NFL Mock Draft 2016: Buffalo Bills Select Noah Spence

Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky

Bring on the pass rush!

This past off season Mario Williams decided to take his "talents" to South Beach to team up with Ndamukong Suh and the Miami Dolphins, and the Bills are not complaining. Last season it was rumored that Williams and Coach Rex Ryan were not able to see eye to eye and Ryan wanted him gone. It seems like this worked out in Rex Ryan's and the Bills favor by not having to dish out money for a player who is currently on a decline and has not lived up to his overall expectations since being drafted #1 in 2006. Williams tallied a total of 5 sacks last year scoring his lowest total since his last year with the Houston Texans. The Bills are in desperate need of an upgrade, and a player that can compliment Marcell Dareus and Jerry Hughes complimenting their pass rushing scheme.

With the 19^th overall pick the Buffalo Bills select Noah Spence the athletic pass rusher out of Eastern Kentucky. Spence the highly touted high school recruit out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania committed to Ohio State and played two seasons as a Buckeye before getting the boot due to several drug test failures and off the field digressions. In 2015 Spence transferred to Eastern Kentucky and got his second chance to play on the gridiron and did not disappoint in his lone season as a Colonel being name the Defensive player of the year for the Ohio Valley Conference.

Spence has a terrific upside to his talent but scouts worry about the occurrence of off the field digressions. If he is able to keep his nose clean and stay out of trouble he will have the chance to make an immediate impact for the Buffalo Bills defense.

Strengths, Weaknesses, and Comparison from NFL.com

STRENGTHS

Plays with a big motor and tremendous endurance. Had eight-sack season as a sophomore at Ohio State. Plays at same speed throughout the game. Good upfield burst. Has played with hand in the ground and standing. Won't give away leverage by engaging too early in pass rush. Has solid speed to the edge with a strong rip move at the top of his rush to turn the corner. Takes good angles around the rush arc. Quick lateral slide down the line to restrict running lanes. Plays with a sense of desperation when the ball is in his area. Eludes lead blockers and cut ­blocks. Pursues around the field looking to scoop up tackles. Dominated his level of competition with 11.5 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss and 63 tackles over 11 games. Scouts call him an intelligent person and player. Has had success fighting through adversity and has renewed sense of urgency on and off the field as well as a sense of accountability. Former head coach Urban Meyer helped get Spence a second chance because he believes Spence is high character but made mistakes.

WEAKNESSES

Not as long or tall as teams like at defensive end. Needs to develop more strength at point of attack. Can be bumped of his grass and widened out against run. Average hand usage against the run. Doesn't play with violent punch and control at point of attack. Didn't vary pass rush approach much and just average with speed ­to ­power. Ability to win on high side will be countered by NFL tackles. Will have to develop a counter underneath. Good athlete, but not great twitch for sudden change of direction. At times is too easy to find for blockers. Treated for drug addiction and banned for life from Big Ten after failed drug tests in 2013 and 2014. Arrested in May of 2015 for alcohol intoxication and second­-degree disorderly conduct, but incident was expunged from record after community service.

NFL COMPARISON

Whitney Mercilus

***

Thanks to all the CSC members who participated in this year's community mock draft. Without your help, none of this would be possible.

Below are the complete results from our community mock draft.

Catch up with all of the mock draft selections in our 2016 CSC Community Mock Draft Hub.