The Buffalo Bills are facing a significant challenge this offseason: replacing both of their top wide receivers from last season.
They first witnessed the departure of their No. 2 wide receiver, Gabe Davis, in free agency. Subsequently, they made a blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans, sending away their No. 1 receiver, Stefon Diggs. General manager Brandon Beane has suggested the possibility of adding another veteran through free agency. However, the most promising avenue for finding a difference-making receiver appears to be through the upcoming NFL Draft.
Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus anticipates this move, forecasting that the Bills will utilize their first-round pick to select a highly talented but raw wide receiver with the potential to develop into a replacement for Diggs.
‘Desperate’ Bills Take a Swing at Wide Receiver
Chadwick’s prediction suggests that the Buffalo Bills will select Adonai Mitchell, a wide receiver from Texas, with the No. 29 overall pick in the draft. Describing Mitchell as one of the “most athletic” receivers in this year’s draft class, Chadwick believes he could be an excellent fit alongside Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
“The Bills have a pressing need to bolster their receiving corps after trading Stefon Diggs to the Texans. Adonai Mitchell possesses a high ceiling due to his exceptional athleticism, although there’s room for growth to fully realize his potential,” Chadwick remarked. “Josh Allen’s prowess as a quarterback could prove instrumental in helping Mitchell reach new heights.”
According to NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein, Adonai Mitchell is seen as an “ascending prospect” with areas in need of improvement.
“Currently, Mitchell’s route running lacks the required focus and consistency, although he demonstrates agility and burst out of breaks,” Zierlein remarked. “Mitchell exhibits toughness after the catch and has the potential to excel at all three levels of the field. However, whether he becomes a WR2 or achieves WR1 status may depend on his determination and willingness to address the rough edges of his skill set.”
Bills Not Pressing for Wide Receiver
While several analysts, like Chadwick, have predicted that the Bills will opt for a receiver in the first round of the draft, General Manager Beane emphasized the team’s commitment to selecting the best available talent.
“At 28, if all our top-rated receivers are off the board and the next prospect is projected for the second round, but we have quality options at other positions, we’ll prioritize those positions. Ultimately, we’re focused on selecting quality football players,” Beane stated, as reported by the team’s official website.
Beane also highlighted the flexibility to explore veteran options in free agency if the desired receiver isn’t available in the draft.
“If we’re unable to secure the receiver we’re targeting in the draft, there are still veteran options available. We’ll continue to assess and see if there’s a suitable fit,” he mentioned. “Our approach will remain consistent, evaluating our draft board and organizing it based on our assessments, including the receiver position.”
Additionally, the Bills are likely to elevate third-year receiver Khalil Shakir into a more prominent role, given his significant improvement in his second season, where he recorded 39 receptions for 611 yards and two touchdowns.
