The 2023 NFL Draft is almost upon us with the first round kicking off Thursday night in primetime. The Buffalo Bills have six picks in total beginning with the 27th overall pick.
The Bills are a fascinating team entering this year’s NFL Draft because general manager Brandon Beane could be very active as he tries to build a roster that can finally reach a Super Bowl.
During his time with the Bills, Beane has made a number of trades and in six NFL Drafts only used his original pick in the first round twice. This past year, the Buffalo Bills didn’t make a major move but did trade up two spots to select cornerback Kaiir Elam.
In addition to the movement in the NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills have focused heavily on the defensive side of the ball in the early rounds. They have selected only one player on the offensive side of the ball during this current regime, which was quarterback Josh Allen. Is this the year the team gets Josh Allen help early in the NFL Draft?
Another potential storyline looming for this team is whether or not they trade for a veteran, like DeAndre Hopkins, or trade away players on their roster to create cap space, like Ed Oliver.
Entering this year’s NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills don’t have many glaring needs but the priority should be focused on linebacker, wide receiver, offensive and defensive lines.
Over the next few days, we will be updating this article as picks come in and if any trades happen.
Buffalo Bills 2023 NFL Draft Live Tracker: Rumors, Picks, Analysis
Buffalo Bills Draft Picks in the 2023 NFL Draft
- Round 1: Pick 27
- Round 2: Pick 59
- Round 3: Pick 91
- Round 4: Pick 130 *traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars*
- Round 5: Pick 137 (via ARI) *traded to Washington Commanders*
- Round 5: Pick 150 (via WAS)
- Round 6: Pick 205
- Round 6: Pick 215 (via WAS)
Are Buffalo Bills targeting a running back in first round?
The Buffalo Bills could go in a number of different directions with their first pick in the start of the 2023 NFL Draft that fans could get behind. However, one position that might not be so well received is running back, especially if that running back is not Bijan Robinson.
According to Albert Breer with Sports Illustrated, the Bills are one of four teams considering to select Jahmyr Gibbs out of Alabama in the first round. The Bills were listed alongside the New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals as having interest in Gibbs.
Gibbs was very productive at Alabama and is a well-rounded running back with 926 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns along with 44 receptions, 444 receiving yards and three touchdowns this past season. However, after drafting James Cook in the second round last year it seems like it would be a significant waste of draft capital for the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo Bills draft tight end Dalton Kincaid in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft
The Buffalo Bills unfortunately saw a run at wide receiver right before their pick but general manager Brandon Beane got Josh Allen another playmaker with the selection of tight end Dalton Kincaid.
He had 106 receptions the past two seasons for Utah with 1,400 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons. Kincaid is an athletic tight end that can challenge defenses up the middle in a similar fashion to what Dawson Knox brings to this offense.
The addition of Kincaid should also open up Ken Dorsey’s playbook with more two tight end sets. This was something they hoped to do last year with O.J. Howard but that free agent signing didn’t work out.
The biggest downside with this selection is the Buffalo Bills had to trade up and cost them a fourth round pick. This means they only have four picks left in this year’s NFL Draft with their second and third round picks on Day 2 and a fifth and sixth round pick on Day 3.
Bills add to their offensive line with the selection of O’Cyrus Torrence in the second round
The Buffalo Bills remained patient in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft and were able to get a player that some thought might be an option in Round 1 with the selection of O’Cyrus Torrence. He is considered one of the top guards in this year’s draft class and while he doesn’t offer much versatility, he has a chance to be a starter immediately on this offensive line.
He is a big offensive guard at 6’5″ and 333 pounds and is an excellent run blocker. He should be a big boost for running backs Damien Harris and James Cook, clearing room to run in the middle of the field.
Buffalo Bills add another player to the competition at linebacker with the selection of Dorian Williams
In the third round, the Buffalo Bills drafted Dorian Williams out of Tulane. He was very productive this past season with over 130 total tackles, five sacks and 8.5 tackles for a loss.
At first glance, it would seem that Williams could factor into the competition to replace Tremaine Edmunds at middle linebacker. However, on Friday night general manager Brandon Beane seemed to indicate that Williams would start at outside linebacker and be a backup to Matt Milano.
Bills GM Brandon Beane said they're going to have LB Dorian Williams begin his career as an outside linebacker in their scheme.
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) April 29, 2023
If that is the case, it is certainly an interesting selection because middle linebacker would appear to be more of a pressing need. However, this is a big vote of confidence for Tyrel Dodson, A.J. Klein, and Terrel Bernard as the team has not brought anyone in to compete with these three and one will emerge as the starter for the 2023 season.
Buffalo Bills trade their fifth round pick to Washington Commanders, add an extra sixth round pick
The Buffalo Bills entered Day 3 with only two draft picks but were able to add some draft capital by trading their fifth round pick (which they acquired from the Arizona Cardinals) to the Washington Commanders for Pick 150 and an additional sixth round pick (Pick 215).