Bills Draft 'Top-Tier' WR Quentin Johnston in Final McShay Mock
The 2023 NFL Draft is finally upon us, which means several analysts are pumping out their final mock drafts and waiting to see just how accurately they can predict the first round.
Of course, the further you get into the first round the harder it is to predict who will be available and what teams in the back of the draft will do. This is true especially for the Buffalo Bills, who have multiple directions they could go when they're finally on the clock.
They've been linked to running backs in Texas' Bijan Robinson and Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs, a linebacker replacement for the loss of Tremaine Edmunds and even a potential trade of the pick, depending on how the board falls.
In Todd McShay's final ESPN mock draft, though, the Bills stay put at No. 27 overall and add an offensive weapon - but not at the running back position. Rather, they land TCU receiver Quentin Johnston.
"Maybe Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs comes to Buffalo?" McShay wrote. "Perhaps the Bills reach to fill the void at linebacker? Maybe there's a trade down the board that would make sense?
"I could see any of those options, but to maximize Josh Allen and take some pressure off Stefon Diggs, Buffalo could use another top-tier receiver -- especially with Gabe Davis entering a contract year."
Johnston is a pick that the Bills have been mocked to before, and there is a lot to like about his possible addition to Buffalo's offense. His final season in Fort Worth saw Johnston bring in 60 receptions for 1,069 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Not only would it give the Bills and Josh Allen a third elite receiver alongside Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, but they could also open up future moves. Davis is entering a contract year, and if Johnston excels as a rookie, Buffalo might find it easier to let Davis walk next offseason.
Buffalo is one of the more intriguing teams to follow in the first round simply due to the plethora of options available with its pick. Should the Bills stand pat at No. 27, however, bringing in Johnston could be a move that further unlocks their offense.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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