As Super Bowl week unfolds, the Buffalo Bills find themselves focusing on the upcoming NFL Draft rather than preparing for a game. With cap constraints adding urgency, General Manager Brandon Beane emphasizes the need to make strategic selections based on the team’s requirements. This year’s draft, slated for April, holds significant importance for the Bills’ contention status, compelling them to prioritize positional needs over a best player available approach.
Beane’s commitment to successful drafting has been evident, exemplified by last year’s picks during the Kansas City draft. The selection of offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence and tight end Dalton Kincaid addressed specific needs, resulting in impactful contributions. Kincaid’s impressive rookie season with 73 receptions and Torrence’s reliability on every offensive snap contributed to the Bills securing an AFC East championship for the fourth consecutive year.
In 2024, the Bills face two pressing needs, aiming to strengthen their receiving corps and the interior of the defensive line. Stefon Diggs remains a reliable force, but the depth chart lacks a consistent option beyond WR2 Gabe Davis, potentially too expensive to retain in free agency. The team seeks a downfield threat to complement quarterback Josh Allen’s arm strength. Prospects like Ladd McConkey, Troy Franklin, and Keon Coleman emerge as viable candidates for the Bills’ No. 28 overall pick.
On the defensive front, the Bills face a shortage of bodies, especially at defensive tackle. With only Ed Oliver contracted through 2024, addressing the interior becomes a priority. While AJ Epenesa and Leonard Floyd are free agents on the outside, focusing on the interior aligns with the roster’s current dynamics, with rookies Greg Rousseau and well-paid veteran Von Miller in the mix.
Potential first-round targets Jer’Zhan Newton and Leonard Taylor may be off the board, but T’Vondre Sweat, Kris Jenkins, and Braden Fiske emerge as realistic late second-round possibilities to bolster the defensive line.
Beane emphasizes the league’s quarterback-centric nature, expressing confidence in Josh Allen. However, he underscores the need for a strengthened supporting cast. As the draft approaches, the Bills aim to secure the pieces that will fortify their position as Super Bowl contenders, acknowledging the pivotal role of strategic drafting in navigating salary cap challenges.
