Buffalo Bills Meet With UNC WR Devontez Walker, Schedule Draft Visit

The Buffalo Bills need an upgrade along the boundary after receiver Gabe Davis' departure. Could UNC's Devontez Walker be an ample replacement?

Nov 18, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Devontez Walker / Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills were joined by every other team in the league on Thursday when UNC held its pro day, showcasing their talents headed to this year’s NFL Draft.

Chief among them was quarterback Drake Maye, the consensus second-best quarterback in this year’s class and a potential top-five selection. While he delivered an eye-catching performance, Buffalo likely had eyes on his teammates. 

Receiver Devontez “Tez” Walker and linebacker Cedric Gray also showed out Thursday.

While Maye had a nice day, Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline also noted the Bills’ interest in Walker and his performance.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17). / Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and

“Receiver Devontez Walker, who has been grilled by teams about Maye and his strengths as well as weaknesses, was incredibly complimentary of the quarterback,” Pauline said. “Walker himself had a terrific day, catching everything in his direction. He ran quick, efficient routes and displayed soft hands.

“Walker has been on a mission since the Senior Bowl, where he dropped a lot of catchable passes, to dispel any concern about his hands, and most scouts were buying it Thursday.”

Walker will make his money at the next level making an impact downfield. He’s a strong battery mate as a field stretcher and has the athleticism to match. His size is mediocre, but a 4.36 second 40-yard dash and 11-foot-2 broad jump were both elite marks.

They show up on tape, too, which bodes well for his NFL prospects. 

Buffalo is in search of a receiver, a quest that could end in the first round. There, a more complete receiver to complement Stefon Diggs would be picked. If the Bills opt to reinforce their defense, though, a more one-to-one replacement for Gabe Davis could be taken late on Day 2 or early on Day 3. That’s where Walker comes in.

He has development to unlock underneath and over the middle of the field, but he’s similar to Davis in his ability to find chuck plays – hopefully with more consistency. Walker’s fluidity may eventually set him apart, but there’s a role he can play on an offense from the jump.

“Walker met with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots over the past two days,” Pauline wrote. “He has official-30 visits with the Bills and Jaguars.”

Buffalo’s interest isn’t surprising. The hole on the boundary is a pressing need and chasing upside on offense makes a lot of sense when the franchise quarterback has unlimited arm talent. Whether Walker ends up in Western New York will rely heavily on the fate of the Bills’ first-round pick, but he’s a name to watch as the draft cycle continues.