After using the opening night of the NFL draft to stockpile picks, the Buffalo Bills turned their focus to adding talent Friday night, targeting a defense undergoing a shift to a 3-4 scheme.
General manager Brandon Beane began by selecting Clemson’s T.J. Parker with the No. 35 overall pick. Buffalo later moved up four spots in a deal with the Denver Broncos, sending pick No. 182 to secure Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun at No. 62.
Parker, a 6-foot-3, 263-pound edge presence, spent three seasons on Clemson’s defensive line and is expected to transition to outside linebacker. He totaled 41.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 39 games, and is projected to join a rotation behind Greg Rousseau and free-agent addition Bradley Chubb.
Igbinosun, listed at 6-foot-2 and 189 pounds, brings experience as a three-year starter, including time at Mississippi before transferring to Ohio State. Despite returning starters Christian Benford and Maxwell Hairston, Buffalo prioritized depth in the secondary, a position Beane emphasized as critical given the frequency of injuries.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].