The Buffalo Bills are working hard to improve their roster for the 2024 NFL season. While it is unknown what the Bills want to do with their first-round pick, quarterback Josh Allen may have just given a big hint.
During a visit on “The QB Room” podcast, Allen’s old backup, Kyle Allen, was asked who he “loved” among receivers entering the 2024 draft.
“The top three guys, Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, and Marvin Harrison Jr. are all three pretty great prospects,” Allen said in a statement. “Then you get to that kinda second-ish tier if you will, of Brian Thomas, Adonai Mitchell, I think Keon Coleman, Troy Franklin, Xavier Worthy are all there, Xavier Legette.”
The list of receivers Allen chose immediately raised some eyebrows, as the individuals he named fit the exact profile of what Buffalo requires. While his top three are unlikely to be available at No. 28, the others could be viable possibilities.
SI’s Anthony Licciardi stated, “His list may provide some hints as to what he and his crew are thinking. Except for Worthy, all of those second-tier targets are X receivers, similar to [Gabe] Davis, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.
“While some may like more fluid athleticism, natural separation skills, or improved after-the-catch efforts, they would most likely take his spot on the depth chart. Other early-round picks, such as Georgia’s Ladd McConkey and Washington’s combination of Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan, were not announced. Neither of them fit the aforementioned archetype.
Following Allen’s statements, several fans believe the Bills will definitely choose a receiver in the first round.
Josh Allen Could Be Setting Up A Smoke Screen Of The Bills’ Plan For The 2024 Draft
While it’s evident that Allen researched this year’s draft class, what he doesn’t say could be a giveaway. His words could be a smokescreen for whatever route Bills general manager Brandon Beane is taking.
While the Bills lack an X-receiver, McConkey has the versatility that head coach Sean McDermott values.
“McConkey is one of the best route runners in this class,” Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus stated. “But, contrary to popular belief, he possesses both quick and long-distance speed. He’s a slot guy at the next level owing to his stature, but he’s more adaptable because of his all-around pace.”
With Tre’Davious White’s release on June 1, the Bills gain an additional $10 million in cap space, and with 11 picks in this year’s draft, they may attempt to move up the board. Last year, Buffalo traded up and scored a home run with tight end Dalton Kincaid, who set a franchise record for rookie receptions (73). Whatever the plan, Beane is well aware that he cannot afford to miss out on this year’s picks.
“We need to hit this draft,” Beane said during his post-season press conference. “If you don’t hit in the draft when you get in this cap situation, it really shows.” While Allen is kept informed about crucial personnel selections, Beane ultimately makes the final decision.
Even after signing Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins, drafting a WR is a’screaming need’.
Curtis Samuel, who excels at the slot or Z position, inked a three-year, $24 million contract with Buffalo. They also signed wide receiver Mack Hollins, although his one-year, $2.6 million deal is hardly starter money. Landing another wide receiver remains a “screaming draft need,” according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic.
“In a deep draft class, the Bills do have options. They should be able to identify a decent candidate for the X-receiver position at some point.
“But if they want to take a big swing, setting them up with someone who could eventually become their top receiver after Stefon Diggs moves on in the next one to four years, it’s beginning to look like they can’t wait around.”
If Beane trades up, Harrison Jr, Nabers, Odunze, and Thomas Jr. “would all be excellent fits in the Bills’ system.”
Leave a Reply