No, it backfired because it was a dumb move. There were two other top quality WRs available in the existing draft slot if that was the position he needed to fill. Wasting a first round pick to trade up is inexcusable.
But aside from that one blunder, he's done a good job. The Bills have more quality players than at almost any time in the past 20 years.
But....they need a QB. If Whaley doesn't draft one in the first two days next May, he will be negligent.