If you think the Bills needed to draft a receiver in the first round of the coming draft, you probably think they need at least two now. Fortunately, this draft is deep at the position, at least on paper. Time will tell just how good, or bad this class truly is. Either way, Buffalo will need to find some answers at the positions and that will most likely come from both free agency and the draft.
We know the Bills already signed one receiver in free agency with Curtis Samuel, and they most likely will bring in at least one more before OTAs begin May 20th. They will also add one through the draft but, I'd guess at least two via the draft. They have other positions of need as well, such as offensive line, and every position group on the defensive side. The starters are mostly set, but this draft will be about rebuilding depth and finding a few impact starters.
Another thing we should expect from Brandon Beane is a day-one trade. Beane is known for trading up in the first round of drafts but look for Beane to pull off both a trade up and a trade down in this one. As I said, the Bills have several needs, and this draft is perfect to address those needs. It's a perfect combo of both a deep draft and possessing several picks. I have the Bills trading back in the first round and still landing a much-needed receiver, but then back up into the second, acquiring a third second-round pick.
Buffalo Bills 2nd round - 2024 NFL Draft
R2:36 - Troy Franklin - Wide receiver, Oregon
The Buffalo Bills begin addressing their need at wide receiver with this pick. Selecting Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin with their first pick, acquired in a day-one trade with the Washington Commanders. Franklin gives the team both speed and size, with his 6'2" frame and 4.41, 40-time. It seems the Bills are looking for speed, speed, speed, and more speed, with the additions of K.J. Hamler and Curtis Samuel, having recorded sub-4.4 times. Franklin, adds to that notion that Buffalo wants to get faster on offense. Franklin set school records in 2023, with 14 receiving touchdowns and 1,383 yards. He had 81 receptions and an incredible 17.1 yards per catch average. He also set a school career record with 25 receiving touchdowns.
R2:42 - Tyler Nubin - Safety, Minnesota
Tyler Nubin will be a starter in the NFL and hopefully for the Buffalo Bills. He has excellent size to battle the more physical receivers, coming in at 6'1" and 199 pounds. He has tremendous coverage abilities, allowing a QB rating of less than 41.3 when targeted in the last three seasons, including an outstanding low of 7.5 last season. Nubin provides an answer in the secondary for the Bills and could push for a starting role in 2024.
R2:59 - Ja'Lynn Polk - wide receiver, Washington
Ja'Lynn Polk doesn't have the speed the others possess; however, if the Bills want to add more size to the receiver room, Polk could be that guy. He is 6'1" and weighs 203 pounds and his 40-time came in at 4.52 and his 10-yard split was an impressive 1.52 seconds. Like Troy Franklin, Polk had an outstanding yards per catch average, with 16.7 last season. He added eight touchdowns on 60 receptions and 1,000 yards. The concern with Polk might be whether his numbers were a product of Rome Odunze on the other side.
Buffalo Bills 4th round - 2024 NFL Draft
R4:123 - Cole Bishop - Safety, Utah
The Bills already grabbed Nubin in the second round, but why not double dip at the position, the same as we did with the receiver? We don't know exactly what we will get with the tandem of Mike Edwards and Taylor Rapp, so adding depth and potential starting quality safeties with Nubin and Cole Bishop is ideal. Bishop has excellent size at 6'2" and 206 pounds but also boasts an impressive 40-time of 4.45 seconds. Bishop was second-team all-conference in the PAC-12 and a team captain.
R4:128 - Trevor Keegan - Guard, Michigan
Trevor Keegan comes from Michigan, which boasted one of the best offensive lines in college football and helped pave the way for the Wolverines National Championship. The same offensive line that helped running back Blake Corum set multiple Michigan rushing records. The Bills have their offensive line set on paper, but I'm not completely sold on the starting five or the depth. Keegan is 6'5" and weighs 310 pounds. One thing consistent in his scouting reports is he possesses a mean streak and plays through the whistle. Two things you can never have too much of on the line.
R4:133 - Mohamed Kamara - Edge, Colorado State
The Bills finally address their need at edge in the fourth round, though I could see Buffalo going edge earlier in the draft. What happens will depend on Von Miller as he continues to try to get back to his pre-injury status. The team also has A.J. Epenesa and Gregory Rousseau, both solid players but neither are a big-time threat in the pass rush. They often say that sack production at the collegiate level translates to the NFL and if that is the case, look no further than Mohamed Kamara. His career numbers are outstanding totaling 30.5 sacks and 45.5 TFLs. He'll need to develop other pass-rush and learn to set the edge better in run defense, but he's relentless in pass-rush, which could serve him well at the next level.
Buffalo Bills 5th round - 2024 NFL Draft
R5:144 - Khristian Boyd - Defensive Interior, Northern Iowa
I've been talking up Khristian Boyd for a while now. I love this kid's motor and on-field demeanor. He may be coming from a small school in Northern Iowa, but make no mistake, he can flat-out play. According to Bleacher Reports Ryan Fowler, Boyd is set to visit the Bills as one of the top 30 visits. Boyd is 6'4" and weighs 317 pounds. He has the versatility to play either the one or three technique positions and could be one of the steals of the NFL draft.
R5:160 - JD Bertrand - Linebacker, Notre Dame
Linebacker might not seem like a need, but after starters Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard, the cupboard quickly becomes bare. Yes, Dorian Williams and Baylon Spector are there; however, there are no guarantees that Williams will take that next step in his development after his rookie year. And Spector has struggled since coming into the league to stay healthy. Speaking of health, we don't even know much about Milano's progression. So, taking a linebacker in this draft is a good idea and JD Bertrand could provide a decent depth. He's been one of Notre Dame's top tacklers as a three-year starter and team captain the last two seasons.
R5:173 - Drake Nugent - Center, Michigan
We're dipping into that Michigan Wolverines offensive line again, this time for center, Drake Nugent. The Bills may have their starter at center but they need more depth and long-term potential. Nugent is a bit undersized at 299 pounds but has the power to hold his own and is considered an excellent technician. How well his skill set translates to the NFL is yet to be seen but he has potential to develop.
Buffalo Bills 6th & 7th round - 2024 NFL Draft
R6:204 - Brennan Jackson - Edge, Washington State
Here is another that brings a relentless motor to the field. These types of players can frustrate and the offensive line. That relentlessness and tenacity helped Brennan Jackson record a solid nine sacks last season and an impressive 37 total pressures. He needs to learn some additional pass rush and counter moves but has a decent bend around the corner, which is vital to any pass-rusher.
R7:148 - Khalid Duke - Edge, Kansas State
I know, three edge defenders in one draft. Perhaps that one too many but the Bills need to think not just about 2024, but beyond. Even if Von Miller comes back in 2024 and has a good season, he won't be doing it much longer. Epenesa and Rousseau, so far have proven to be no more than five or six sack guys (though Rousseau has shown to be outstanding against the run). Buffalo needs to draft guys this year, and next year and don't stop until they find guys that can consistently get the quarterback. This is a passing league and the best defense against that, is a strong pass rush. Once you get to this point in the draft, I look for that relentless, non-stop motor, and Khalid Duke fits that profile.