As the NFL Draft approaches, the Buffalo Bills are at a critical juncture, poised to make strategic moves that could reshape their roster for the upcoming season. While free agency may have settled down, the team, led by general manager Brandon Beane, still has plenty of work to do. After making notable acquisitions, including defensive line reinforcements like Joey Bosa, Michael Hoecht, and Larry Ogunjobi, the question on the table now is whether the Bills should go all-in with a blockbuster trade before or during the draft.
What’s Next for the Buffalo Bills’ Roster?
Free agency may have mostly passed, but Beane’s work isn’t done yet. The Bills have filled key holes, but there are still areas of need, particularly at the defensive game-wrecking edge and speedy outside receiver positions. With the draft less than a month away, the question of whether the Bills will make a big trade is being widely discussed.
Trade Possibilities: A Defensive Playmaker or Offensive Game-Changer?
The Bills have several options to explore, particularly when it comes to making a trade for an established playmaker. One name that stands out is Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson. Known for his impressive 17.5 sacks last season, Hendrickson could be the missing piece Buffalo needs on their defensive line. With an option to play Joey Bosa less than 20 snaps during the regular season, Hendrickson’s addition would allow a potent rotation that would be lethal in the playoffs alongside Greg Rousseau.
However, adding Hendrickson wouldn’t come cheap. The Bengals are reportedly working on a contract extension for the edge rusher, so luring him to Buffalo might be a long shot. If Hendrickson is off the table, the Bills could turn their attention to offensive upgrades, particularly a wide receiver.
While it’s unlikely the New York Jets would trade Garrett Wilson to a divisional rival like the Bills, the idea of adding a star receiver to the offense is undeniably appealing. Another name that could make sense is New Orleans Saints’ Chris Olave, although his concussion history raises concerns. A more interesting prospect could be Minnesota’s Jordan Addison. With the Vikings recently locking up Justin Jefferson, Addison might find himself on the trading block as he enters the final year of his rookie deal.
Could the Bills Go for the Big Play?
There’s another name on the draft radar that could make a splash for the Bills: Texas receiver Matthew Golden. With a 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Golden could offer the kind of speed and big-play potential that Buffalo’s offense needs. However, acquiring Golden would likely require a substantial trade-up into the early 20s, possibly even the late teens of the first round.
But the allure of a game-changing wide receiver, especially one with the ability to stretch the field and open up opportunities for other skill players, is undeniable. As one insider put it, “Golden meets the moment with big plays in big games,” a sentiment that should get fans excited about what he could bring to the Bills’ offense.
Trading Up or Trading for a Star?
If the Bills decide to move up in the draft, the decision on what position to target becomes more complicated. Should they look for a lockdown corner to pair with second-year player Christian Benford, or is it more important to land a game-changing wide receiver like Golden?
The Case for a Lockdown Corner
A cornerback could certainly help address one of the Bills’ key needs. However, many of the top prospects come with concerns about their tackling abilities. The Bills may not want to risk moving up for a corner who isn’t fully polished. The real question is whether the Bills will pull the trigger on a cornerback trade-up when other needs—like pass rushers—might take priority.
The Strong Case for a Wide Receiver
Looking at this year’s draft class, there’s no clear Top 10 wide receiver, but Golden’s potential stands out. He could add the speed and big-play capability that Buffalo’s offense lacks, especially considering his performance at the combine. The fact that he ran a blistering 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine is a significant indicator of his ability to make an immediate impact.
In the draft, the Bills also face the possibility of trading up for a pass rusher, either on the edge or a defensive tackle. Names like Michigan’s Kenneth Grant and Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku are being floated as potential targets for the Bills if they decide to jump up the draft board.
Stefon Diggs: Will Fans Boo More Than Jack Eichel?
As the Bills continue to strategize their roster moves, another storyline looms large: the return of Stefon Diggs. Given the drama surrounding his departure, fans may be curious about how his homecoming to Buffalo will unfold.
Matt’s Take:
While some fans may have expected Diggs to face heavy boos after his highly publicized exit, former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick suggests otherwise. Fitzpatrick believes there will be a “smattering of boos” but points out that Diggs’ contributions to the team, especially his role in unlocking Josh Allen’s potential, should ultimately create more positive memories than negative ones. The interesting part is whether Diggs will even play in the game. With a potential torn ACL in his past, Diggs may not be ready to suit up when the Patriots make their trip to Orchard Park.
A Critical Decision for GM Brandon Beane: DT or WR?
If the Bills do end up sitting at pick No. 30 in the upcoming draft, they’ll be faced with an intriguing choice. Should they go for an elite defensive tackle who could provide much-needed strength in the middle of the defensive line, or should they pick a wide receiver who could elevate Josh Allen’s play and open up opportunities for the offense?
Defensive Tackle vs. Wide Receiver: What’s the Bigger Need?
The defensive tackle class this year is solid, with players like Grant and Oregon’s Derrick Harmon standing out as potential game-changers. The Bills could do well to address the middle of their defensive line with one of these options, especially given how much success defensive pass rushers tend to have in the early rounds. On the other hand, a wide receiver could provide the necessary firepower to elevate the Bills’ offense to the next level.
Ultimately, this will be a difficult decision for GM Beane, but as the draft approaches, one thing is certain: the Buffalo Bills are on the brink of making moves that could change the trajectory of their 2025 season.
Time to Pull the Trigger?
As the draft draws nearer, the Buffalo Bills are in a prime position to make a bold move. Whether it’s trading up to snag a high-impact player, or swinging a deal for a proven star, the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of this talented squad. Beane has shown he’s not afraid to make waves in free agency, and it’s clear that he may be just as aggressive in the draft. The next few weeks could determine whether the Bills can finally put together the roster that takes them all the way to the Super Bowl.