The Bills have to add another talented receiver next to Stefon Diggs this offseason, and ideally a weapon in the slot. That’s exactly what they could get here with North Carolina’s Josh Downs at pick 39.
An extremely productive receiver at North Carolina, Downs caught 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The Bills are getting an explosive playmaker who thrives in his route running. Downs has quick feet and wins at all three levels of his tree.
Standing only 5-foot-10 and 171 pounds, Downs is not your typical wide receiver build. But, he plays bigger and stronger than his frame. He is great at all of the little things, and would immediately take pressure off Diggs, thus giving Allen another solidified weapon.
Some fans might question this pick, going running back in the second round for two years straight. However, at pick no. 59 overall, the value here was just way too good to pass up. Giving the Bills a back field featuring both James Cook and Jahmyr Gibbs could end up being the catalyst for an electric attack.
Last year with Alabama, Gibbs rushed for 926 yards and seven scores, averaging over 6.1 yards per tote. He brings a slashing type of running to the back field, and just needs a bit of daylight to comfortably be gone. Gibbs is a great pass catcher, too, and would give the Bills some versatility at the position. He and Cook could wind up being one of the best, young tandems in the game if the Bills can get their blocking right.