Going into the 2023 NFL Draft, the Bills definitely had some needs to fill, especially after the departure of Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, the Bills also had some offensive needs that they needed to address badly. Here is what the Bills did in the draft.
Round 1, Pick 25: Utah TE Dalton Kincaid
The Bills traded up 2 spots with the Jacksonville Jaguars who had previously traded back with the Giants, to draft Kincaid. They jumped up ahead of Dallas, who surely would’ve taken Kincaid had he been available. The Bills made the right move here, drafting one of the most talented offensive players in this draft class.
The Bills were rumoured to take a receiver in the first round, but after Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Quentin Johnston (LAC), Jordan Addison (MIN), and Zay Flowers (BAL) all went off the board, the Bills went with their highest target in Kincaid, who should be a seamless fit in their offence.
Kincaid, already taking first team reps at OTAs last week, should be a big part of the Bills offence this season. Kincaid wasn’t expected to be available at pick 15, much less 25. The Bills got their guy and he should be a very good weapon for Josh Allen for the foreseeable future.
Round 2, Pick 59: Florida OL O’Cyrus Torrence
The Bills got a player in the backend of the 2nd round that many expected them to take in the first round. The Bills offensive line struggled mightily last season and was part of the reason for the playoff struggle. Torrence, being one of the best offensive lineman in the draft, provides a day 1 starter at the right guard spot.
Torrence can provide a huge boost to the Bills offensive line. In the run game and in the passing game. As Torrence excels in elevating the run game into the secondary of opposing defences. And with 2nd year RB James Cook being the top Running Back this year, the run game as a whole could be poised for a breakout.
Round 3, Pick 91: Tulane LB Dorian Williams
After the departure of Tremaine Edmunds to the Chicago Bears during free agency, The Bills knew going into this draft that they had a need for a new linebacker to replace him. After linebackers Jack Campbell and Drew Sanders went off the board, the Bills took their shot with Williams in round 3, and it could prove to be a very good value pick for them.
Though Head Coach Sean McDermott has not committed to Williams as the top pick for the Middle Linebacker spot, it is very likely that he will assume that role at least by midseason, except if they gave that role to 2nd year LB Terrel Bernard.
Round 5, Pick 150: Florida WR Justin Shorter
After multiple trade backs, the Bills selected Shorter in the 5th round of the draft. Shorter mainly fell in the draft due to his injury concerns throughout his college career. Shorter has been viewed by some as insurance for the Bills, in case Gabe Davis leaves in free agency after the season. Shorter likely won’t have a huge role this season due to how deep the Bills are at receiver, but he’s definitely a name to keep an eye on down the line.
Round 7, Pick 230: Ole Miss OL Nick Broeker
Broeker is a great pick in the backend of this draft, the Bills have been getting a lot of quality depth on their offensive line, especially on the interior. Broeker is viewed as a player that Bills Offensive Line coach Aaron Kromer can mold into a great player. He could eventually end up being the successor to Mitch Morse.
Round 7, Pick 252, Oregon State CB Alex Austin
The Bills once again find a quality defensive back in the late rounds of the draft. Last year was Christian Benford, this year I believe it’ll be Alex Austin. Austin’s value will likely come on special teams, if he isn’t able to contribute on special teams, he likely won’t make the 53-man roster. but he could turn into a quality depth option should the Bills ever need him.
General Manager Brandon Beane definitely showed that he knew where the Bills issues were. He invested a lot into offence this off-season, through the draft and through the free agent market, and he probably isn’t done yet. An absolute masterful off-season for Beane, the draft was a slam dunk for him.
BS Reports 
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