Bills Solve WR Problem in Latest Mel Kiper Mock Draft
Solidifying the receiving corps is likely front and center on the Buffalo Bills' offseason agenda and ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has proceeded accordingly.
Even if the recent unexpected salary cap boost allows the Buffalo Bills to retain receiver Gabe Davis, the offense could use added firepower on the outside of the formation. The Bills did not complete a single "explosive" play - a 20+ yard gain - during their 27-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round.
"We're always looking for that speed, explosiveness at various positions," said Bills' general manager Brandon Beane while addressing reporters at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. "You want guys that can explode without the ball, but you also want RAC players - guys that Josh can get the ball in their hands in space, stuff that Joe Brady can scheme up and they can turn a a 5-yard pass into a 55-yard touchdown."
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In his second mock draft of the season, Kiper has the Bills selecting LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. at No. 28 overall. The 6-4 receiver features the desired combination of size and speed. His 17 touchdown receptions led all NCAA Division I FBS players in 2023.
Thomas is the fifth receiver drafted in Kiper's latest mock, which has three pass-catchers being selected in the Top 10. Florida State's Keon Coleman went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 26 overall. ESPN's Field Yates also projected Thomas to the Bills in his latest first-round mockup.
Thomas and LSU teammate Malik Nabers, a Top 10 prospect, both eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark this past fall, becoming the Tigers' third duo to do so in the same season. Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson achieved the feat in 2019 after Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry were the first pair to pull it off in 2013.
Kiper Writes:
"With Gabe Davis likely to sign elsewhere in free agency, the Bills have to find a No. 2 wideout this offseason. The draft might be their best opportunity to do that. There might be six or seven receivers taken in Round 1 in April. Thomas, who played mostly outside receiver for the Tigers, caught 68 passes for 1,177 yards and led the FBS with 17 touchdowns in 2023. At 6-4, he has a stellar combo of size and speed. He also has great hands. The best way to take Buffalo's offense to a new level is with an upgrade on the other side of Stefon Diggs."
