Rumor: Bills Drafting Quentin Johnston as 'Ideal Replacement' for Gabe Davis?
The 2023 NFL Draft is now only two days away, and the Buffalo Bills' draft plans appear to be growing clear.
League insiders have consistently pegged a receiver to the Bills at No. 27 overall, though the specific target has varied, with North Carolina's Josh Downs and Tennessee's Jalin Hyatt both being mentioned in recent days.
But SI's Albert Breer introduced another name to the conversation in his league-sourced column, once more stressing the idea that Buffalo will draft a pass catcher on Thursday night.
"The Bills will be able to look at needs for 2024 here, and receiver is shaping up to be a big one," Breer writes. "My guess is they will not be able to afford to keep Gabe Davis, and TCU’s Quentin Johnston, should he slide this far, could be an ideal replacement for him on the outside."
Davis, who earned the nickname "Big Game Gabe" for his stellar playoff performances, had 48 receptions for 836 yards and seven scores for Buffalo this past season - but is set to play out the final year of his rookie contract.
On paper, Johnston is a natural fit to slide into the role currently held by Davis; each player stands 6-2 and around 210 pounds while possessing the ability to stretch defenses vertically.
The 21-year-old Johnston is fresh off a 60-catch, 1,069-yard, six-touchdown season in which he was the highest-touted player on a Horned Frogs team that made the national championship game.
Due to his physical traits, Johnston carries quite a bit of intrigue and is far from a guarantee to be available when Buffalo's on the clock - but still, per Breer, receiver trumps other needs on the Bills' draft board.
"The safety and linebacker needs—with Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer getting older, and Tremaine Edmunds gone—could be addressed on Day 2 of the draft," Breer writes.
As such, signs continue to point towards the Bills giving quarterback Josh Allen some additional help on the perimeter ... while staying one step ahead of a potential need next offseason.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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