Breaking News: Bills Identifies potential Replacement for Stefon Diggs
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs had a decline in performance during the latter part of the season. Consequently, it seems logical for the Bills to consider selecting another receiving player in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s recent mock draft, he anticipates Buffalo selecting Adonai Mitchell from Texas with the 28th pick.
“I altered my choice for this selection after observing Josh Allen’s average of 4.8 yards per attempt in the home defeat against the Chiefs,” Kiper Jr. explained. “His receivers encountered difficulties in getting open and failed to generate sufficient plays after the catch even when they did. Stefon Diggs, notably, has not achieved a 100-yard game since mid-October, and with Gabe Davis becoming a free agent, General Manager Brandon Beane has the opportunity to secure a valuable pass-catcher with this pick.”
Diggs’ decline in performance is a cause for concern, particularly evident in his minimal contribution of one catch for seven yards during the 27-24 divisional-round loss to the Chiefs. Despite this, Buffalo heavily relies on the 31-year-old in its passing attack, as he led the team in receptions (107), targets (160), receiving yards (1,183), and receiving touchdowns (eight) over 17 regular-season games.
With Buffalo estimated to be $43.6 million over the salary cap, spending in free agency is limited. Extending Gabe Davis, who posted impressive stats of 45 receptions, 746 yards, and seven touchdowns in 17 games, would further consume the cap, with his market value pegged at a four-year deal worth $13.5 million annually by Spotrac.
Considering the financial constraints, the Bills could benefit from selecting a wide receiver like Adonai Mitchell in the upcoming draft. Mitchell, with his impressive record of 55 receptions, 845 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 14 games, played a crucial role in the Longhorns’ first-ever College Football Playoff berth. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. highlighted Mitchell’s excellent hands, substantial size (6-foot-4, 196 pounds), and the ability to create separation.
Drafting a wide receiver in April would not only provide the Bills with an additional reliable target but also potentially groom a successor to Stefon Diggs as the team’s primary No. 1 wide receiver.