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The Buffalo Bills shocked the NFL world today by trading star receiver Stefon Diggs. Every offseason, the same question was asked: Will the Bills trade Diggs? Every offseason, the answer was a resounding no, which led many to doubt anything would happen this time. The front office decided it was time and sent him off to the Houston Texans. It leaves a huge void for wide receivers, but this year’s NFL Draft has a deep, wide receiver class. Who should the Buffalo Bills look at targeting?
Buffalo Bills NFL Draft Position
The Buffalo Bills did not pick up any draft capital in the trade for this year. They hold two picks in the top 100, number 28 and 60. This makes it unlikely that they will be able to trade up for one of the top three receivers. Going from the late first round into the top ten will take a king’s ransom. While Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze have the potential to be franchise-altering pieces, I don’t think the Buffalo Bills have enough to get one of those players.
However, there are plenty of quality receivers in the class. We’ve seen quality receivers come out of the later rounds. Puka Nacua was a fifth-round pick and might be the best receiver from last year’s class. Here are some names to watch for the Bills.
Buffalo Bills First-Round Options
There are two names to watch for the Buffalo Bills. The first is Georgia receiver Ladd McConkey. While many want to compare him to Cooper Kupp, that isn’t a fair comparison. He spent a large amount of time on the outside for the Bulldogs last season. His route-running is impeccable, and he is a legitimate vertical threat, which is the role that Diggs played. He would be a perfect fit.
The Buffalo Bills could also look to nab Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman. He has the physical traits that would pair well with Josh Allen. While he isn’t as much of deep threat, his yards after the catch ability is above average especially for a player his size. Coleman would be a great red zone threat for Allen and the Bills offense.
Second Round Options
The Buffalo Bills have plenty of needs and could look elsewhere in the first round. There are plenty of other quality pieces to nab with pick no. 60. Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson stole the show at the Senior Bowl and has risen up draft boards. He is a seasoned veteran with plenty of big-game experience. His speed would give Allen the deep threat that he desires in the offense.
If the team wanted to go for pure speed, Texas receiver Xavier Worthy would be the pick. He broke the record for the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and would be a go-route machine. I personally have questions about his ability to be a productive receiver in the league, but his physical traits are tantalizing.
Day 3 Picks
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Plenty of quality prospects should be available on day three. USC wide receiver Brenden Rice would love to go from Caleb Williams to Josh Allen. The son of NFL great Jerry Rice means he has talent in his veins. His athleticism and hands would be a perfect addition to the offense. Another receiver with good genes is Rice receiver Luke McCaffrey. He would be worth a swing on day three. Jalen McMillan, who is out of Washington, is another receiver to watch. While Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk get a lot of buzz, McMillan was also a productive piece of the offense.
The Buffalo Bills have options. With the Stefon Diggs trade, it seems likely they will get at least one wide receiver, if not two or three. This will be a different offense, but the team will always have a chance to be good with Josh Allen under center.
