It is widely believed the Bills will select a receiver, maybe even two in the 2024 NFL Draft. Who and where they pick them is anyone's guess. We've seen a ton of mock drafts over the last several weeks that have Buffalo taking a wide receiver in the first or second round, but that could be debatable too. Brandon Beane could go that direction, but it's also possible they look to address other needs with their first overall pick.
There is also the question of Brandon Beane trading up or down in this draft, which will effect who and what position the Bills take as well. But, if you ask most Bills fans who they want, the overwhelming consensus is wide receiver. So it only makes that during an interview with Josh Allen earlier this week, that he would be asked about the receivers in this coming draft. He was quick to answer, so it is obvious that Allen is paying attention to the draft and the prospects.
He made it clear that Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze were the top tier in this draft class, but went into his thoughts on the next tier. By the way, he did not name my guy in his top five, so take his list with a grain of salt, since it's clear he doesn't know what he is talking about. I'm kidding of course, Whether there are any of these receivers he specifically wants the Bills to draft or even if wants the Bills to draft one in the first round. Either way, here are the five he named as the next tier of wide receivers in the 2024 NFL draft class.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen's favorite receivers
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Brian Thomas Jr
Brian Thomas Jr. emerged as a standout at the NFL Combine in March, solidifying his status as a fan favorite. He clocked an impressive 4.33-second 40-yard dash, placing him among the fastest receivers. Next Gen Stats further cemented his athletic prowess with a score of 93, ranking him second-best at the combine. His explosiveness extends beyond long runs, evidenced by a quick 1.5-second 10-yard split. Standing at a commanding 6'3" and 209 pounds, he brings good size to the table. While his vertical jump of 38.5 inches might leave some wanting a bit more for his height, his overall athleticism is undeniable.
2023 saw Brian Thomas Jr. explode onto the scene, earning third-team All-American and second-team All-SEC honors. He led the entire FBS in receiving touchdowns with a staggering 17 while racking up 68 receptions for 1,177 yards. With his impressive physical traits and skillset, Thomas has all the makings of an elite NFL outside receiver. However, a key question remains: will he be available when the Bills pick at 28th overall? If General Manager Brandon Beane covets Thomas, a trade-up in the first round might be necessary to secure him.
Adonai Mitchell
Adonai Mitchell turned heads at the combine with a blistering 4.34-second 40-yard dash, though someone even faster stole the show (more on that later). This impressive speed is coupled with a desirable size for a wide receiver, standing at 6'2" and weighing 205 pounds. Fans hoping for a big-bodied target won't be disappointed. Interestingly, Mitchell's combine results mirrored Brian Thomas Jr. to some extent. Both have similar height and weight, and Mitchell's vertical jump (39.5") was slightly better than Thomas'. However, Thomas edged him out with a Next Gen Stats athleticism score of 91, ranking third overall.
College Production:
- Second-team All-Big 12
- Led the Texas Longhorns with 11 touchdown receptions in 2023
- 55 receptions for 845 yards (15.4 yards per reception)
Mitchell brings an intriguing mix of physical talent to the table. He boasts both impressive size and exceptional speed, making him a potential weapon for the Bills' offense. However, there are concerns about his work ethic. Some scouts have questioned his dedication, which could hinder his development in the NFL.
One interesting wrinkle is the possibility of him being mentored by Stefon Diggs. Diggs is known for his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit. If Mitchell can learn from Diggs' example, it could be a major boost to his career. Overall, Mitchell is a talented player with a high ceiling, but his work ethic is a major question mark. The Bills will need to carefully consider this risk before potentially adding him to their roster.
Keon Coleman
Keon Coleman's path to the NFL has become intriguing, to say the least. Despite early hype as a potential first-round pick, his unimpressive combine performance has fueled debate. Mock drafts now scatter him across the first three rounds, with some scouts questioning his NFL readiness. However, Josh Allen believes Coleman has the potential to be a solid contributor. Will Coleman defy doubters or succumb to the pre-draft slide? Only time will tell.
Keon Coleman's 2023 season with Florida State presents a mixed picture. He notched 50 receptions for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, some speculate these numbers could have been higher if not for the Seminoles' quarterback injury. Nevertheless, they don't necessarily scream elite talent. This notion is further fueled by his underwhelming combine performance, where his athleticism score of 66 ranked 37th among receivers. While these stats might not suggest a clear-cut second-round pick, the Bills could be intrigued by his potential if he's available at that point in the draft.
Troy Franklin
Troy Franklin's combine performance offered a glimpse of both strengths and areas for improvement. While his 4.41-second 40-yard dash showcases solid speed, his 10-yard split time fell behind some of his competitors like Brian Thomas Jr. and Adonai Mitchell. This is reflected in his overall Next Gen Stats athleticism score of 79, ranking 19th among receivers. However, Franklin's collegiate production stands out. His production score of 88 ranked fourth-best, highlighting his ability to get the job done on the field.
Troy Franklin's 2023 season was a display of impressive production. He racked up a staggering 81 receptions for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns, raising questions about whether this will translate to the NFL. While time will tell, his collegiate performance makes him a compelling option.
Early in the draft process, Franklin enjoyed significant fan support. While Brian Thomas Jr. may have stolen some of the spotlight recently, Franklin remains an intriguing prospect. His skillset could be a valuable addition to the Bills' receiving corps.
Xavier Worthy
Xavier Worthy stole the show at the NFL Combine, setting a new record for the fastest 40-yard dash with a blistering 4.21 seconds. This, coupled with an impressive overall athleticism score of 98 (ranking him number one among receivers), has many excited about his potential. However, his slight build (5'11" and 165 pounds) raises concerns for some fans and scouts regarding his ability to withstand the physical rigors of the NFL. Similar anxieties surrounded DeVonta Smith and Brandin Cooks entering the league, yet both have thrived. Will Worthy overcome these concerns and translate his blazing speed into on-field success? Only time will tell.
Xavier Worthy's blazing speed has generated excitement, but questions linger about his ability to translate his physical prowess into on-field success. While his 5'11", 165-pound frame might raise eyebrows for some, the NFL has seen smaller receivers like DeVonta Smith and Tank Dell flourish.
Worthy's collegiate production is undeniable. Over the past three years, he's consistently racked up impressive numbers, with no season dipping below 60 receptions and 760 yards. However, similar to his teammate Mitchell, concerns have been raised about his work ethic during games. Will his undeniable talent and production outweigh these lingering questions?