Mel Kiper Jr., the ESPN draft expert, has moved forward in accordance with the Buffalo Bills’ offseason plan, which is probably focused mostly on strengthening the receiver corps.
The Buffalo Bills may use more offensive firepower outside of the formation, even if they are able to hold onto receiver Gabe Davis thanks to the recent surprise salary cap increase. In their 27-24 AFC Divisional Round defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills failed not execute a single “explosive” play—a gain of 20 yards or more.
“We’re always looking for that speed, explosiveness at various positions,” Indianapolis NFL Combine general manager Brandon Beane told reporters. “You want guys that can explode without the ball, but you also want RAC players – guys that Josh can get the ball in their hands in space, stuff that Joe Brady can scheme up and they can turn an a 5-yard pass into a 55-yard touchdown.”
Kiper has the Bills picking LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. at No. 28 overall in his second mock draft of the season. The ideal blend of size and quickness may be found in the 6-4 receiver. In 2023, he had the most touchdown catches (17) among all NCAA Division I FBS players. In Kiper’s most recent mock draft, three pass-catchers are chosen in the Top 10, making Thomas the fifth receiver picked overall. Keon Coleman of Florida State was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 26th overall pick. In his most recent mock draft, ESPN’s Field Yates also projected Thomas to the Bills.
This past autumn, Thomas and his Top 10 prospect teammate Malik Nabers from LSU both surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark, making history as the Tigers’ third such pair in the same season. Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry were the first to accomplish it in 2013, and Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson did it again in 2019. Concerning the Bills: Is Their ‘Game-Breaking’ Wide Receiver Rotation Compatible? According to Kiper, “The Bills need to find a No. 2 wideout this summer since Gabe Davis is probably going to sign somewhere in free agency. Their greatest chance to achieve that may be during the draft. Six or seven receivers might be selected in April’s first round. Thomas, the Tigers’ primary outside receiver, hauled in 68 catches for 1,177 yards.
