BREAKING: Bills QB Josh Allen’s Strong Comments on First-Round WRs Turns Heads
The Buffalo Bills are diligently working to bolster their roster for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. While their plans for their first-round pick remain uncertain, quarterback Josh Allen may have provided a significant clue.
During a guest appearance on “The QB Room” podcast, Allen’s former backup, Kyle Allen, inquired about his preferred receivers in the upcoming 2024 draft.
Allen responded, “The top three guys, Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, and Marvin Harrison Jr., are all three pretty great prospects. Then you get to that kind of second-tier, if you will, of Brian Thomas, Adonai Mitchell, I think Keon Coleman, Troy Franklin, Xavier Worthy are all there, Xavier Legette.”
Allen’s naming of these receivers immediately caught attention, as the mentioned players align closely with Buffalo’s needs. While it’s unlikely that his top three choices will be available at the 28th pick, the remaining prospects he listed could indeed be legitimate targets for the Bills.
Josh Allen certainly knows what wide receivers could be available to his team in the first round… 👀#BillsMafia https://t.co/xTJ4uXzGxv
— Thomas DeLaus (@TheThomasDeLaus) March 27, 2024
Anthony Licciardi of Sports Illustrated suggests that Allen’s list may offer insights into the thought process of him and his team. Licciardi points out that each of the second-tier targets mentioned, with the exception of Worthy, fits the profile of X receivers, similar to Gabe Davis, who departed for the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.
These receivers may possess traits such as fluid athleticism, natural separation skills, or strong after-the-catch abilities, making them potential replacements for Davis on the depth chart. Licciardi notes that other early-round prospects like Georgia’s Ladd McConkey and Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan were not mentioned by Allen, as they do not align with the archetype he described.
Following Allen’s remarks, many fans are inclined to believe that the Bills are indeed considering drafting a receiver in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft.
Josh Allen Could Be Setting Up Smoke Screen of the Bills’ Plan for the 2024 Draft
It’s apparent that Allen’s insights into this year’s draft class are well-researched. However, his comments, or perhaps what he’s not explicitly stating, could serve as a smokescreen for the true intentions of Bills general manager Brandon Beane.
While the Bills have a clear need for an X-receiver, it’s worth considering alternatives. Ladd McConkey, for instance, possesses the kind of versatility that head coach Sean McDermott values highly.
Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema describes McConkey as one of the top route runners in this draft class. Despite being considered more of a slot receiver due to his size, McConkey’s versatility lies in his impressive overall speed, which extends to both short and long routes.
This analysis suggests that while Allen’s comments may hint at the Bills’ interest in certain types of receivers, they could also serve to divert attention away from their true intentions. McConkey’s versatility may indeed be an attractive option for the Bills, showcasing the dynamic approach they could take in the upcoming draft.
The Buffalo Bills have managed to free up an additional $10 million in cap space with the June 1 release of Tre’Davious White. Coupled with their impressive 11 picks in this year’s draft, there’s speculation that they might aim to climb up the draft board. This strategy wouldn’t be new for the Bills, as they traded up last year and found success with tight end Dalton Kincaid, who set a franchise record for rookie receptions with 73.
Regardless of their plan, Bills general manager Brandon Beane understands the gravity of this year’s draft selections. “We need to hit this draft,” Beane emphasized during his end-of-season press conference. “If you don’t hit in the draft when you get in this cap situation, it really shows.”
While quarterback Josh Allen is kept informed about significant roster decisions, it’s ultimately Beane who makes the final calls. This underscores the importance of making astute selections in the upcoming draft, as the Bills aim to fortify their roster while navigating their cap constraints.
Even After Signing Curtis Samuel & Mack Hollins, Drafting a WR Is a ‘Screaming Need’
The Buffalo Bills have made moves to bolster their receiving corps, signing Curtis Samuel to a three-year, $24 million deal. Samuel excels in the slot or Z receiver positions. Additionally, they added wide receiver Mack Hollins on a one-year, $2.6 million contract, although this isn’t considered starter-level compensation. Despite these signings, The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia emphasizes that acquiring another wide receiver remains a pressing need for the team.
With the draft offering a deep pool of talent at the position, the Bills have various options to explore. However, Buscaglia suggests that waiting might not be the best strategy, especially if the team aims to secure a player capable of eventually stepping into the top receiver role after Stefon Diggs’ departure in the next one to four years.
Should general manager Brandon Beane opt to trade up in the draft, prospects like Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, and Brian Thomas Jr. are highlighted as potential excellent fits for the Bills’ offensive system. These players could offer the Bills both immediate impact and long-term potential, making them compelling targets in their pursuit of strengthening their receiving corps.