2023 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills possess one of the most well-rounded rosters in the NFL, which is certainly reflected in their success in the last four seasons. Quarterback Josh Allen had a dicey rookie season in 2018, but the Bills have steadily ascended since and are now among the league’s elite.
The Bills have done a nice job of drafting, developing, and retaining their homegrown talent, while still being open to splash trades. The Stefon Diggs acquisition is viewed league-wide as a masterclass in pairing your young quarterback with a top-tier wideout. Meanwhile, free agent acquisitions Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer have formed one of the top safety tandems in the league in recent years.
As a result, while some teams face the challenge of unearthing a franchise-changing gem in the draft, Buffalo has the luxury of addressing their few voids strategically — likely employing a best-player-available approach. That said, a few positions are likely to be addressed sooner than others.
Top Draft Needs: SAF, LB, IOL
Jordan Poyer is scheduled to hit the market in the offseason and Micah Hyde has been out since Week 2 with a neck injury. Hyde does hope to be healthy for the 2023 season but it’s unclear whether the Bills have made any traction on a new deal with Poyer. We also just recently witnessed the horrifying on-field injury of second-year safety Damar Hamlin. Above all else, the global football community is grateful Hamlin is still alive with us today, and it’s far too early to speculate on any potential football future.
“Glory to God for his keeping Damar and his family in the palm of his hand over the last couple of days.”
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) January 5, 2023
Powerful words from Bills head coach Sean McDermott on Damar Hamlin pic.twitter.com/G4D8CGeQkZ
In addition to Poyer, the Bills also have a decision to make on linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. Edmunds will likely command a healthy new deal, and it’s possible that Buffalo lets him walk and seeks to fill the void through the NFL Draft. The interior offensive line is also another position group that could use an upgrade.