Yesterday, we asked what you thought was the most important position for the Buffalo Bills to address in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. There are several needs to address on both sides of the roster, but the inadequacies on defense much outweigh those on offensively. However, one important offensive requirement could have a direct impact on quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ 2024 seasons.
WIf x xith free agency approaching and the possibility that it will influence how the Bills draft in April, it’s critical to evaluate those players who may have already pla in vyed their final games in Buffalo Bills uniforms.
We’re talking first and foremost about Gabe Davis,ce who’s likely to command a premium as a free agent. Then there’s the situation along the defensive line, where only defensive tackle Ed Oliver is under contract, and the defensive end group is thin with just Von Miller, Greg Rousseau, Kingsley Jonathan, and Kameron Cline under contract in 2024. Plus, there’s the elephant in the safety room — what’s really happening with Micah Hyde, and how much longer will Jordan Poyer be able to play?
Because One Bills Drive currently lacks the finances to make significant signings in free agency, most expect Buffalo to restock through the draft. The Bills must be cap-compliant by March 13 and remain tens of millions of dollars above the league’s new $255.4 million salary cap. There will be plenty of financial gymnastics and possibly some farewells in the coming days, all in the name of finding room to retain important performers and add fresh faces to a playoff-bound squad.
With so many defensive needs, it’s evident that the Bills Mafia decided that side of the ball was the most vital in Round 1. Right? Wrong. Wide receiver was the Bills’ most popular pick in Round 1 (67%). Interestingly, defensive lineman (second, 20%), edge rusher/defensive end (third, 8%), and safety (fourth, 5%) did not outperform wide receiver. Furthermore, they accounted for only 33% of the total votes. So, while the defense confronts the biggest questions, Bills fans aren’t interested in seeing it in the first round right now.
While it’s understandable that the team wants to take a wide receiver with their first pick, the outcome may be determined by how the draft board falls. Yes, everyone understands that the team follows Josh Allen — and too often during the 2023 season, a number of wide receivers failed to perform as expected. The same was true during the 2022 season.
Remember how many people pleaded with the Bills last offseason to take a receiver with their first-round pick. Then, just before the pick, four teams selected receivers ahead of Buffalo. So, what did the Bills do? They thought outside the box, picking an outstanding tight end prospect with qualities similar to wide receiver. And it’s paying off.
Even with tight end Dalton Kincaid, there’s an observable need for the team to add more dynamic receiving options to take some of the heat off Stefon Diggs — and to provide Josh Allen with an improved target rate at WR2.
Ultimately, the Buffalo Bills should draft the best player available to them whenever they make their first pick — be it 28 or otherwise. There appears to be a wealth of wide receiver talent again this cycle, but it’s anyone’s guess as to how other teams will prioritize adding one. Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze are pipe dreams at this stage of the game. However, any among Brian Thomas Jr., Xavier Worthy, Keon Coleman, Javon Baker, Adonai Mitchell, Troy Franklin, and Ja’Lynn Polk could be available if general manager Brandon Beane sits still and watches the draft shape out.dv
However, if an excellent safety prospect like Kamren Kinchens falls to Buffalo, don’t rule out head coach Sean McDermott’s expertise with the position as a deciding factor in selecting a top player. The same might be said if defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat falls into their lap.
If you’re so inclined, tell us how and why you voted the way you did. Perhaps this is a discourse in which there are no bad choices. So long as it does not include a quarterback, tight end, running back, or specialist.
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