The Buffalo Bills NFL Draft strategy has shifted drastically in the past week. With Stefon Diggs’s trade, the team’s needs have become clear heading into draft weekend. However, this team has many other holes, as they had to let go of many long-time staples due to salary cap restrictions. What do the Bills need in the draft the most?
Buffalo Bills NFL Draft Needs
The Buffalo Bills have a good stockpile of draft capital. They have ten picks in the upcoming draft. While many of them are in rounds 5-7, these can be used to find hidden gems or be used to trade up to get a player. The team has the most important position figured out. Getting a solid quarterback holds many teams back, but Josh Allen is one of the best in the NFL. The challenge is to build around him.
Wide Receiver
This one is very obvious. The Buffalo Bills need another wide receiver. They have a decent group of pass-catchers, especially with Dalton Kincaid entering his second year. However, this team needs an elite WR1. Rumors have been swirling about a potential trade-up for an elite receiver, but it will likely take a lot to move into the top ten from 28th overall.
However, even if the Bills don’t move up, there are still quality wide receivers who are projected to be there at the end of the first round. Brian Thomas Jr. is an example of a high-quality receiver who could be there at the end of the first round. I would expect the Bills to target an offensive weapon with their first-round pick.
Edge Rusher
Outside of wide receiver, the Bills’ offense feels set. The defensive side of the ball is a huge question mark. Von Miller had a horrendous season last year, and there isn’t much depth behind him. This team needs to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. You are not going to stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs sitting in coverage. This goes for many other quarterbacks in the conference.
This position is very thin in the NFL Draft. There are the top prospects that the Buffalo Bills will likely not get. They need to find the diamonds in the rough in the later rounds and hope they hit.
Cornerback
If the Buffalo Bills do not grab a wide receiver in the first round, cornerback should be the move. While the top tier won’t be there, players like Kool-Aid McKinstry have been projected to be available at 28 when the Bills pick. Tre’Davious White was a salary cap casualty and is now with the Los Angeles Rams.
Sean McDermott plays a very basic defense where the players line up and play. This isn’t bad, but you need skilled players who can do it. Look for the Bills to draft multiple corners during the NFL Draft.
Safety
The Buffalo Bills lost both of their safeties, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, this offseason. While Hyde is technically still available, it would surprise me if he was brought back. There are some quality safeties in this draft in Kamren Kitchens and Tyler Nubin. Buffalo is getting younger on defense and should infuse a top prospect into the unit.
This team will look different in 2024 and many are already fading them in the AFC. However, with Josh Allen under center this team will always be in the mix.
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Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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