The Kansas City Chiefs are riding high after an impressive 2025 NFL Draft, selecting a mix of players ready to contribute immediately and others with long-term potential. Meanwhile, one of their top rivals, the Buffalo Bills, are facing heavy criticism from fans over their draft strategy.
Buffalo prioritized defense early, only addressing the offense late on day three. They took Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Hawes in the fifth round, UConn offensive tackle Chase Lundt in the sixth, and wrapped things up with Maryland wide receiver Kaden Prather in the seventh.
Fans were particularly frustrated that the Bills waited until the final round to select a receiver. However, general manager Brandon Beane dismissed the complaints. Speaking on WGR 550 Monday morning, Beane pushed back, referencing past criticism: “Sounds like 2018 all over. You were mad about us drafting Josh Allen and wanted Josh Rosen—now you’re mad we didn’t take a receiver.” He added, “I don’t get it. We just led the league in scoring.”
Bills GM Brandon Beane Lashes Out at Fans Defending His Draft Strategy
On paper, the Bills’ 2025 draft approach is logical—bolster the defense to try and contain a Chiefs offense that, regardless of regular-season inconsistency, always seems to find its rhythm in high-stakes playoff matchups. After all, last year’s AFC Championship was a 32-29 shootout, and stopping Kansas City remains the top priority for any AFC contender.
However, passing on wide receivers until the seventh round feels like a major oversight. Buffalo’s current receiving group features Khalil Shakir, rookie Keon Coleman, and former Charger Joshua Palmer. Coleman has upside, and Shakir is coming off a breakout year, but there’s risk in counting on both to carry the load without proven depth behind them.
If Shakir regresses or Coleman takes time to develop, the same offense that led the NFL in scoring last year—as GM Brandon Beane proudly noted—could struggle to maintain that pace. Should that happen, Chiefs fans will have every reason to mock their rival’s decision-making.
For now, it’s a waiting game to see if Beane’s vision holds up—or if Bills fans were right to worry.
