The Buffalo Bills began the day with only two picks over the final four rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, they traded back from their fifth round pick with the Washington Commanders to pick 150 while adding another sixth round pick in the process.
With that fifth round pick from the Commanders, the Bills add another offensive playmaker for Josh Allen with the selection of Justin Shorter from the University of Florida. Don’t let his last name fool you, as he is a big wide receiver at 6’5″ and 228 pounds.
He began at Penn State and after two seasons there, he transferred to Florida and played three seasons for the Gators. The last two seasons were by far his best as he had 70 receptions, 1,127 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.
Grade for the Buffalo Bills selecting Justin Shorter in the 2023 NFL Draft: D
Justin Shorter is a big wide receiver that can make plays on deeper routes with a 19.9 yards per reception average last year for the Gators. However, he isn’t quick and it takes a little bit for him to get up to speed to make those plays deep.
The selection is certainly interesting because right now there isn’t a clear path for him to contribute this season. The Buffalo Bills may envision Shorter as a potential replacement for Gabe Davis, who is set to be a free agent after the season. However there could be more pressing needs that the Bills could have addressed with this position.
When considering there were players like centers Luke Wypler and Olusegun Oluwatimi, or safeties Antonio Johnson and JL Skinner still available, there would appear to be more value with one of those selections instead of Shorter.
The Buffalo Bills are scheduled to have two picks in the sixth round where they could potentially address some of these other positions.