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Buffalo Bills News and Discussion

Archives for April 24, 2024

NFL draft preview: Taking a closer look at Bills’ needs by position

‘Buffalo Bills fans have another couple of days to watch, study and debate which wide receivers would be the best fit for the team in the draft. The need is obvious after the blockbuster trade of Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, and it was apparent even before the trade of Diggs.’

Final mock draft: Bills make a move up to fill receiver need

’16. Buffalo Bills (projected trade with Seattle). Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU. Beane said it himself – he’s his own worst enemy when it comes to patience on draft day. In four of his six years running the Bills’ draft, Beane has traded out of his original first-round pick, three times in a move up and once for wide receiver Stefon Diggs. He makes another move in this mock to get a receiver who might end up replacing Diggs. Thomas has the size, speed and production that makes him a perfect fit (on paper) for the Buffalo offense. He will need to expand the number of routes he runs in the NFL, but there is no reason to think he’s not capable of doing that. To move up, the Bills send No. 28, No. 60 in the second round, No. 160 in the fifth round and a 2025 second-round draft pick and they also get back No. 81 in the third round this year.’

Mock roundup: Seems clear Bills will draft wide receiver

‘Other wide receivers mocked to the Bills were Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU), Ladd McConkey (Georgia), Xavier Worthy (Texas) and Troy Franklin (Oregon). Of the six projecting Thomas, four had the Bills needing to trade up to get him. The Bills are slated to pick at No. 28. NBC Sports’ Chris Simms, who had Thomas falling to Buffalo at 28, pointed to his sources citing an off-the-field injury for Thomas that could cause him to drop.’

Bills Mailbag: How much pull does Josh Allen have on the draft plans?

‘During his pre-draft news conference last week, Beane talked about Allen’s involvement in the draft. The general manager said he likes that Allen is invested in asking about some of the prospects the Bills might be interested in. He admitted, though, that Allen doesn’t do the extensive work that the team’s personnel department does (nor should he be expected to). Allen himself also said, “I’d like to think that I have some input in who we get to pick, but honestly, I really don’t.” I wouldn’t 100% agree with that statement. Allen’s input is and should be valuable for the franchise, but when it comes to the draft, Beane rightfully should have the final say. If the scenario you laid out comes to be, Rick, Beane would pull the trigger on the trade for Thomas.’

Realistic FA WR options Bills could pursue

‘The Bills currently have roughly $3 million in cap space per OverTheCap.com and will receive another $10 million in cap space after June 1 due to the release of cornerback Tre’Davious White. WR’s Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and Mack Hollins are expected to be active on game days for Buffalo. Still, adding at least two more talented wideouts to that group is possible.’

A wish for community ownership of the Bills; good luck to new/old Sabres coach Lindy Ruff

‘The fact Pegula is putting part of his franchise up for sale indicates he has cash flow issues at a time when he is on the hook for cost overruns at the new Highmark Stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2026. Those overruns for his new $1.4 billion playpen reportedly stand at $300 million, and there’s sure to be more. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the price tag tops $2 billion by the time the final coat of paint dries. Additionally, Pegula has committed millions for improvements to downtown Buffalo’s KeyBank Center, home to two of his other franchises: the NHL’s Sabres and the Major League Lacrosse Bandits. Pegula also pays the bills for the MLL’s Rochester Knighthawks and the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.’

Buffalo Bills NFL draft preview: Positions of need and players to watch

‘The options on the table for the Bills to draft a receiver early are, well, everything. A major trade up, moving up a couple to several spots — as Beane has done in the first rounds of the past two drafts — staying put at No. 28 or moving back in the draft. The Bills have never drafted a receiver on the first two days under Beane, but continuing that trend this year seems unlikely.’

2024 NFL Draft: Do the Bills need to trade up for a WR1?

‘That said, Beane isn’t a stranger to doing this in years past. And when he has a major need, he tends to trade up to get the guy he covets most. Last year, he traded up to snag tight end Dalton Kincaid, who wasn’t even filling a major need but was simply a prospect the organization loved. But in terms of targeting their need, the Bills traded up in Round 1 to nab quarterback Josh Allen. They traded up to get linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. And they moved up to snag cornerback Kaiir Elam. Every one of those first-rounders filled a glaring need.’

Bills prepare for NFL Draft on Thursday

‘The Bills currently hold the 28th pick in the first round, though this position could shift as draft strategies unfold. A significant factor in their draft decisions will be how the new players fit into the Bills’ evolving offense. Quarterback Josh Allen emphasizes the importance of compatibility and the strategic vision for the team.’