Alabama safety Mark Barron’s stock has seemingly risen late in the draft process, and it’s peaking at the right time. The majority of recent mock drafts now have Barron going in the top 15, many to the Cowboys at No. 14. Few have Barron going in the top ten.
A Tuesday report from Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550, however, indicates that Barron may indeed crack the first ten selections. Per Buscaglia, the Bills are “extremely interested” in Barron, and he could “even be thought of as a favorite” to be Buffalo’s pick at No. 10 overall. The Bills reportedly view Barron as a “playmaker” and “day-one starter” who could solidify their secondary.
Buscaglia’s story also states that South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore, another seemingly late riser, is a strong alternative at the 10th pick.
On ESPN Tuesday night, draft analyst Todd McShay suggested Barron as a sneaky option for the Bills because he can match up in pass coverage with division-rival tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Former Colts president Bill Polian shot McShay down, referring to Barron as a “box safety” who plugs the run but struggles in coverage.
If Buscaglia’s report is correct, the Bills may side with McShay.