DONE DEAL: Bills Sign Former Ohio State ‘Standout’ WR in First Moves After Draft

Following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL draft, the Buffalo Bills proceeded to add new talent to their roster. One of Bills manager Brandon Beane’s first actions was to sign former Ohio State wide receiver Xavier Johnson Jr.

Shortly after Day 3 ended, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz announced Johnson, a former Buckeyes team captain, was headed to Buffalo. Johnson’s receiving stats aren’t particularly impressive; he has 26 receptions for 329 yards and two scores while at Ohio State.

According to Syracuse.com’s Ryan Talbot, “Johnson was a special teams standout with the Buckeyes, which could give him a chance in Buffalo.”
Dane Brugler of The Athletic placed the 6-foot, 202-pounder as the 45th-best wide receiver entering the NFL draft, but he also praised his special teams ability.

“Johnson grew raised in Cincinnati and attended Summit Country Day School, where he excelled in basketball and football. “A three-star recruit, he had double-digit football offers (plus several basketball offers) but chose to walk on at Ohio State, his dream school,” Brugler wrote. “He earned a role on special teams each of the last five seasons, finishing his career with a remarkable 899 snaps and 14 tackles.”

The new Bills player “broke into the rotations at both running back and wide receiver,” and his two career touchdown receptions (one each against Notre Dame and Georgia) came when injuries forced him to step up in critical situations. He is an instinctive athlete with the ball in his hands, and his feet are swift and agile. His tenacity and resilient attitude are winning qualities.

“Overall, Johnson’s offensive value for the next level might not stand out, but he is the consummate coach pleaser, and his special-teams impact could keep him on an active NFL roster.”

The Bills only drafted one WR. In the NFL Draft, Keon Coleman

After moving out of the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, Buffalo made its decision on Day 2. With the 33rd overall pick, the Bills selected former Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman. Coleman told reporters after landing in Buffalo that he received a text message from quarterback Josh Allen after his name was called.

“He texted me the day of and said, ‘You’re the guy I want.'” “I watched a lot of receivers and I want to play with you,” Coleman stated. “And I have been saying the same thing. I want to play with the guy wearing number 17. I think he’s an excellent quarterback, one of the greatest in the game right now, and I’d love to catch passes from him. “I’m ready for that.”
Coleman was a one-year starter at FSU last season, racking up 50 grabs for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. He returned 25 punts for 300 yards. While he is capable of making explosive plays, he struggles with consistency and separation.

Bills News: Brandon Beane Said They Are Not Making a Splash Trade for A Star Wide Receiver
Rumours circulated that the Bills were considering trading for San Francisco 49ers stars Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, as well as Cincinnati Bengals’ Tee Higgins. Beane did, however, clarify that no major trades or signings would take place this summer.

After moving Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, Beane appears to believe Coleman can fill the void. “You’re never satisfied with your current situation. “You’re never satisfied and say, ‘We’ve got it figured out,'” Beane told reporters on April 27. “If you’re expecting something big or anything like that, there’s no trade coming.”

Beane says he’s pleased with the Bills’ current roster. Allen’s top targets on the roster currently include Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins, and tight end Dalton Kincaid.

Quintez Cephus, a wide receiver, signed with the Bills on Sunday, April 28, according to his representatives. The Detroit Lions’ 2020 fifth-round pick missed the entire season last year after being suspended for violating the league’s gambling rules. In three seasons, he made 37 receptions for 568 yards and four touchdowns.