Plans to Include a “Ultra Explosive” Receiver in the Offense
The Buffalo Bills haven’t selected a wide receiver with a first-round choice in a full ten years, and one insider predicts that will change this year.
The Bills’ wide receiving group was inconsistent, with backup wide receiver Stefon Diggs experiencing a slump in the latter part of the season and making patchy contributions. Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports thinks the Bills will make a significant investment in the position this offseason by using their first-round choice on a quick receiver who can add a much-needed element to the offense, with No. 2 out Gabe Davis set to enter free agency.
Bills Take A Standout in Oregon
Troy Franklin, a 6-foot-3 target with the capacity to make big plays, is an Oregon receiver that Trapasso projected the Bills will select with their No. 28 overall pick.
According to Trapasso, Franklin is a tall speedster who improved his stats each of his three seasons at Oregon. “His game also has some after-the-catch juice.” Just what the Bills’ offensive line needs.
Buffalo’s offense has been lacking in yards after the catch in recent years, but Bills general manager Brandon Beane has underlined the need to add guys who can produce those yards. By adding the quick Deonte Harty in the offseason, the team tried to add that element to the attack, but Harty ultimately had a minimal impact on it.
Others think Franklin would be reachable, but the Bills won’t be able to choose top receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze unless they make a big trade to move up the board in the first round. In his mock draft on January 19, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah projected that the “ultra explosive” wide receiver will be selected by the Baltimore Ravens at No. 30, two picks behind the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills would have to make a significant financial commitment to get Franklin, who is a rare first-round pick. The last time the Bills selected a wide receiver in the first round was when they acquired Sammy Watkins in 2014 by trading up to the No. 4 overall pick.
Bills May Include Additional Offenses
Though there are differing views on the specific wide receiver the Bills might select, many insiders concur that they will select a wide receiver with their first-round pick. Luke Easterling of SI.com projected that the Bills would select wide receiver Xavier Legette out of South Carolina, adding to Diggs’ arsenal with another potent danger.
Easterling stated, “Josh Allen needs more juice from the rest of his receiver group, but Stefon Diggs is still one of the best route runners in the league.” “Legette has exceptional speed to go along with his impressive frame, making opposing defenders look silly as he leaves them in the dust after the catch. He has the physicality you’d expect from a 6-1, 227-pound receiver.”
In his mock draft, Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News projected that the Bills would select Brian Thomas Jr., a receiver out of LSU, because he could develop into a top receiver who could eventually replace Diggs.
The Bills will probably select a game-changing receiver in the draft if they decide to make an addition. Beane has previously issued a warning, stating that the team will not be making any major free agent acquisitions this offseason due to a severe cap shortage.
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