Bills' Top 2024 NFL Draft Targets

The Buffalo Bills may not be completely reloading, but they've undergone some significant changes this offseason. Head coach Sean McDermott and quarterback Josh Allen are still leading the way, but the team parted with notable contributors like Jordan Poyer, Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs.

Presumably, the Bills still see themselves as Super Bowl contenders and will be looking to add early-impact players through the 2024 draft. However, general manager Brandon Beane will need to find a balance between rookie impact and long-term potential.

While chunks of the roster remain unchanged, Buffalo is entering a new stage of the McDermott-Allen era.

With this in mind, let's examine three top draft prospects the Bills must consider with the 28th overall selection in the 2024 draft.

WR Keon Coleman, Florida State

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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Keon Coleman #4 of the Florida State Seminoles looks on during the first half of a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

After trading Diggs to the Houston Texans, the Bills have a clear need at wide receiver. That doesn't necessarily mean that they'll target one in the first round. Beane has downplayed the idea that Buffalo needs a true No. 1 target.

"No. What you need are guys that in this offense that are smart, versatile, selfless, and can make the plays that their skillset allows them to make," Bean said, per Dan Fetes of 13 WHAM.

If Florida State's Keon Coleman is available at No. 28, though, he could be difficult to pass up. Coleman was the selection for Buffalo in the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's latest mock draft.

"Coleman offers a blend of size and contested-catch skills that are missing in Buffalo right now," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department said. "Though Coleman offers just average speed and hit-or-miss route-running ability, he is great at the catch point. That was especially true in 2022 at Michigan State."

Coleman's combination of size (6'3", 213 lbs) and contested-catch ability would add a new dynamic to Buffalo's offense. If coordinator Joe Brady is looking to create a more consistent and methodical offense than the feast-or-famine scheme Buffalo has run in the past, Coleman could be the perfect fit.

WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 2: Adonai Mitchell #WO19 of Texas during the NFL Combine at the Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

There is, of course, no guarantee that Coleman will last to pick No. 28. He's the 22nd-ranked prospect on the B/R board, and if there's an early run on receivers, he could be long gone by the time Buffalo is on the clock.

Texas' Adonai Mitchell would be a terrific secondary target for the Bills. This may be a little early for the former Longhorn—who went 44th overall in the latest B/R Scouting Department mock—but not outlandishly so.

The B/R Scouting Department mocked Mitchell to the Bills in a previous mock, citing his combination of size, speed and upside.

"A presumed Gabe Davis replacement, Mitchell brings size (6'2", 205 lbs), length, speed (4.34-second 40-yard dash) and flexibility to the position. Mitchell is a fast yet graceful mover for a player his size," Klassen said.

In an ideal scenario, Beane would move out of Round 1 and land Mitchell in the early second round. With an intriguing second tier of prospects likely to be available on Day 2, adding an additional selection in that range would benefit the Bills greatly.

Mitchell would still be a sensible choice, even if the Bills can't trade out. He'd help boost the offense early and has the tools needed to evolve into a future star.

CB Khyree Jackson, Oregon

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TEMPE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 18: Khyree Jackson #5 of the Oregon Ducks defends in coverage during a game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)

If the Bills can't find the right receiver value in Round 1, they'll likely go in a different direction. Adding depth to the offensive line would be a reasonable approach, though the draft is deep enough that Buffalo could likely find a quality lineman on Day 2.

The 2024 class features far less depth at cornerback, which remains a premium position in the NFL. The Bills' pass defense was solid in 2023—it ranked seventh in yards allowed—but Buffalo could use a new long-term standout after moving on from Tre'Davious White.

Oregon's Khyree Jackson is one of the few cornerback prospects worthy of an early pick who may still be available in the late first round. With a great blend of length (6'4", 194 lbs), athleticism and versatility, would also make him a fine fit in Buffalo.

"While playing in coverage, Jackson shows a range of coverages and techniques. Press man coverage is the one he plays the most," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He opts to mostly mirror receivers at the line of scrimmage and get hands-on as he rides them downfield."

Cornerback isn't as obvious of a need as wide receiver, but the Bills are still trying to get past the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow in the AFC playoffs. Strengthening the secondary definitely isn't going to hurt.