This week marks the highly anticipated NFL Draft, kicking off on Thursday, April 28th, at 8 PM Eastern Time. Following an impressive 11-6 regular season record and a divisional title in the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills secured a late first-round pick after their playoff journey ended in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Holding the 28th pick in this year’s draft, the Bills are poised to make strategic moves to bolster their roster.
In Conor Orr’s recent mock draft titled “2024 NFL Mock Draft: Conor Orr Predicts the First Round,” several intriguing predictions surface, including four trades within the first ten picks and a notable influx of quarterbacks and offensive linemen. Among the highlights, three quarterbacks and wide receivers each find spots within the top ten selections.
The mock draft envisions a conventional sequence at the beginning, with the first three picks dedicated to quarterbacks. However, it diverges with the New England Patriots trading down to allow the Atlanta Falcons to secure Drake Maybe, a quarterback from North Carolina, at the third pick. The Arizona Cardinals opt for Marvin Harrison, a promising wide receiver from Ohio State, at the fourth spot. Subsequently, the New York Jets execute a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers to acquire Rome Odunze, a wide receiver from LSU, aiming to provide additional firepower for their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
Further down the draft, the New England Patriots leverage a trade to obtain the 11th pick from the Minnesota Vikings, selecting offensive tackle Olu Fashanu from Penn State. Just ahead of the Buffalo Bills’ pick at 27, the Kansas City Chiefs orchestrate a deal with the Arizona Cardinals to snatch Adonai Mitchell, a wide receiver from Texas, leaving the Bills to make their choice at 28.
In this scenario, the Bills opt for Brian Thomas Jr., a wide receiver from LSU. However, Orr expresses skepticism about this pick, suggesting that the Bills might need to trade up if they are intent on securing a top-tier receiver. Thomas Jr., standing at 6’4″ and weighing 205 lbs, boasts impressive stats from his 2023 season, including 68 receptions, 1,177 receiving yards, and a notable 17 touchdowns, making him a formidable prospect for any team seeking offensive firepower.
Despite some reservations about the selection, Thomas Jr. emerges as a strong candidate for the Bills, offering potential as a dynamic playmaker on the field. Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling ranks him as the fourth-best wide receiver in the draft class, positioning him ahead of other notable prospects like Adonai Mitchell.
