In his most recent two-round mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Bills selecting LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with the 28th overall pick, which is an excellent choice for Buffalo.
“Thomas was an incredible vertical threat for [LSU quarterback] Jayden Daniels last season, leading the country in touchdown catches with 17, 10 of which came on go routes or fades,” Kiper stated in an email. “He ran an impressive 4.33-second 40 at the combine. He has the potential to be a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver, something quarterback Josh Allen desperately needs.
The Bills need depth at receiver. They recently traded four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. Gabe Davis, who finished second on the club in touchdown catches last season (seven in 17 games), inked a three-year, $39 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.
Buffalo signed wide receivers Mack Hollins and Curtis Samuel this offseason, but neither will surpass 1,000 receiving yards in 2023. Clearly, the Bills should pursue a talented receiver like Thomas. NFL.com draft expert Daniel Jeremiah ranks the 21-year-old as the fifth-best wide receiver in this year’s draft class.
“Due to his size [6-foot-3, 209 pounds], leaping ability, and ball abilities, he has a very broad catch radius. Jeremiah noted, “After the catch, he has some wiggle to make defenders miss, as well as home run speed.” “Overall, Thomas is a big-play machine and has the upside to develop into a No. 1 receiver for his drafting team.”
According to Tankathon forecasts, the Jacksonville Jaguars will select Thomas with the 17th overall choice. However, the Bills should consider trading up in the draft to get him.
Buffalo’s Super Bowl window may close with the Diggs trade. To avoid this, the Bills must sign a young wide receiver who can thrive with Allen.
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