It shouldn’t be a surprise to see the Buffalo Bills draft a wide receiver at some point in this year’s NFL Draft. Since Brandon Beane took over as the general manager (right after the 2017 NFL Draft), there’s only been one year where Buffalo didn’t take a receiver at some point. That lone year was in 2019.
Over the years, Beane and the Bills have drafted the following wideouts: Ray-Ray McCloud, Austin Proehl, Gabe Davis, Isaiah Hodgins, Marquez Stevenson, Khalil Shakir, Justin Shorter, and Keon Coleman. Outside of Shakir, and with only one season with Coleman, it hasn’t been a great track record for Beane.
Gabe Davis had his big moments but he was your typical boom-or-bust player. The rest of the wide receivers had little to no impact at all.
With Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins set to hit free agency, the Bills should be in the market to bring in some receiver help. Shakir has his extension and Coleman is heading into his second season. Outside of them two, the wide receiver desperately needs help.
Whether the Bills go through free agency or the draft, fans can expect to see some new faces that will work closely with Josh Allen. With the 2025 NFL Draft taking place next month, there is one prospect that could be an ideal fit with the Bills, according to Nick Shook of NFL.com.
Bills named as a fit for Florida WR Chimere Dike
Dike was a prospect that stood out in the NFL combine, posting a 4.34 40-yard dash and a 38.5” vertical jump. He’s got speed and can also get up for contested catches.
Before joining the Florida Gators, Dike was with the Wisconsin Badgers. Throughout his career, he averaged over 16 yards per catch and only had 11 career touchdowns. Dike also averaged just over 450 receiving yards per season throughout his college career. However, Dike managed to have one of his best statistical seasons with Florida and with his combine performance, he might be a later-round steal for the team that selects him.
Even if Buffalo signs or drafts an eventual starter in the offense, Dike could be a great depth player who has an opportunity to compete for a starting job. If he falls into Day 3 and hasn’t been drafted, the Bills may want to consider drafting Dike if given the opportunity to do so.