BREAKING: Bills Lands New ‘Playmaker’ for Josh Allen
The Buffalo Bills have shown a willingness to trade up in the first round of the NFL Draft, having done so twice in the past three years. According to one insider, they might be planning to move up the board again this year to secure a dynamic weapon for quarterback Josh Allen. NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter projected that the Bills will trade up to select Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden, a speedy playmaker regarded as one of the top prospects at his position in this draft class.
Bills Could Have Matthew Golden on the Radar
Chad Reuter projected that the Bills would move up from the No. 30 overall pick to No. 26—a notable but manageable trade that could position them to grab Matthew Golden. Reuter noted that Buffalo could use a vertical threat on offense and suggested either Golden or his Texas teammate Isaiah Bond as strong options. In his scenario, the Bills would send a fourth-round pick in exchange for a sixth to make the three-spot jump.
Golden turned heads with a blazing 4.29-second 40-yard dash. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein highlighted Golden’s impressive mix of speed and strength, though he noted that the receiver still needs to polish his route-running.
“He’s capable of changing pace and creating separation at his breaks,” Zierlein wrote, adding that Golden is versatile enough to play any receiver position. “He’s agile and has the body control to turn near-misses into eye-catching grabs. While drops remain an issue, he’s tough in contested situations and showed noticeable improvement in 2024 when it came to physicality and securing tough catches.”
Zierlein also noted that Golden has the potential to emerge as a true No. 1 receiver—a role that remains somewhat unfilled in Buffalo, despite their investment in Khalil Shakir. “Golden’s starter-level traits and major leap as a go-to option have him on track to become a reliable producer with WR1 upside,” he wrote.
Other Targets for the Bills
The Buffalo Bills may explore additional wide receiver options in the NFL Draft to strengthen their pass-catching group. SI.com’s Ronnie Eastham pointed to Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins as a possible fit, noting that his size—6-foot-5 and 214 pounds—would bring a physical presence to the unit.
“Higgins offers impressive size and also solid speed, clocking a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash,” Eastham wrote. “He’s a downfield threat who excels at winning contested catches, especially on fade routes.” Higgins wrapped up his final college season with 87 catches for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns.
Following the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, the Bills shifted to a more balanced offensive strategy, spreading targets across a broader range of receivers. If that approach continues, adding another weapon in the draft seems likely.
Buffalo also has roster gaps at wide receiver after losing Mack Hollins in free agency and seeing veteran Amari Cooper, acquired at last season’s trade deadline, hit the open market. General manager Brandon Beane has indicated that the team remains open to re-signing Cooper, but reinforcements through the draft are very much in play.