After punting on Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft and going without a pick, the Buffalo Bills stayed at all three of their Day 2 picks and added the trio of wide receiver Keon Coleman, safety Cole Bishop and defensive tackle DeWayne Carter. Those are their most significant additions of their draft class this year.
But they’ve got plenty more work ahead of them, with seven selections over the next four rounds. They’ll have one pick in the fourth round (No. 128), four picks in the fifth round (Nos. 141, 144, 160 and 163), one sixth-round selection (No. 204) and the first pick in the seventh round (No. 221).
Whether or not GM Brandon Beane stays and makes all those selections is another story entirely. Regardless, Beane almost exclusively uses his Day 3 selections on positions that could conceivably make the 53-man roster.
Which positions fit that description, and who are some names to monitor? Here is the Bills Day 3 big board.
The Bills already drafted a wide receiver when they selected Keon Coleman at pick No. 33, though the case to double dip at the position this year is a strong one. Even with Coleman, the team only has four players who are a safe bet to make the 53-man roster this year at this point. The strength of the receiver class this year could bring on someone who could backfill the positions at either slot receiver, Z-receiver or someone who can do both.
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
There is a lot to like in the Bills’ pairing with a player who moves faster on tape than his 4.41 40-yard dash indicates and one with excellent yards after catch and separation skills. Franklin’s size is the biggest concern, but he’d be a natural fit at Z receiver in their offense, which they could use after drafting Coleman. There’s a real argument that the Bills don’t have anyone quite like him on their roster.
Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
Walker’s fit in the Bills offense likely would be similar to Franklin’s, but Franklin is the superior prospect because he is better collecting yards after the catch.
Javon Baker, WR, Central Florida
Baker may wind up as a late-third, early-fourth round target who could play across the formation. He doesn’t have incredible speed, but he has the playmaking ability to outperform his draft position, which would be maybe a round or two higher in most years. He could likely fit in at any of the three receiver spots, depending on their preference. Z receiver is the likeliest first stop.
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