The Buffalo Bills have had an effective, if somewhat quiet, offseason. General Manager Brandon Beane has done well to find veteran fits for his roster while still leaving himself flexibility when the NFL Draft takes place in April.
The team will likely be exploring options at corner and linebacker in the draft, but most eyes will be watching to see if they add to their receiver room. Will they take another swing or go with the additions they have made?
Buffalo Bills not done adding at WR?
Despite trading for former Chicago Bears receiver D.J. Moore just prior to the start of the league season, the rumor mill suggests that the Bills may not be done adding to their receiver room.
They signed depth piece Trent Sherfield, but that feels like a practice squad move, more ideally. Will Beane wait for the draft to see if another veteran becomes available, or will he use one of his picks to bolster the group now and into the future? If he opts for the draft and wants to spend the 26th overall pick on another area, there are five “value” names that could be worth exploring.
Germie Bernard, Alabama (3rd Round)
Bernard is interesting because he has the talent to be off the board in the second round, well before the Bills pick 91st overall. He has good size and plays with good strength, using a high football IQ to pick apart defenses. He’s also versatile, capable of lining up anywhere on the field. He might not have the dynamic physical traits of higher-rated receivers, but he could be one of the steals of the draft if he falls to the third round.
De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss (4th-5th Round)
A true vertical threat with good size, Stribling is the kind of over-the-top option that a quarterback like Josh Allen could have fun with. He has shown consistent improvement as a receiver throughout his collegiate career, but needs work on his breaks and route tree. Very similar in a lot of ways to potential breakout Tyquan Thornton.
Skyler Bell, UConn (3rd-4th Round)
Bell’s size – 6-foot, 200 pounds – may be questioned, but his speed and separation ability can’t be questioned. He can provide explosive plays, move the chains, and excels in spacing concepts (like Joe Brady’s offense). Might not necessarily be the best deep threat option, but could excel in the short and intermediate areas.
Ted Hurst, Georgia State (3rd-5th Round)
Hurst has been shooting up the draft boards after an outstanding combine. His 6-foot-4 frame and 4.45 speed make him a rare athlete. He can threaten vertically and has the acceleration and timing needed to gain separation. His physical traits could get him looks early on, depending on what the receiver room looks like in training camp.
CJ Daniels, Miami (FL.) (4th-5th Round)
Daniels is what you would classify as a “football player.” His measurables aren’t outstanding, but he simply makes plays with the ball in his hands. He’s a little older than most of the other prospects at the position, but could come in and potentially be a special teams contributor right off the bat.
A piece for the Bills' future
Unless the Bills take someone with their first-round pick, the thought process here will be a developmental one. They want someone with the physical skills needed to fit into the current scheme with the potential to do and be more as soon as 2027.