A few key additions were added to the Buffalo Bills roster over the last few weeks via free agency. Brandon Beane has done a solid job of addressing roster needs and setting the Bills up to be in a position to attack the 2024 NFL Draft with a "best player available" mentality. I know GMs and coaches all say the way to draft is with the "best player" approach, but I think a more accurate representation of the draft process is the best player available at a position of need.
If the Bills come up in the draft at the 28th pick and the best player available is a quarterback, they aren't taking the quarterback. The most likely scenario is one of two, being either the Bills trade back or they take a player of need that is closest to the value of the 28th pick. There is of course a scenario where the Bills trade up and take a player of need with better value than the 28th pick. Either, they get a player of need, whether they trade up, back, or stay put.
In this mock draft, the Bills attack a position of need in the first two rounds, doubling down at wide receiver. I like the idea of wide receiver in back-to-back picks at 28 and 60; however, if they do this, they run the risk of missing out on a solid player at another position of need. However, if we are concerned about the "best player available", then receiver was the way to go in both the first and second rounds. Which again, is one reason Brandon Beane could decide to trade back and stockpile picks in rounds two through four. Let's get into the mock draft and see how this one turns out for the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo Bills double up on receivers in the first two rounds
R1:28 - Adonai Mitchell - Wide receiver, Texas
Adonai Mitchell has been mocked to the Buffalo Bills several times. And you can add one more to that list here. He was the best player available at a position of need, so it makes sense to select Mitchell here with the 28th pick. We've broken down his game a ton over the last few weeks, given that he has been a big name among Bills fans and draft experts. He isn't my favorite, and Ladd McConkey, who is, was available; however, as far as value goes, Mitchell was the choice.
Mitchell certainly addresses a need, giving Josh Allen another legitimate weapon on the outside. If Stefon Diggs and Allen can get Mitchell to go all in on every play, every week, he has the potential and talent to become one of the best receivers in the league and a bonafide number one receiver down the road, when Diggs is ready to pass that torch. Of course, the Bills could decide to trade up, which changes things, but the target could still be a wide receiver, but another name we could see is UCLA edge rusher, Laiatu Latu.
R2:60 - Ja'Lynn Polk - Wide receiver, Washington
This pick was a similar situation to the Mitchell pick. Ja'Lynn Polk was the best player available at 60, so it made sense to stick to that idea and go with another receiver here. I have no problem with the Bills taking a wide receiver in both the first and second rounds; however, if this is the scenario, I think Brandon Beane will make another move and either trades up or maybe back. As I mentioned, I have no issue with receiver back-to-back in these rounds but would hope Beane would use some of the late-round picks, to move into the third and fourth rounds, to address other positions of needs.
Just like Mitchell, Polk gives Allen and the Bills another weapon and Polk offers the Bills a skillset they don't have in their receiver room, a player that excels at contested catches. Polk doesn't possess blazing speed, recording a 40-time of 4.52, but is consistent in his route running and has solid size at 6'1" and over 200 pounds. According to ESPN's scouting, one scout from the NFC sees him as more of a zone-beater.
R4:128 - Xavier Thomas - Edge, Clemson
The Bills will likely be looking to add depth to their defensive line, both in the interior as well as at the edge. Xavier Thomas can provide that depth outside and while he lacks a loaded toolbox of pass-rush moves, he makes up for it with a high motor and relentlessness. He can learn counter moves in the pass-rushing arsenal; however, sometimes struggles with power. He isn't going to come in and immediately earn a starting role; however, he has the potential to develop into a solid starting edge rusher in the league.
R4:133 - Trevor Keegan - offensive guard, Michigan
Once again, trying to maintain the philosophy of "best player available", I selected Trevor Keegan with the Bills' 133rd pick. Some may not see guard as a need, but make no mistake, Buffalo needs to address their depth, with the possibility of a future starter as well. Keegan could be that guy, but I have my concerns with him as a pass-blocker. Run blocking is his forte and the Bills may opt to trade this pick and move back if this is the only option. They could also include this pick in a day one or two trade that allows them more picks on day two of the draft.
R5:144 - Kamal Hadden - cornerback, Tennessee
The Bills need a corner, primarily for depth. However, this could become an even bigger issue if Kaiir Elam doesn't get rolling this season and prove he can play at a consistent level. Hadden offers excellent size at 6'1" and nearly 200 pounds; however, lacks top-tier speed. He recorded a 4.53, 40-time at his pro-day workout. But this coaching staff has done a terrific job with developing corners, particularly late-round corners, such as Levi Wallace, Dane Jackson, and Christian Benford.
R5:160 - Beau Brade - Safety, Maryland
I've mentioned Beau Brade in previous articles and I like this pick at this point in the draft. Brade is another defensive back that the Bills coaching staff could potentially develop into a solid starting safety down the road. With both Mike Edwards and Taylor Rapp most likely the starting safeties, Brade offers depth and an opportunity to learn and perhaps take over the starting role beyond the 2024 season. He is a physical safety, who excels in zone coverage but needs work in tackling and man coverage. With the right coaching, he could develop these skills and become a solid starter.
R5:163 - Drake Nugent - Center, Michigan
Drake Nugent is our second Michigan offensive lineman to join the Buffalo Bills roster. The Wolverines offensive line was voted as the top line in college football two years in a row, so for the Bills getting two of those players, would provide solid depth. It also gives the team a possible backup option if things don't work out as planned with Connor McGovern moving to center.