2024 NFL Draft: Final Thoughts
The strongest take I have on the Bills a few hours before the draft is that nobody outside of their draft room has a clue what they are planning to do. I have read NFL insiders say the Bills are trying to move into the top 10 to secure one of the top 3 picks. I turn on the radio and hear a different report that the Bills are a suspected tradeback candidate. Either way, I think Buffalo is in a pretty good spot heading into the draft.
The fact that the Diggs trade occurred without much reliable info leaking out prior tells me that anything you hear about the Bills’ draft plans is not reliable either. They run a pretty tight ship and do not let much out of the building. I have three scenarios in my head that can happen on draft night and why they would make sense, along with the players that I think they would be targeting if they made that move.
Trade up. Personally, I do not think the king's ransom, Julio Jones-type trade, is in the cards given Brandon Beane’s history. If the Bills are going to trade up in the first round it will be similar to last year with Kincaid or when they drafted Elam. The player they are targeting is within 3-4 picks of them at 28 so they move up to make sure they get their guy. I think this would most likely be a DL or DB that they like. I do not think that there is a WR that would be available at that point in the draft that they would make a move for.
*Brian Thomas Jr, Jared Verse, Dallas Turner (not likely but I’ve seen some mocks with him falling out of top 10)
Trade back. I would love it if the Bills were able to move out of 28 and get a 2nd and 3rd for their 28th pick. If Beane needs to throw in a day 3 pick he should. I feel this scenario could happen if Bo Nix or Michael Penix are available and someone wants to ensure they’re able to get them. Depending on how far that jump is could lead to the 3rd rounder coming into play. Ideally, they would be able to get one of the fringe 1st round WRs and DL or S help with the picks.
*Xavier Legette, Roman Wilson, Ladd McConkey, Tyler Nubin, Braden Fiske
Stay put. Based on history this is more likely to happen than trading back. Beane’s offseason has allowed Buffalo to take a best-player-available approach to the draft in my opinion. I am not in the mindset that it's WR or bust in round 1. The Bills have some obvious positions, WR, DL, and S that they can address here. They can also plan for next year with this pick and not reach. A CB or C wouldn't be a bad pick at 28 in my opinion. It won't be popular with the fans but it is an area that they can improve.
*Cooper DeJean, Nate Wiggins, Chop Robinson, Adonai Mitchell, Troy Franklin
I have confidence in the direction of the team and the choices they make regardless of the scenario we see unfold next week. Beane and McD have a grasp on the team and will make the right decision that benefits the team now and in the future.
