That is what Pegula said on record. Whaley on record also stated this ->
"Former Bills G.M. Doug Whaley broke his silence after being fired three weeks ago. Some would say he shouldn’t have.
Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio (via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com), Whaley made this claim regarding the trade that saw the Bills drop from No. 10 in round one to No. 27: “As a parting gift, we left them with two [first-round picks] next year.” "
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/05/22/doug-whaley-claims-credit-for-parting-gift-of-two-first-round-picks/
These are the actual facts of what the owner and former GM have said. I'm more inclined to actually believe that Dougie was fired directly after the draft for not taking a QB by Pegula. Whaley was in charge of the draft based off what he stated 3 weeks after being fired. He had zero to hide or lie about.
Why people say that Doug had no control of that draft is 100% incorrect in my mind when our Owner and former GM have stated otherwise.
Either way, there is absolutely nothing that can be done now except to root for JA.