2024 WR Draft Class

[OldTimer1960]

57 minutes ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

How much did Jefferson weigh when he was drafted?  He’s 6’1 and listed at 203.  He looks thinner to me and is a little slower thank Franklin

 

I really like AD Mitchell as well.  He seems like a pro ready player who has very good route running and contested catch skills.  Will be interesting to see his 40 time. He’s made big plays in big games.  Is 6’4 and can add to his frame. Would like to see more YAC from him though

I don’t dislike Mitchell, but be aware that he benefited from defenses having to deal with him, X. Worthy and their TE Ja’tavian Sanders who will likely be a 2nd round pick.  They also had probably the top RB in the draft in Brooks. That’s a lot of stress on a defense and likely stretched them too thin.

52 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I think Tez will go round 3 at the earliest. 

I agree.  He does have good size and great speed, but is really raw as a route runner and I’m not sure his hands are the greatest.

[Warriorspikes51]

 

[BillsFanForever19]

2 hours ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

 

 

"He's not a boundary WR"... then why even bother talking about him for us in the early Rounds?

[Aussie Joe]

2 hours ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

 

I was watching this guy (Helmkamp) yesterday on Cover 1  talking about the WR class.. he wasn’t a big fan of BTJ ( one trick pony) … but loved Franklin and Worthy at 28 ..

 

Was talking about Corley in the second if they go DL in the first … raved about the guy but seemed to be more referencing his toughness and blocking and how he was a “Buffalo guy the fans would love “ but  didn’t discuss his WR skills all that much…

[starrymessenger]

19 hours ago, Solomon Grundy said:

Mitchell game is similar to Diggs, IMO. The Bills still need "Smoke Brown" or "Metcalf"

I think we need two guys but with the depth of this class I don't think we need to focus on players who have demonstrated a predominately single desirable trait. We certainly could use a big boundary receiver who is legit as a vertical threat. I think A. Mitchell gives you that even if he's not Troy Franklin or Thomas. Thing is he gives you more. He's quite capable of making plays on mid-field crossing routes and even slants. While there is room for improvement in his route running (which is normal coming out of just about any college programme) it's more a matter of detail and coaching as he has clearly shown that he has the makings of a good route runner and has the size and inclination to be a good blocker too. He takes pride in his blocking. That stuff is as important as catching the football at the next level and it has to be considered when evaluating all of these guys. And Mitchell is a dog who shows his best in big games. Strong, reliable hands (I think Franklin has 8 or 9 drops last year). I think Mitchell acclimates to the pro game enuf to be a contributor in his first year.

The class is deep enough so that I'd look for similar traits in a third or fourth round pick. Again I want a guy who can be used to attack the field on all three levels, who can therefore run routes or can learn to run them. If a guy like J. Polk is still hanging around in the third I could easily see a move up, maybe a pretty aggressive one. Or if the Bills want a more developmental guy in say round 4 Cornelius Johnson from Michigan might be a good get (though again a move up would likely be required). 
Im against drafting a one trick pony who just runs go routes. Long learning curve and too bust risky imo. 

Edited February 28 by starrymessenger

[Dr. Who]

1 hour ago, starrymessenger said:

I think we need two guys but with the depth of this class I don't think we need to focus on players who have demonstrated a predominately single desirable trait. We certainly could use a big boundary receiver who is legit as a vertical threat. I think A. Mitchell gives you that even if he's not Troy Franklin or Thomas. Thing is he gives you more. He's quite capable of making plays on mid-field crossing routes and even slants. While there is room for improvement in his route running (which is normal coming out of just about any college programme) it's more a matter of detail and coaching as he has clearly shown that he has the makings of a good route runner and has the size and inclination to be a good blocker too. He takes pride in his blocking. That stuff is as important as catching the football at the next level and it has to be considered when evaluating all of these guys. And Mitchell is a dog who shows his best in big games. Strong, reliable hands (I think Franklin has 8 or 9 drops last year). I think Mitchell acclimates to the pro game enuf to be a contributor in his first year.

The class is deep enough so that I'd look for similar traits in a third or fourth round pick. Again I want a guy who can be used to attack the field on all three levels, who can therefore run routes or can learn to run them. If a guy like J. Polk is still hanging around in the third I could easily see a move up, maybe a pretty aggressive one. Or if the Bills want a more developmental guy in say round 4 Cornelius Johnson from Michigan might be a good get (though again a move up would likely be required). 
Im against drafting a one trick pony who just runs go routes. Long learning curve and too bust risky imo. 

I do think Mitchell is more in play than many here may suspect. I'd still prefer someone with more speed, but he has some good traits.

[GunnerBill]

2 hours ago, Aussie Joe said:

I was watching this guy (Helmkamp) yesterday on Cover 1  talking about the WR class.. he wasn’t a big fan of BTJ ( one trick pony) … but loved Franklin and Worthy at 28 ..

 

 

Yea BTJ is an ultimate one trick pony to my eye. But then so was (and is) DK Metcalf. When that one trick is winning vertically up the field it is worth having. But you need a compliment. The Bills have one right now in Diggs - the Seahawks had Lockett - but once Stef ages out you'd need to maintain that high level intermediate option to maximise BTJ's effectiveness IMO.

[DCOrange]

8 hours ago, DCOrange said:

I decided to revisit a few WRs (and am planning to take a look at Isaiah Williams and Jacob Cowing, but they both seem to be slot guys) as more All 22 film was added to the catalog. Only through Xavier Worthy so far. I really wanted to take another look at him because I was a ton lower than consensus on him. On my revisit, I do think I was probably a bit harsh/not giving him enough credit for his speed and deceleration. While I think he needs refinement, he is physically capable of running a more varied route tree than most of the class. Having said that, I still think between how physically weak he is, how susceptible he is to being pushed around, and how poor his effort level is, there's a lot of red flags. I also don't think he's as dynamic after the catch as I hoped given his athleticism; his contact balance and elusiveness don't stand out. Lastly, if Buffalo wants to replace Gabe with another WR that can be on the field at all times due to his blocking ability, Worthy simply shouldn't be a consideration. He's more likely to help the defense tackle the RB than to actually deter them in any way.

 

As I said, I do think I shortchanged the physical traits. I've bumped his film grade up to a late 4th round grade, which combined with his metrics results in an early 4th round grade. While this is definitely an improvement, it feels like he'll still be drafted far earlier than I'd personally be comfortable with.

I revisited Adonai Mitchell and Brian Thomas today as well. I don't think anything in particular jumped out to make me change my grade on either. So I remain with a mid-1st grade on Thomas' film and factoring in metrics, a mid-2nd round grade. I remain with a late-2nd grade on Mitchell's film and factoring in metrics, he gets moved down to an early 4th. I would tend to stick with the film grades for where I would draft these guys; the metrics is more just for fun to see if it ends up being more accurate that way.

 

One thing in particular I looked for with Mitchell was the way he catches the ball after Steve Smith said that he body catches it 90% of the time. I did not see that at all personally. I do think Mitchell struggles in contested/high pointing situations more than you'd think given his build, but he's absolutely a hands catcher and his hands are quite good.

[Ya Digg?]

2 hours ago, Aussie Joe said:

I was watching this guy (Helmkamp) yesterday on Cover 1  talking about the WR class.. he wasn’t a big fan of BTJ ( one trick pony) … but loved Franklin and Worthy at 28 ..

 

Was talking about Corley in the second if they go DL in the first … raved about the guy but seemed to be more referencing his toughness and blocking and how he was a “Buffalo guy the fans would love “ but  didn’t discuss his WR skills all that much…

Awesome, another WR whose best attribute is blocking…can we find WRs who catch better than they block?!?!

[Buffalo_Stampede]

Im sticking with Xavier Worthy so far. Just has juice.

[Augie]

3 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

"He's not a boundary WR"... then why even bother talking about him for us in the early Rounds?

 

Somebody CLICKED!   😋

[Aussie Joe]

33 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Yea BTJ is an ultimate one trick pony to my eye. But then so was (and is) DK Metcalf. When that one trick is winning vertically up the field it is worth having. But you need a compliment. The Bills have one right now in Diggs - the Seahawks had Lockett - but once Stef ages out you'd need to maintain that high level intermediate option to maximise BTJ's effectiveness IMO.

The difference is that Metcalf has already done it in the NFL … he also went about 40-50 spots lower than what BTJ is expected to go…

[John from Riverside]

3 hours ago, Aussie Joe said:

I was watching this guy (Helmkamp) yesterday on Cover 1  talking about the WR class.. he wasn’t a big fan of BTJ ( one trick pony) … but loved Franklin and Worthy at 28 ..

 

Was talking about Corley in the second if they go DL in the first … raved about the guy but seemed to be more referencing his toughness and blocking and how he was a “Buffalo guy the fans would love “ but  didn’t discuss his WR skills all that much…

For the record, Steve Smith loves this guy

[Augie]

1 minute ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

Im sticking with Xavier Worthy so far. Just has juice.

 

Well, I don’t see The Juice Stand sign coming back. 

 

[Warriorspikes51]

7 minutes ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

Im sticking with Xavier Worthy so far. Just has juice.

I’m sticking with Troy Franklin as of now. I think him showing QB friendly play / high IQ when plays break down to find open spaces is something that pairs great with Josh. I think he’s an underrated route runner and the speed is lethal.  
 

His combine testing with the bench press will be really interesting. 40 time too of course

 

it’s a coin flip for me whether I’d rather have Thomas or Franklin.  I think Franklin is more likely to be available at 28…or at least within 5-6 picks of us. Thomas could go top 20 IMO

 

12 minutes ago, Ya Digg? said:

Awesome, another WR whose best attribute is blocking…can we find WRs who catch better than they block?!?!

Corley “YAC KING” eats up yards on short passes with his physicality and competitiveness.  Kind of like a Deebo type but more physical 

Edited February 28 by Warriorspikes51

[BillsFanForever19]

4 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

Somebody CLICKED!   😋

 

He's a True Slot WR. Even Steve Smith who was raving about him said "you don't take him from what he was doing in College and expect to stick him Outside".

 

So with that said, what sense does it make to take a player that would be removing Khalil Shakir or Dalton Kincaid from the field when we're specifically looking for a guy to replace Gabe Davis on the boundary? Malachi Corley doesn't do that. Draft him and you still have the hole on the Outside we're specifically Drafting a WR to fill.

[Buffalo_Stampede]

6 minutes ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

I’m sticking with Troy Franklin as of now. I think him showing QB friendly play / high IQ when plays break down to find open spaces is something that pairs great with Josh. I think he’s an underrated route runner and the speed is lethal.  
 

His combine testing with the bench press will be really interesting. 40 time too of course

Here’s where I am with Franklin. He’s going to go top 25. His metrics are too good. Good Height and speed. Route running. I don’t even think we’ll get a shot at him unless we trade up.

Edited February 28 by Buffalo_Stampede

[Buffalo_Stampede]

I think the Bills will take 2 different types of WRs this draft. A true X WR and a WR that excels after the catch. Both will likely have speed.

[BillsFanForever19]

First player to say he's met with the Bills and it's a 1st Round DT

 

 

[Warriorspikes51]

Just now, BillsFanForever19 said:

First player to say he's met with the Bills and it's a 1st Round DT

 

 

he won’t be available.  I must say the thought of getting him & Sweat to continue their dominance here with Ed & I assume DQ would be pretty cool.  
 

 

[starrymessenger]

49 minutes ago, DCOrange said:

I revisited Adonai Mitchell and Brian Thomas today as well. I don't think anything in particular jumped out to make me change my grade on either. So I remain with a mid-1st grade on Thomas' film and factoring in metrics, a mid-2nd round grade. I remain with a late-2nd grade on Mitchell's film and factoring in metrics, he gets moved down to an early 4th. I would tend to stick with the film grades for where I would draft these guys; the metrics is more just for fun to see if it ends up being more accurate that way.

 

One thing in particular I looked for with Mitchell was the way he catches the ball after Steve Smith said that he body catches it 90% of the time. I did not see that at all personally. I do think Mitchell struggles in contested/high pointing situations more than you'd think given his build, but he's absolutely a hands catcher and his hands are quite good.

In a number of instances Mitchell holds his hands close to his body. But he still uses his hands to catch. For that reason I (reluctantly) disagreed with Smith. Add to that the fact that there is also plenty of tape of him catching with full extension.

Despite the criticism Mitchell is in Smith's top five. High praise given the class.

[starrymessenger]

1 hour ago, Dr. Who said:

I do think Mitchell is more in play than many here may suspect. I'd still prefer someone with more speed, but he has some good traits.

Mitchell is absolutely a downfield threat but I would look for more pure speed from the second receiver I'd want them to come away with. Could be a later round pick or a FA (like Mooney, assuming they are wrong about his commanding 10+ per. Six or seven would be more reasonable). 

Edited February 29 by starrymessenger

[BillsFanForever19]

3 minutes ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

he won’t be available.  I must say the thought of getting him & Sweat to continue their dominance here with Ed & I assume DQ would be pretty cool.  

 

I don't think he will be either. But it does show that they are doing their homework on 1st Round Defensive Lineman prospects with the amount of meetings we're allocated to.

[Buffalo_Stampede]

Just now, starrymessenger said:

Mitchell is absolutely a downfield threat but I would look for more pure speed from the second receiver I'd want them to come away with. Could be a later round pick or a FA (like Mooney, assuming they are wrong about his commending 10+ per. Six or seven would be more reasonable). 

Replacing Gabe will likely be someone bigger that can play the X WR role. Then there’s replacing Diggs in a year. 2 different types of WRs. 

[BillsFanForever19]

1 minute ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

Replacing Gabe will likely be someone bigger that can play the X WR role. Then there’s replacing Diggs in a year. 2 different types of WRs. 

 

Yet your guy is Xavier Worthy?

[Buffalo_Stampede]

2 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

Yet your guy is Xavier Worthy?

He’d be replacing Diggs.

[starrymessenger]

2 minutes ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

Replacing Gabe will likely be someone bigger that can play the X WR role. Then there’s replacing Diggs in a year. 2 different types of WRs. 

Mitchell can for sure line up on the line and on the boundary. Thing is he's actually versatile, which means he can also run other than vertical routes. I see that as a good thing even if other guys can function underneath. He's also a good blocker and most analysts expect him to add 15-20 lbs. 

[Warriorspikes51]

Just now, Buffalo_Stampede said:

He’d be replacing Diggs.

If Diggs is still on the roster come St.Patrick’s day, he isn’t being traded

 

regardless of him being here or not, I want 2 WR’s at minimum drafted. Preferably both before Round 3 ends

[Aussie Joe]

2 minutes ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

If Diggs is still on the roster come St.Patrick’s day, he isn’t being traded

 

regardless of him being here or not, I want 2 WR’s at minimum drafted. Preferably both before Round 3 ends

You might want that .. but it’s unlikely to happen…( 2 before end of Round 3) 

 

Edited February 29 by Aussie Joe

[Warriorspikes51]

Just now, Aussie Joe said:

You might want that .. but it’s unlikely to happen…

All things being equal, I’d rather keep Diggs. I’m just skeptical of his actual relationship with the Bills and Allen. I also didn’t care for how he was used the last half dozen games. Why not utilize his strengths more? Joe Brady better get that right

[Aussie Joe]

Just now, Warriorspikes51 said:

All things being equal, I’d rather keep Diggs. I’m just skeptical of his actual relationship with the Bills and Allen. I also didn’t care for how he was used the last half dozen games. Why not utilize his strengths more? Joe Brady better get that right

I think Diggs is 99 percent here in 2024…not even worth considering otherwise as they are handcuffed to him …

 

I was referring to you wanting two WR in the top 3 picks … seems a bit of a waste with them wanting to play more 12 and with Shakir and I think they get a cheap guy in FA as well…

 

Take another guy Day 3 sure …

[Buffalo_Stampede]

2 minutes ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

If Diggs is still on the roster come St.Patrick’s day, he isn’t being traded

 

regardless of him being here or not, I want 2 WR’s at minimum drafted. Preferably both before Round 3 ends

I think they’ll draft 2 pretty early.

I think the Bills should line Diggs up more in the slot next year anyway. 
 

I was a big fan of Tank Dell last year. I see Worthy as a better version of Tank Dell.

 

[Warriorspikes51]

3 minutes ago, Aussie Joe said:

I think Diggs is 99 percent here in 2024…not even worth considering otherwise as they are handcuffed to him …

 

I was referring to you wanting two WR in the top 3 picks … seems a bit of a waste with them wanting to play more 12 and with Shakir and I think they get a cheap guy in FA as well…

 

Take another guy Day 3 sure …

Diggs

_______
_______

Shakir - slot

 

Harty? (Possible cut)
Shorter? (Who knows) 

 

You’re currently looking at 2 WR’s on the active roster that will for sure dress on gameday

we should at least be adding a player like Curtis Samuel + drafting 2 

 

 

Edited February 29 by Warriorspikes51

[Buffalo_Stampede]

2 minutes ago, Aussie Joe said:

I think Diggs is 99 percent here in 2024…not even worth considering otherwise as they are handcuffed to him …

 

I was referring to you wanting two WR in the top 3 picks … seems a bit of a waste with them wanting to play more 12 and with Shakir and I think they get a cheap guy in FA as well…

 

Take another guy Day 3 sure …

Hopefully 12 is over, at least as a base offense. Garbage.

[Warriorspikes51]

4 minutes ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

Hopefully 12 is over, at least as a base offense. Garbage.

I agree.  I want to see way more 11 & 10

 

Kincaid can be a “Flex WR” in either package

 

Allen was unstoppable with Diggs, Brown, Beasley   + Sanders 

Edited February 29 by Warriorspikes51

[Aussie Joe]

17 minutes ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Diggs

_______
_______

Shakir - slot

 

Harty? (Possible cut)
Shorter? (Who knows) 

 

You’re currently looking at 2 WR’s on the active roster that will for sure dress on gameday

we should at least be adding a player like Curtis Samuel + drafting 2 

 

 

We have no idea what Shorter brings to the table … can he be an upgrade on Sherfield’s 11 catches ? it’s not outrageous to suggest he can 

 

I think between the high draft pick ( Rounds 1-2) and the FA they can improve on Davis and Harty’s production…this would be the hope anyway …

 

I also want Shakir to get more opportunities and I’m sure they are going to play Knox and Kincaid plenty as well  … 

 

Room for a guy in the  3rd Round guy as well? 
 

 

 

 

Edited February 29 by Aussie Joe

[BillsFanForever19]

33 minutes ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

He’d be replacing Diggs.

 

Yeah, but we won't be replacing Diggs this year. And we have to replace Davis this year. So..... ?

 

And with the way Beane talked about not wanting big dead cap hits, it's not a guarantee he'll want to get rid of Diggs next year either. Especially if, finally given a quality WR opposite him that can roll less coverage his way, he has a really good season.

 

Worthy is going to cost at least a mid 2nd Round Pick, if not our 1st. And we'll be using that to fill the hole at WR2 this season. Not a potential hole at WR1 next season.

 

At most I see us grabbing a guy to replace Davis in Round 1 and then doubling down in mid Rounds to bolster our core to a point where if we do have to move on from Diggs next year, we hopefully have two solid guys for the future. And if he has to next season and both guys don't work out, we'll Draft another guy in 2025 for that role or sign a guy when we're actually in halfway decent shape cap wise.

 

But I don't see a scenario where Beane is focusing on replacing Diggs this season. I don't believe he's sure he's going to right now.

 

19 minutes ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

I think they’ll draft 2 pretty early.

I think the Bills should line Diggs up more in the slot next year anyway. 
 

I was a big fan of Tank Dell last year. I see Worthy as a better version of Tank Dell.

 

 

I see the best case scenario for WR in the Draft being 1 in Round 1 and another at the bottom of Round 3 or top of Round 4, in a trade up from 4. 

 

I don't see him doing 2 in the first 3 picks and I really don't see 2 in the first 2 picks.

 

And maybe they do line up Diggs in the slot a little more. But he's going to be on the perimeter WAY more often than not. We have two very good slots in Shakir and Kincaid. We don't have the Outside guys to take one of them off the field and stick someone else on the Outside.

Edited February 29 by BillsFanForever19

[BillsFanForever19]

20 minutes ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

Diggs

_______
_______

Shakir - slot

 

Harty? (Possible cut)
Shorter? (Who knows) 

 

You’re currently looking at 2 WR’s on the active roster that will for sure dress on gameday

we should at least be adding a player like Curtis Samuel + drafting 2 

 

Hey, now you're cooking with your feet on the ground, WarriorSpikes!

 

Curtis Samuel to me is the top end of something we can feasibly do in FA. Take him, put him with Diggs, a 1st Round Pick, and a double down later - to go with Shakir and Kincaid and we got something.

 

Diggs

(Round 1 or Trade up from Round 2)

Shakir (Slot)

Samuel (or likewise FA)

(Round 4 - Possible trade up into 3)

Shorter

 

That's how I see it playing out this year.

[Buffalo_Stampede]

19 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

Yeah, but we won't be replacing Diggs this year. And we have to replace Davis this year. So..... ?

 

And with the way Beane talked about not wanting big dead cap hits, it's not a guarantee he'll want to get rid of Diggs next year either. Especially if, finally given a quality WR opposite him that can roll less coverage his way, he has a really good season.

 

Worthy is going to cost at least a mid 2nd Round Pick, if not our 1st. And we'll be using that to fill the hole at WR2 this season. Not a potential hole at WR1 next season.

 

At most I see us grabbing a guy to replace Davis in Round 1 and then doubling down in mid Rounds to bolster our core to a point where if we do have to move on from Diggs next year, we hopefully have two solid guys for the future. And if he has to next season and both guys don't work out, we'll Draft another guy in 2025 for that role or sign a guy when we're actually in halfway decent shape cap wise.

 

But I don't see a scenario where Beane is focusing on replacing Diggs this season. I don't believe he's sure he's going to right now.

 

 

I see the best case scenario for WR in the Draft being 1 in Round 1 and another at the bottom of Round 3 or top of Round 4, in a trade up from 4. 

 

I don't see him doing 2 in the first 3 picks and I really don't see 2 in the first 2 picks.

 

And maybe they do line up Diggs in the slot a little more. But he's going to be on the perimeter WAY more often than not. We have two very good slots in Shakir and Kincaid. We don't have the Outside guys to take one of them off the field and stick someone else on the Outside.

We have to remember what the goal at WR is. It’s to find a WR1, not replace Gabe Davis. 

 

Let’s say their 1st round WR isn’t immediately a starter, let’s not go crazy. Maybe he plays 40-50% of the snaps in multiple WR positions. Lets not get upset.

 

They could replace Gabe in free agency.

Edited February 29 by Buffalo_Stampede

[Solomon Grundy]

1 hour ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

I think they’ll draft 2 pretty early.

I think the Bills should line Diggs up more in the slot next year anyway. 
 

I was a big fan of Tank Dell last year. I see Worthy as a better version of Tank Dell.

 

Tank Dell was injured during critical part of the season. I'd like a more physical WR that can contribute the entire season. One that can take the NFL punishment

Edited February 29 by Solomon Grundy