Since 2014, the Buffalo Bills haven’t opted for a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft. Back then, they traded up to the No. 4 spot to select Sammy Watkins. Fast forward a decade, and an analyst suggests it might be time for another bold move. According to The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia, there’s a strong argument for the Bills to trade up into the top 10 picks of this year’s draft, especially considering the exceptional depth of talent among wide receivers. While acknowledging that the Bills might lack the necessary draft picks to secure top prospect Marvin Harrison Jr., Buscaglia proposes that they could target the next-best receiver available.
Another ‘Aggressive’ Draft Trade for Bills
Buscaglia suggested that the Bills might contemplate trading up to secure LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, projected as the second receiver chosen in the draft. Despite Nabers’ exceptional talent, Buscaglia noted that in a draft with a surplus of top-tier wideouts, Nabers might slip into the latter half of the top 10 picks. Describing Nabers as a player with the potential for stardom, Buscaglia highlighted his adaptable skill set, capable of lining up effectively in various positions, and his proficiency in gaining yards after the catch (YAC). He emphasized that Nabers embodies the qualities the Bills are seeking in a prospective primary target for quarterback Josh Allen.
Malik Nabers will be a ____ next season? pic.twitter.com/l4XoEl0Eau
— PFF (@PFF) April 5, 2024
The Bills face a significant gap in their wide receiver roster following the trade of their top receiver, Stefon Diggs, to the Houston Texans, and the departure of their second receiver, Gabe Davis, who left in free agency to join the Jacksonville Jaguars. Buscaglia has identified Nabers as a potential solution, even projecting in a mock draft published in The Athletic on April 5 that the Bills would trade up to secure him.
In his assessment, Buscaglia underlined the Bills’ history of aggressive draft-day maneuvers under general manager Brandon Beane, particularly when enthusiastic about a prospect’s fit within their system. With a glaring need for a top receiving target and considering the stage of their team’s development, Buscaglia sees this type of bold move as one that Beane could justify, positioning the Bills favorably for the foreseeable future.
Beane’s recent track record supports this notion, having traded up in the first round in both the 2022 and 2023 NFL Drafts to acquire cornerback Kaiir Elam and tight end Dalton Kincaid, respectively.
Bills Could Stay Put at No. 28
While there’s a consensus among many analysts that the Bills will prioritize selecting a receiver with their first pick, there’s divergence regarding the specific strategy they might employ. Some speculate that the Bills will opt to remain at their current position with the No. 28 overall pick, potentially targeting Nabers’ teammate, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
In a March mock draft, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus envisioned the Bills selecting Thomas as a viable replacement for the deep-threat role previously held by Davis. Sikkema highlighted Thomas’ speed and athleticism, emphasizing his capability to stretch the field consistently—a trait deemed essential for the Bills’ offensive scheme. With Thomas boasting a 4.33-second 40-yard dash time at 209 pounds, Sikkema affirmed his suitability for the role.
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