The Buffalo Bills have picked late in the NFL Draft in each of the last three seasons, a result of playoff runs that fell just short of the Super Bowl. With the 2023 NFL Draft approaching, the Bills could reportedly be eyeing a deal to move up that might put them over the top.
Buffalo, currently holding the 27th overall pick, isn’t in a favorable spot with the draft night approach. A majority of the projected impact players will likely be off the board, especially at positions of need for the team.
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The Bills also no longer have the luxury of spending heavily in NFL free agency, because quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs are two of the highest-paid NFL players. Because of that, it puts even more pressure on the front office to find immediate contributors in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
If the Bills cling to the 27th pick, many of the top players on both sides of the ball will be long gone. It’s exactly why, at a time when the AFC East is rapidly improving, the team is reportedly exploring scenarios to move up in the first round.
According to Matt Miller of ESPN, it’s very possible Buffalo moves up in the first round with general manager Brandon Beane reportedly targeting an offensive lineman or a playmaker to help improve the scoring output next season.
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The targeted positions should come as no surprise. Buffalo’s offensive line was a significant weakness late in the season, especially in the playoffs. Already under frequent pressure, Allen also encountered issues with Diggs facing double coverage and the other Bills’ receivers struggling to create separation and make themselves open.
While Beane made a few marginal additions in free agency to add depth to the roster, it’s evident the front office wants to do more. With that in mind, here are three potential players Buffalo could be targeting.
Identifying 3 potential Buffalo Bills draft targets
While there is room for Buffalo’s defense to improve, with linebacker and safety standing out as long-term needs, Beane’s focus seems to be on the offense. Creating better pass protection and surrounding Allen with a stronger supporting cast should be a priority.
- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: If not for the NFL completely devaluing the running back position, Robinson would be a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He is the best prospect at his position to enter the league since Saquon Barkley. Unlike Barkley, he’s more well-rounded and less dependent on explosive runs. Robinson would complete Buffalo’s offense, providing it with an All-Pro runner who could also make big plays as a receiver. Because running backs have lost some value to the NFL, the Bills might only have to trade up a handful of spots to snag Robinson in the first round.
- Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern: If the Bills are focused on improving their interior offensive line, there isn’t a clear guard worth making a big move up the draft order for. However, there is one possible alternative. Peter Skoronski played left tackle at Northwestern, but some in the NFL believe his arms are too short to stick at offensive tackle. If that’s the case and multiple teams identify him as a guard, he could slip outside the top-14 picks. If a draft-day slide happens, he would be a perfect trade-up candidate for Buffalo and he’d start immediately, offering the upside to develop into a Pro Bowl guard.
- Jordan Addison, WR, USC: Buffalo could be targeting a variety of options at wide receiver, with Jordan Addison, Quentin Johnston and Zay Flowers among the possibilities. We’re spotlighting Addison, who didn’t test great athletically but is one of the most polished wide receiver prospects to enter the NFL Draft in the past two seasons. He would be the perfect No. 2 receiver for Allen and the addition could add a much-needed spark for a passing attack that became stagnant late last season.
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