The Buffalo Bills, who traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, still need to replace the big vacuum left by the playmaking wide receiver’s absence from quarterback Josh Allen’s arsenal.
During the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, Bills general manager Brandon Beane may look to aggressively climb up the board to halt the slide of one of the top three receivers in this year’s class, who may be an upgrade above what Diggs provided Buffalo down the stretch last season.
After all, Diggs didn’t reach the end zone after Week 13 last season.
With 10 picks in this year’s draft, don’t be surprised if Beane trades up to assure Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and Mack Hollins aren’t the top three receivers on the depth chart come the 2024 season.
Buffalo Bills’ Proposed Rome Odunze Blockbuster NFL Draft Trade
If University of Washington standout Rome Odunze falls to the bottom of the top-10 picks in the first round, Pro Football Focus predicts Beane and the Bills will move up to snag him.
“They could stick with their 28th overall selection and draft a second-tier receiver from a deep class,” says Gordon McGuinness for PFF. “But Rome Odunze would provide a new legitimate No. 1 receiver for quarterback Josh Allen, which is a compelling enough reason to trade up.
“If Odunze falls to No. 8 or 9, where the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears choose, the Bills may be able to persuade them to exchange first-round picks by offering a second-rounder and a first-round pick next year. Given that the Bears have only four picks in this draft, that arrangement may appeal to them. Chicago would add another top-70 pick, while Buffalo would take a receiver ranked fourth in the draft class with an 89.5 PFF receiving score.”
Given Odunze’s skill set and 6-foot-3, 216-pound stature, the University of Washington standout could be an ideal match for Allen’s proclivity to push the ball deep vertically in Buffalo’s offense.
Odunze caught 214 receptions for 3,272 yards and 24 touchdowns over his four seasons at the University of Washington, averaging an explosive 15.3 yards per reception.
Why the Chicago Bears Make Sense as Bills Trade Partner
If Odunze falls to the No. 9 pick, the Bears could be a good trade partner for Beane and the Bills to move up for Odunze.
Given that Chicago is expected to choose Caleb Williams first overall and has already traded for Keenan Allen this offseason, the Bears’ two true pressing needs in Round 1 would be offensive tackle or edge presence opposite Montez Sweat.
However, neither the best edge rushers nor offensive tackles in this class may be more valuable than acquiring a second-round pick and a future selection in a deal with a team like the Bills.
There is also speculation in the NFL that the Bears will pass on Odunze if he is available.
“I’m not convinced they’ll even take Odunze if he’s on the board,” a former NFL evaluator told me. recently. “I believe they trade down and acquire an edge rusher. They only have one pass rusher on the roster: Montez Sweat.
If Odunze is sitting at nine, the Bills and Bears could be interesting trade partners on Thursday night.
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