Bills’ NFL Draft Targets Revealed: Mock Offseason Insights, Part 2
The Buffalo Bills have made it clear that they want to get younger and cheaper as they look to bring in the next wave of players with Josh Allen as the franchise quarterback. General manager Brandon Beane has always believed in the NFL Draft, and that is the emphasis of Part 2 of our annual mock offseason.
With limited cap space, the Bills could only do a little in free agency, so the focus turns to the draft. The question is, what can they add in the draft to keep their winning window open for years to come?
In this exercise, we also consider post-draft free agency, which might be an underrated piece of the Bills’ offseason. The roster has been constructed after free agency and heading into this mock draft.
Let’s take a look at the Bills’ mock offseason picks for the 2024 NFL Draft:
Bills’ 2024 mock offseason picks, pre-draft (11): Nos. 28, 60, 127, 133, 143, 159, 162, 188, 199, 203, 248
Trade! The Bills trade Nos. 28, 60, 127 and 203 to the Los Angeles Rams for Nos. 19, 83 and 195.
General manager Brandon Beane is known for making moves on draft day, and this year is no different. With 11 picks in total, there likely won’t be enough room for all of them on the 53-man roster. So Beane trades up for a player he’s excited about, looking to crack open that Super Bowl window.
With their first pick at No. 19, the Bills select wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. from LSU. Thomas has all the skills the Bills are looking for in their new starting X-receiver. He combines size, speed, strength, and versatility, making him a potential top receiver for the team.
Next, at No. 83, the Bills select EDGE Austin Booker from Kansas. Booker is an inexperienced but high-ceiling pass rusher who fits the Bills’ defensive scheme well. With his height, length, speed, and play strength, he has the potential to develop into a key player at the position.
Moving on to rounds 4 through 7, the Bills make several more selections:
– No. 106: S Cole Bishop, Utah
– No. 143: DT Tyler Davis, Clemson
– No. 162: CB M.J. Devonshire, Pittsburgh
– No. 188: WR Anthony Gould, Oregon State
– No. 195: C Hunter Nourzad, Penn State
– No. 199: LB Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri
These picks add depth and potential to the Bills’ roster, with each player bringing unique skills and attributes to their respective positions.
After the draft, the Bills make some adjustments to their cap space and make a few post-June 1 free-agent moves. They sign DE Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal worth $8 million, adding another starting pass rusher to their defense.
They also sign RB Nyheim Hines to a one-year deal worth $1.33 million and OT Yosh Nijman to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million. These signings provide depth and insurance at key positions.
Additionally, they sign G Sua Opeta as a backup guard and extend LT Dion Dawkins’ contract for two years with $18 million guaranteed.
With these moves, the Bills finalize their mock offseason depth chart, which includes re-signings, free agent acquisitions, and rookies.
Overall, the Bills have made strategic moves in the offseason to address their needs and build a roster that can compete for a Super Bowl. With a focus on the draft and smart free-agent signings, they have set themselves up for success in the coming years.
The Bills’ mock offseason reflects their commitment to building a young and talented team around Josh Allen, and with the right development and coaching, they have the potential to become a perennial contender in the NFL.