The Buffalo Bills will be one of the most fascinating teams to watch in the 2024 NFL Draft. After going all-in on Josh Allen’s rookie window, the bill has come due. Allen’s cap number exploded, and the team parted ways with the disgruntled Stefon Diggs earlier in the offseason. With limited financial resources, Buffalo needs to start building through the draft. Fortunately, the team has 10 selections, so they should have the resources to go up and get whoever they want.
However, just because the Bills can trade up doesn’t mean they will. The 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent at the wide receiver, and ESPN’s Jordan Reid suggests that, rather than trading up, the Bills could trade back in the draft and stockpile even more picks.
Today from @Jordan_Reid on Bills draft plans:https://t.co/HvoO85rqnj pic.twitter.com/nNlwxnqLok
— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) April 11, 2024
Buffalo Bills Could Trade Down in 2024 NFL Draft
At first glance, this report is somewhat surprising. Generally speaking, trading back is smart, as the NFL Draft is an inexact science and you’d rather have more shots to hit on a good player. However, the Bills already have 10 selections, so as it is they’ll have a hard time finding a roster spot for all of their draft picks.
With that being said, this report makes more sense when you take a deeper look at the board. Yes, the Bills have 10 picks, but only two of them are in the first three rounds of the draft. Any pick beyond the fifth round is a glorified dart throw, so don’t be surprised if the Bills try to trade their first-round pick and a fifth-round pick for a second-round pick and a third-round pick. This way, they still end up with 10 picks but have higher odds of coming away with at least one quality starter.
Of course, if the Bills want to trade down in the draft, another team must trade up. Fortunately, this is a talented class, and Buffalo should be able to find a suitor.
Possible Trade Partners
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers need to do everything in their power to turn Bryce Young into a franchise quarterback. While the Bills might be content to wait until the second round of the draft to address the receiver position, Carolina should be aggressive in trading up to get their guy. While they’ve already solidified the offensive line and added a reliable receiver in Diontae Johnson, they could use a player with superstar upside. If prospects like Adonai Mitchell or Xavier Worthy are still around when the Bills are on the clock, the Panthers should move up and get their guy.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders will get their quarterback of the future with the second-overall pick. However, if they want that player to stay alive, they’ll prioritize the offensive tackle position with their next pick. Sam Howell took 65 sacks last year, and while he was responsible for a good number of those, the offensive line didn’t do anything to help. If Amarius Mims or Tyler Guyton are on the board when the Bills are on the clock, the Commanders should be willing to trade up and draft their blindside protector of the future.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers need wide receivers and offensive tackles. Fortunately, there should be plenty of both in the back of the first round. If the Chargers stay put at five, they’ll probably select Malik Nabers and try to trade up with the Bills for one of the top tackles in the draft. However, if they trade back from five, they could go after Olu Fashanu and aim for a receiver to pair with Justin Herbert.
Kansas City Chiefs
While most expect the Kansas City Chiefs to go after a wide receiver following the Rashee Rice arrest, they still need to find a cornerback to replace L’Jarius Sneed. The Lions hold the 29th overall pick in the draft, and there is a good chance they’ll use that pick on a cornerback. If someone like Cooper DeJean is still there, Kansas City could jump Detroit and draft a top prospect with the Bills pick.
Green Bay Packers
This will come down to what happens with the 25th overall pick. Green Bay needs a tackle to replace David Bakhtiari, and there should be a few on the board. However, this team could also use some help on the defense, as Joe Barry is gone and new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will want to select players more suited to his scheme.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
