Buffalo Bills (Last Year: 11-6)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
B+ GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Bills lost their top two receivers this offseason, so they need to find a new No. 1 target for Josh Allen in order to compete with the other top teams in the AFC. With extra picks, the front office can make that happen. Buffalo also has to find some more talent defensively to compensate for some departures this offseason.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Many thought the Bills would trade up for a receiver like Brian Thomas Jr. or Xavier Worthy. Instead, the front office traded down twice. While this was frustrating for some Buffalo fans, the team acquired more assets and still came away with a receiver who received first-round consideration in Keon Coleman.
The Bills didn’t obtain another receiver after that, instead focusing on the offensive line and defense. They secured a potential replacement for departed center Mitch Morse in the fifth round with Sedrick Van Pran, who was a steal at that selection. Safety Cole Bishop and defensive tackle DeWayne Carter provided good value in the second and third rounds, respectively, as well.
Because the Bills traded down twice in the opening round, they ended up with 10 selections. Of the 10, none scored worse than a “B” grade. Only three were A- or better, but this shows that Buffalo had a strong draft overall. The team didn’t always get the best players, but it strengthened its roster, filled needs, and acquired more assets.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
33. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State – A+ Grade
Charlie Campbell reported that this would be either Ladd McConkey or Keon Coleman, and surprise, surprise, Charlie is right again. Coleman makes a lot of sense for the Bills, as he fills a huge need. He also comes with some value because I know of one team that considered him at the end of the opening round. I also love that Buffalo moved down twice to land Coleman.
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60. Cole Bishop, S, Utah – B+ Grade
The Bills lost both starting safeties this offseason. This pick obviously fills a big need with a player I had going a bit earlier than this, so I like the value. Cole Bishop has tons of upside with his great athleticism. He’s a bit raw, but he could turn into a great defender for Buffalo.
95. DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke – B+ Grade
DeWayne Carter makes sense here for the Bills as a fringe second-day prospect. Buffalo had a weakness in the interior of the defensive line as far as depth is concerned, so Carter will help in that regard as he improves the team’s ability to stop the run.
128. Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky – B+ Grade
Ray Davis is a tough, physical back who can catch passes well, so he complements James Cook well. This is a solid move for the Bills, as Ray Davis could have been chosen 20-30 picks earlier without any complaints, and he fills a need.
141. Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia – A Grade
The Bills said goodbye to their long-time center Mitch Morse recently, so they needed to find a new player at the position. Sedrick Van Pran could be a solid starter in the near future, as he projects as a quality pass protector.
160. Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington – B Grade
The Bills needed a linebacker after losing players at the position in free agency. Edefuan Ulofoshio makes sense here at the end of the fifth round. He’s a raw player, but has plenty of potential, so perhaps he can be a starter one day.
168. Javon Solomon, DE, Troy – B+ Grade
Javon Solomon is a terrific pass rusher who would have gone much earlier than this if he weren’t undersized. Solomon won’t be able to play a ton of snaps in the NFL, but he’ll be impactful as a designated pass rusher, which is something the Bills needed to acquire.
204. Tylan Grable, OT, Central Florida – A- Grade
I like this pick, as some of Charlie’s sources listed Tylan Grable as a sleeper. Grable has plenty of athleticism, and protecting Josh Allen is never a bad thing.
219. Daequan Hardy, CB, Penn State – B Grade
Daequan Hardy was not expected to be the first Penn State cornerback chosen, but here we are. Daequan Hardy is a fast corner, but is very small. He’s a projected nickel cornerback, and he’ll be able to satisfy a need for the cornerback-hungry Bills.
221. Travis Clayton, G, England – B+ Grade
Travis Clayton is a lengthy tackle who ran a 4.81. He’s super raw, but perhaps he can be the next Jordan Mailata, a seventh-round prospect who had no football experience but turned into a Pro Bowler.
Season Summary:
The Bills looked like the best team in the NFL prior to their London game. Unfortunately for them, they suffered massive injuries and then lost to some poor opponents. They managed to rebound and reach the second round of the playoffs, but more injuries derailed their chances.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Wide Receiver: Buffalo sorely needs downfield weapons for Josh Allen to complement Stefon Diggs. This was apparent last offseason, but the problem was not addressed. (Update: Diggs was traded, so another receiver is needed.) Signed Curtis Samuel
- Two Interior Offensive Linemen: Interior blocking has also been a problem for the Bills for a long time. An upgrade at guard is still needed.
- Safety: Micah Hyde and Taylor Rapp both have expiring contracts in March. Hyde has been tremendous for a long time, but at 33, he’s no longer the same player he once was. Signed Mike Edwards
- Defensive Tackle: DaQuan Jones would be a significant player to lose via free agency. He’ll need to be replaced if the Bills can’t keep him. Signed Austin Johnson
- Edge Rusher: Von Miller looked like a shell of his former self last year, while Leonard Floyd is due to hit free agency.
- Running Back: James Cook doesn’t seem like he can handle an entire workload, so the Bills may want to find someone better than Latavius Murray or Damien Harris to share it with him.
- Linebacker: Linebacker depth will be needed if Tyrel Dodson leaves via free agency. Matt Milano is great, but cannot be trusted to stay healthy. Signed Nicholas Morrow
- Backup Quarterback: Kyle Allen is an impending free agent. Signed Mitchell Trubisky
- Kicker: Can the Bills rely on Tyler Bass in a big moment again?
- Punter: Sam Martin was in the bottom 10 of net average last year.
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2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Buffalo Bills Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
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