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Trade Up or Stay Put: What Should Bills Do With 1st-Round Pick?

While it may benefit them to stay put, the Buffalo Bills shouldn't shy away from trading up if given the chance to.

The Buffalo Bills will find themselves in an enviable position when they are finally on the clock with the No. 27 overall pick in the draft. Without any glaring holes to fill, they can go several routes with their first-round pick. 

That is, of course, if they stay at No. 27. Recent reports have tabbed the Bills as a team to watch when it comes to trading up in the draft - with offensive lineman or skill player listed as potential picks. 

Of course, the question then becomes whether or not a trade up to get their guy is worth it. With only six total picks in the 2023 draft, a move up the board, depending on how high Buffalo would want to get, would likely also cost future draft capital. 

While this may seem like a risky proposition for most teams, as you don't know where future picks could fall, the Bills are set up to take a risk of that caliber. They have a talented roster, headlined by a franchise quarterback in Josh Allen, and are looking to get over the playoff hump finally. 

If the Bills think a guy like Bijan Robinson or Jordan Addison is the boost they need on offense and they fall into the late teens or early 20's, they should go up to get them if the price is one they can live with.

Not to say that there won't be quality talent there for them to take with the No. 27 overall pick. A first-round pick is a first-round pick and nothing to scoff at. 

Rather, if you are certain about one or two players and they start to slip it is better to make your move for them rather than hope that the teams ahead of you pass on them. 

What the Bills ultimately do is yet to be seen, but they shouldn't shy away from a trade up if the opportunity arises - after all, a Super Bowl trophy lasts forever.


You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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