tremaine Edmunds. Bolton is a rangy, athletic, and hard-hitting ’backer who could contribute both in base and nickel looks for the Bills.
SCOUTING REPORT
Bolton is a compact, muscled-up linebacker with coverage instincts and a ferocious demeanor against the run. The Tigers star brings explosive burst when coming downhill, slicing through the line to hit the ballcarrier for a loss. He’s savvy at keying blockers and has good field vision, showing anticipation to slip through gaps in the line. He blows up stretch runs and outside zone looks, and is made of cement as a hitter, regularly
sending opponents flying off their feet. He always looks to separate the football from the ballcarrier.
Bolton has strong instincts when patrolling the second level in coverage. The second-team All-American is comfortable dropping back into zone looks (he tallied eight forced incompletions in 2019, tied for second among linebackers in college football, per PFF). He grabbed five passes defensed in 2020, adding 95 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, and two sacks in 10 games. He’s a high-effort player whose intensity is contagious to his teammates.
Bolton is undersized and lacks length for the position, a variable that sometimes shows up when he slips off tackles or fails to wrap up. He could struggle matching up against taller tight ends in man coverage. And while he has the athleticism to flow with the ball, he’s not a true burner with elite speed.
WHY HE COULD RISE
Bolton is a souped-up ball of energy at the linebacker position, flying around the field and laying big hits on opponents. His instincts are outstanding.
WHY HE COULD FALL
His lack of size and length could be a factor for some teams.