Buffalo Bills Draft Rumors: Bills linked to this shocking first round target

For months now, the speculation has circled around what the Buffalo Bills are going to do with their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Now that the day is upon us, things are growing more and more serious. It’s almost go-time.

General manager Brandon Beane only has six picks to work with, as a whole, so a trade-back scenario is definitely in play. But, one of the latest rumors says the Bills will not only stay put at no. 27, but that they’re targeting a very specific player; a player who is most-often mocked in the second round.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Bills are one of two teams that are targeting Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round. So, Gibbs has been a very late draft riser after being a lock in the second round. Now, it appears he is going to be selected on Thursday night.

“Always intriguing to hear what teams are interested in the same guys, and such is the case with the Giants and Chiefs leading up to tomorrow, with both linked in NFL circles to Boston College WR Zay Flowers and Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs,” Breer wrote.

“I’ve also heard the Ravens and Vikings connected to Flowers, and the Bills and Bengals tied to Gibbs, with both being intriguing jacks of all trades for creative offensive coordinators. Both should go Thursday.”

Jahmyr Gibbs should not be the Buffalo Bills’ pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft

While Gibbs is certainly a do-it-all playmaker who could bring a different element to the offense, he isn’t a clear-cut first-round talent. Running backs aren’t highly invested into anymore, and the only first round back at this point should remain Bijan Robinson.

Now, if the Bills traded back, stockpiled another pick or two and are able to draft Gibbs in the second round, that would be an ideal scenario.

Buffalo has James Cook, whom they invested a second rounder into just a year ago. They also signed Damien Harris to handle a few carries, plus last year’s trade for Nyheim Hines gives the offense a gadget type as well.

Gibbs would be the fourth running back on this roster, and the only logical ending to this story would be that the Bills ended up cutting Harris come fall, because they’re not cutting Cook or Hines.

Often compared to Alvin Kamara, Gibbs would bring a different element to the offense. This isn’t saying he’s a bad pick, overall, but as a first-round selection, he’s a gamble. For the Bills to be in on Gibbs is a good thing. It means they’re wanting to add firepower to an offense which needs exactly that.

But, if Beane can somehow manage to avoid the temptation to draft him in the first round is able to snag him in the second, that would be the only scenario that makes sense for the franchise.