Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘Hardy is a 5-foot-9, 179-pounder who was just a one-year starter for the Nittany Lions, playing almost exclusively in the slot, but he also was a punt returner and that might be his only chance to make an impression and make the roster.’

‘General manager Brandon Beane drove Bills fans crazy Thursday night by making two trades that vaulted the Bills out of the first round altogether. However, Beane was going to pick Coleman at No. 28 and at No. 32, but instead, knowing he’d still get him at No. 33, he was able to make the two trades while in the process procured better draft capital for the upcoming rounds.’

‘”He’s an above-rim specialist,” NFL Network analyst Chase Daniel said. “He’s an absolute monster at Mossing people. Probably the best ball skills in this entire draft.”‘

‘“Shoot, I’m super excited,” Bishop said regarding getting the chance to replace one of those two players at some point. “I mean two great players I watched but I haven’t studied them or anything. Going to come in, first thing I got to do is learn the playbook and then just try to add as much value as I can, and just try to be the best I can be every day.”’

‘”Big-time ball magnet,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said. “You can use him to match up and cover tight ends. Plays with huge energy. Another one of those guys where it feels like if the ball is ever on the ground, Cole Bishop is there to pick it up.”‘

‘The 6-foot-2, 304-pounder will instantly get the chance to become a rotational depth player along with free agent veteran signings Austin Johnson and Deshawn Williams.’

‘Carter was Duke’s first three-year captain and recorded 125 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 11 pass breakups, 7 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries in his career with the Blue Devils.’

‘Trading down was the opposite tack everyone assumed Beane would be on board with. There was speculation that he might take a big swing to get into the top 10 to pick one of the top three receivers – Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. who went No. 4 to the Cardinals, Malik Nabers of LSU who went to Brian Daboll and the Giants at No. 6, and Washington’s Rome Odunze went No. 9 to the Bears.’

‘Draft analysts were perplexed and Bills fans were frustrated.’

‘Two players who several draft analysts graded as late first-round or early second-round picks are Georgia’s Ladd McConkey and Texas’ Adonai Mitchell. Other players considered second-round values are Oregon’s Troy Franklin, Florida State’s Keon Coleman, Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley, and Michigan’s Roman Wilson.’

‘No. 33 (Round 2, Friday). No. 60 (Round 2, Friday). No. 95 (Round 3, Friday).’

‘During the 1970s, the Bills made history by losing 20 consecutive games to the Miami Dolphins, a futility record that may never be matched. One of the reasons for their struggles against Miami and so many other teams (51-91-2 record for the decade) was their horrible track record on draft day. Of the 12 players they selected in the first round of the 1970s drafts, seven were flat out busts.’

‘It would need to be someone who complements Buffalo’s four wide receivers on its active roster: Curtis Samuel, Kahlil Shakir, Mack Hollins and Justin Shorter. Other pass-catchers tight ends Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox and running back James Cook.’

‘The Bills have 33 players leftover from the 53-man roster, and that includes those on the injured reserve list during the season. That leaves holes up and down the depth chart. Buffalo has eight picks on the NFL Draft’s third day, but might need to trade up on Day 1 in order to get more talent. Beane might have to part with the team’s 2025 first-round pick or one of their two 2025 second-round picks to do so.’

‘Still, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane must choose wisely at No. 28. He can ensure getting a top player by trading up via the 2025 second-round pick gained from the Stefon Diggs trade to Houston. Beane has signaled a desire not to do that, but it’s not out of the question.’