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Bills’ general manager Brandon Beane did some maneuvering during the 2024 NFL draft, trading down twice, to improve the team’s positioning in later rounds. He eventually traded completely out of the first round, but was able to add some intriguing players at needed positions. Here’s the list of players chosen:

Round 2A – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State – a pair of trades took the Bills out of the first round, but with the first pick of round 2 they landed a 6’4 athletic freak to their receiver room. Reportedly a favorite of QB Josh Allen, he has a basketball background and the potential to grow into the # 1 receiver role previously manned by Stefon Diggs.

Round 2B – Cole Bishop, Safety, Utah – with both 2023 starting safeties gone, Beane picks a physical player who is versatile and plays with an edge. Although some analysts pigeon-holed him as strictly a “box safety”, Bishop has shown coverage ability also. He should be given every chance to crack the starting lineup this season.

Round 3 – DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke – Beane’s maneuvers got Buffalo back into the third round after they had previously traded away their pick, and they added to their defensive line rotation depth with Carter, who figures to be Ed Oliver’s backup on the interior line.

Round 4 – Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky – Buffalo’s running back room being a little thin, adding one in the draft was a necessity, but most figured it would be a big, physical, short yardage power back. Davis isn’t big, but at 5’8 and 211 pounds he is plenty physical enough, and also versatile. He’s a terrific receiver, and even led the Wildcats in receiving touchdowns. He might be a perfect complement to James Cook.

Round 5A – Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, C, Georgia – previous starting center Mitch Morse was released as a salary cap casualty, and although there is a plan in place to shift guard Connor McGovern over to center, this was a wise pick as a young replacement will be needed eventually. He was a three year starter for a national championship college program from the SEC, and even has experience blocking for current Bills’ RB James Cook.

Round 5B – Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington – linebacker depth is another need for the team, and this prospect has plenty of experience as a 6 year player at a program that reached the national title game last season. He should also help add to the special teams, where some key past contributors have departed.

Round 5C – Javon Solomon, Edge, Troy – an undersized raw prospect, but his production, 16 sacks last season, can’t be denied. He’ll be able to learn under the mentorship of veteran Von Miller as his career winds down, and hopefully develop into a future major pass rush contributor.

Round 6A – Tylan Grable, OT, Central Florida – he started at left tackle for UCF, so he has experience, but this may be a development project for the future, as he faces stiff competition from veterans in the O line group. Grable looks like he might be destined for the practice squad to begin his career.

Round 6B – Daequan Hardy, CB, Penn State – he’s undersized and his future is probably as a slot corner, where the Bills currently have one of the NFL’s best in Taron Johnson, but even as a late round pick he has the ability to stick around the league, similar to previous Bill’s late round draftee Dane Jackson. His punt return ability is why he stands a good chance of making the 53 man roster in 2024.

Round 7 – Travis Clayton, OG, International Pathway Program – much like their previous signing of RB Christian Wade a few years back, the Bills take a flyer on a rugby player from England who is extremely athletic for a man his size. He ran a 4.8 40 yard dash at the combine, the fastest time in a decade for a line prospect. The pathway program allows the Bills an extra (17th) player on their practice squad, and that has to be the eventual landing spot for this guy, who has never played a down of American football.

GM Beane wasted no time in lining up undrafted free agents after the three day extravaganza in Detroit ended. Some interesting players added are RB Frank Gore Jr. , whose father had a short stint with the Bills, a couple receivers in Xavier Johnson of Ohio State and Lawrence Keys of Tulane, and an offensive lineman with an appropriate name, Keaton Bills of Utah. They also signed punter Jack Browning of San Diego State, the same school that former draftee Matt Araiza attended.

It’s time once again for the NFL draft, and with our 4 man analyst team already having predicted how the first round will go, we turn our attention to the draft roster building predictions of the local heroes, the Buffalo Bills. GM Brandon Beane is faced with the difficult task of replenishing the team after suffering significant losses due to salary cap constraints. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that despite having 10 picks in the draft, 8 of them are day 3 picks in rounds 4-7. An expected compensatory third rounder was inexplicably lowered to the fourth round also. Here are the Rayonsports team’s predictions:

Round 1, pick # 28

Connor Pohlman – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas – the Bills decide that speed is the most important quality they need in their new receiver and pick the player who set the new 40 yard standard at the combine.

Bobby Salami III – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas – Bills fill their glaring need for wide receiver help with a clutch performer known for big plays in big moments.

Scott Prelewicz – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU – probably the best WR prospect after the “big 3” (Harrison Jr., Odunze and Nabers), he is a favorite of the team’s fan base and would be a great weapon for Josh Allen.

Ray Prelewicz – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas – see above.

Round 2, pick # 60

Connor Pohlman – Tyler Nubin, Safety, Minnesota – the best safety available in a weak class, but Nubin is a future starter, and a potential impact player where the Bills need depth.

Bobby Salami III – Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington – BS III has the Bills doubling up on their receiver additions by taking the Huskies’ second best pass catcher, behind top prospect Rome Odunze.

Scott Prelewicz – Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina – like BS III, Scott likes the option of doubling up on receiver help with this high ceiling player.

Ray Prelewicz – Tyler Nubin, Safety, Minnesota – see above.

Round 4A, pick # 128

Connor Pohlman – Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame – the Bills fill a glaring need for a bigger, short yardage power back.

Bobby Salami III – T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas – Bills’ run stuffers on the current roster are aging veterans, so an infusion of youth (and massive size) is a good option.

Scott Prelewicz – Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Safety, Texas Tech – durable safety who led his team in interceptions the last 3 seasons.

Ray Prelewicz – Gabriel Murphy, Edge, UCLA – a polished, versatile and athletic pass rusher who analysts have wildly different ratings about.

Round 4B, pick # 133

Connor Pohlman – Jalyx Hunt, Edge, Houston Baptist – a diamond-in-the-rough pass rusher from a small school is the pick here. GM Brandon Beane does like his dark horse unknown players.

Bobby Salami III – Malik Mustapha, Safety, Wake Forest – safety is a position of need for the Bills and a mid-round player with experience against ACC competition is a solid choice.

Scott Prelewicz – Mohamed Kamara, Edge, Colorado State – another pass rush prospect with a high ceiling that is a solid pick in round 4.

Ray Prelewicz – Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU – an undersized interior defensive lineman who will be a bit of a project but should be an adequate depth piece.

Round 5A, pick 144

Connor Pohlman – Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State – a huge receiver built more like a tight end, he is a big target in the red zone and on 50/50 balls who should help Allen.

Bobby Salami III – Jonah Elliss, Edge, Utah – a high motor edge rusher with a big upside who will need some development at the next level.

Scott Prelewicz – Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB, Louisville – a bit of an undersized cornerback, he will likely transition to a strictly slot corner at the next level. Good player to develop behind Taron Johnson.

Ray Prelewicz – Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State – see above.

Round 5B, pick 160

Connor Pohlman – Kalen King, CB, Penn State – another CB prospect. He lacks big time speed but has excellent instincts and excels in both man and zone coverage.

Bobby Salami III – Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville – another power back option for Beane to consider. He has moved up draft boards recently.

Scott Prelewicz – Christian Jones, OT, Texas – very experienced offensive lineman who has desirable measurables. GM Beane likes to dabble in late round offensive line prospects.

Ray Prelewicz – Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville – see above.

Round 5C, pick # 163

Connor Pohlman – James Williams, Safety, Miami (Fl) – a high end prospect who has dropped into the later rounds, mostly because he’s built like a linebacker.

Bobby Salami III – M.J. Devonshire, CB, Pittsburgh – led the Panthers in interceptions, and is a similar prospect to former Bill Dane Jackson.

Scott Prelewicz – Will Shipley, RB, Clemson – not the power back type most analysts see the Bills going after, but an intriguing option as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Could even be an option as a slot receiver.

Ray Prelewicz – Josh Newton, CB, TCU – a tough competitor who lacks speed but makes up for it with football intelligence.

Round 6A, pick 200

Connor Pohlman – Hunter Nourzad, IOL, Penn State – a versatile offensive lineman who can play all spots, he would be considered firstly as a candidate to play center, where the Bills can use some depth.

Bobby Salami III – Caeden Wallace, OT, Penn State – as a fifth year senior he is an experienced player who played almost exclusively at right tackle for the Nittany Lions.

Scott Prelewicz – Justin Eboigbe, DT, Alabama – strong interior defensive lineman with a high motor who is technically sound and has a good chance to thrive at the next level.

Ray Prelewicz – Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa – another of GM Beane’s favorites – a late round small school prospect with lots of upside.

Round 6B, pick 204

Connor Pohlman – M.J. Devonshire, CB, Pittsburgh – see above.

Bobby Salami III – Erick All, TE, Iowa – tight end is not a position of need for Buffalo but with a late round pick a tight end from Iowa is a really good gamble.

Scott Prelewicz – James Williams, Safety, Miami (Fl) – see above.

Ray Prelewicz – Kitan Oladapo, Safety, Oregon State – his strength is position versatility, which the Bills covet. He can play safety or any of the cornerback spots.

Round 7, pick 248

Connor Pohlman – Fabien Lovett, DT, Florida State – a strong run stuffer with the ability to fight off one on one blocks. Another high motor prospect.

Bobby Salami III – Gabriel Murphy, Edge, UCLA – see above.

Scott Prelewicz – Ryan Flournoy, WR, Southeast Missouri State – a late blooming prospect who shined at the Senior Bowl and the combine who is an interesting player from a small school.

Ray Prelewicz – Dylan McMahon, IOL, North Carolina State -a college center who is somewhat on the small side, he had great numbers at the combine, and could be an NFL caliber player if he bulks up.

The NFL’s annual college player draft is right around the corner, and once again our team of crack analysts at Rayonsports.com, Connor Pohlman, Robert Salami III, Scott Prelewicz and Ray Prelewicz are here to predict the entire 32 pick first round, scheduled for Thursday, April 25th. No trades are allowed, other than the ones already consummated. Here are the Rayonsports team’s choices:

1. Chicago Bears – from Carolina (Connor Pohlman) – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
2. Washington Commanders (Robert Salami III) – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
3. New England Patriots (Scott Prelewicz) – JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
4. Arizona Cardinals (Ray Prelewicz) – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
5. Los Angeles Chargers (CP) – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
6. New York Giants (RS III) – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
7. Tennessee Titans (SP) – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
8. Atlanta Falcons (RP) – Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
9. Chicago Bears (CP) -Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
10. New York Jets (RS III) – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
11. Minnesota Vikings (SP) – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
12. Denver Broncos (RP) – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
13. Las Vegas Raiders (CP) – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
14. New Orleans Saints (RS III) – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
15. Indianapolis Colts (SP) – Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
16. Seattle Seahawks (RP) – Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
17. Jacksonville Jaguars (CP) – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
18. Cincinnati Bengals (RS III) – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
19. Los Angeles Rams (SP) – Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
20. Pittsburgh Steelers (RP) – Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
21. Miami Dolphins (CP) – Byron Murphy, DT, Texas
22. Philadelphia Eagles (RS III) – Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
23. Minnesota Vikings – from Cleve via Houston (SP) – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
24. Dallas Cowboys (RP) – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
25. Green Bay Packers (CP) – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (RS III) – Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
27. Arizona Cardinals – from Houston (SP) – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
28. Buffalo Bills (RP) – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
29. Detroit Lions (CP) – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
30. Baltimore Ravens (RS III) – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
31. San Francisco 49ers (SP) – Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
32. Kansas City Chiefs (RP) – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Alabama is the leading school for first rounders in our mock draft with 4, followed by Washington, Texas and LSU with 3 each. There are 3 “Juniors” in the draft, and I don’t mean underclassmen.

Coming soon, our expert panel drops their predictions on a seven round mock draft for the local club, the Buffalo Bills.

Part 4 of our annual Bills’ season review is always my favorite. It’s where I get to play pretend general manager, and give my thoughts on how the team can improve going into the following season. I’ll take into account that Brandon Beane can’t afford any high-priced free agents and will have to work some salary cap magic again, but try to best fill the team’s needs using both free agency and the draft. The positions listed are where I think they need help.

Let’s get on with this yearly exercise:

Running Back

James Cook is established as the Bills’ top back, and they would be wise to re-sign Ty Johnson to back him up, but there is still a need for another runner, preferably a bigger, hard-running short yardage back. The running back market has been undervalued recently, but even so, the prize runner in this year’s class is Derrick Henry. He is not in Buffalo’s price range, and there aren’t any bigger backs in the free agent bargain bin, so the draft, probably in the later rounds, is where the team will have to find the type they want. Braelon Allen of Wisconsin is a mid-round prospect who fits the bill. at 6’2 and 235 lbs. he has the size, and his draft profile describes him as a “violent” runner. He played safety in high school so he isn’t afraid of contact for sure. Another power back slated to be drafted late day 2 or early day 3 is Ohio State’s Miyan Williams. He’s tough to bring down, but his draft profile also claims he has “subtle shiftiness”.

Wide Receiver

This is the biggest offensive area of need for GM Beane to address this offseason. He brought in a couple of bargain FAs last year in Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harty, but they’ll need to upgrade from them going into next season. There are some big name free agents hitting the market – Tee Higgins, Mike Evans, Tyler Boyd – I don’t see any of them signing here. A couple of lower cost possibilities are Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Darnell Mooney, but in my opinion they would be better off trying to re-sign one of their own, Gabe Davis. He has been inconsistent but at least he’s a known commodity that Josh Allen has familiarity and has had success with. The Bills pick 28th in the first round of the college draft and most observers see them using that pick, and probably another on day 2, on adding to the receiver corps. Two intriguing names fall into that range on various “mock drafts”. Brian Thomas Jr. from LSU is a big wideout at 6’4 and 205 lbs. who is a mismatch for smaller cornerbacks. He has tremendous speed, a great catch radius and is a big play threat on long throws. The other name is Oregon’s Troy Franklin. He has good size at 6’2 and may be the fastest player in this draft. He excels on double moves and is definitely a deep threat, who also possesses great hands. Looking at day 2 of the draft, where the Bills have pick 60 and a compensatory pick that figures to be 99 or 100, there are some other receivers who project to be solid pros. Texas’ Xavier Worthy is a natural playmaker who also has elite speed, and a knack for setting up defenders, and can play both outside and in the slot. Johnny Wilson from Florida State is an interesting player. He is massive for a wideout at 6’7 and 240 lbs., which is basically tight end size. Of course that gives him a wide wingspan and great catch radius who high-points the ball exceptionally well. His long strides make him a deep threat also, with running back yards after the catch ability. There are other names to watch in this range, including Jalen McMillan of Washington, Louisville’s Jamari Thrash, Malachi Corley of Western Kentucky, Michigan’s Roman Wilson and Luke McCaffrey from Rice, who has great NFL bloodlines.

Defensive Tackle

With Ed Oliver being the only interior defensive lineman signed for 2024, Buffalo will have to add players at that spot. Again, one of their own – DaQuan Jones – should be a top priority to get re-signed. After big-ticket players like Chris Jones and Christian Wilkins, the free agent pickings are slim. With glaring needs at other positions it’s unlikely the Bills would use a high draft choice on the D-line, but if a prospect like Texas nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat fell to them in the second round, they would have to consider it. At 6’4 and 346 lbs. he is a massive space eater who would immediately upgrade the run defense. They will more than likely target later round players like Tyler Davis of Clemson, Jordan Jefferson from LSU and North Carolina’s Myles Murphy.

Safety

With both Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer starting to age out (Hyde is also a free agent) and Taylor Rapp hitting free agency, safety is another hot spot for Buffalo. Like running back, the safety position was undervalued in last year’s free agency period. If that happens again, Beane should look at 3 top players on the market. They are Antoine Winfield Jr., whose father played for the Bills, Jeremy Chinn of the Panthers and New England’s Kyle Dugger. All 3 figure to be coveted but if their asking price is within the Bills’ cap range they should be aggressive. In the draft, the Bills could easily use a high day 2 pick on a safety, maybe even their first rounder if the receiver group dries up. Players worth picking in the second round are USC’s Calen Bullock and Utah’s Cole Bishop. Bullock has good size and leaping ability, and is perfectly capable of covering speedy wide receivers. Like Bullock, Bishop has good size, is athletic and has the ball skills to create turnovers. He’s also a willing tackler in run support.

Cornerback

There aren’t any corners worth paying on the free agent market, so the Bills may look to add depth here in the later rounds of the draft. They’re not totally lacking in talent at CB but Tre White’s injury uncertainty and the fact that Dane Jackson is a free agent means some bodies will need to be added to the training camp roster. In the third day rounds, some possibilities include Cam Hart of Notre Dame, Auburn’s Nehemiah Pritchett, Elijah Jones of Boston College, and an interesting name, Louisville’s Storm Duck.

Special Teams

I lumped this all into a single category since I think the Bills should add competition at punter, placekicker and kickoff/punt returner. There’s always the possibility they bring back former draft choice Matt Araiza to compete for the punting job, now that he is clear of any criminal charges. Any other punter or kicker brought into camp will be an unknown undrafted guy so we won’t bother naming players. As for return specialists, Texas WR Worthy adds punt return ability to his resume, as does Texas A&M’s Ainias Smith. Penn State cornerback Daequan Hardy returned 17 punts for an almost 15 yard average, with 2 touchdowns.