Breaking Down the 2024 NFL Draft for the Buffalo Bills
The possibility of trading down was always on the table for Brandon Beane and the Bills, and after moving back twice at the end of the first round, the Bills walked away making 10 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, adding valuable assets to multiple positions of need.
With this year’s iteration of the Bills coming into focus, let’s take a look at the newest members of the team and get to know them a bit.
Round 2, Pick 33: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State University
Josh Allen got his wide receiver. In Keon Coleman, the Bills get a big (6’3” 215 lb) wide receiver that’s great above the rim and has plenty of after the catch ability. Coleman is young at only 20 years old, and has a world of upside. This pick is banking on traits, growth, and development, but Coleman figured to be heavily involved in the offense right away.
Round 2, Pick 60: Cole Bishop, S, Utah
Cole Bishop is a rangy, athletic safety that’s comfortable playing the deep middle of the field, playing in two-high looks, or coming down into the box in run support or pass rush. His feel for the line of scrimmage and his athleticism to pick his spots going after the quarterback flash on tape. Bishop’s biggest strength might be his ability to fly downhill to ball carriers in open space, where he thrives on making big hits and strong tackles.
Round 3, Pick 95: DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke
The DeWayne Carter selection using the third round pick that the Bills got from the Chiefs in trading down from 28th overall was a home run pick. Carter is big, physical, explodes off the ball, can contribute in pass rush, and can also absorb double teams to free up linebackers. Carter could be a day-one contributor as a rotational defensive tackle, and should be viewed as a starter as early as year two.
Round 4, Pick 128: Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky
The Bills needed a physical back to complement James Cook, and they got one in Ray Davis out of Kentucky. He’s a story of perseverance – he was homeless at 12 years old – and brings size (5’10” 215 lbs) to the backfield that is currently missing. He’s not just a plodder, though. Davis has wiggle and juice to make guys miss and athleticism to break long runs. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2023 while playing in the SEC, and showcased that he can catch passes as well with 32 receptions.
Round 5, Pick 141: Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, C, Georgia
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger is a leader, a three-year starter at center in the SEC, a former team captain at Georgia, a high-character player, and a technical center that hasn’t allowed a sack in the last two years. Don’t sleep on this pick – Van Pran-Granger should be given an opportunity to compete for the starting center position this summer.
Round 5, Pick 160: Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington
Edefuan Ulofoshio (YOO-lo-FO-shee-oh) continued the trend throughout the draft of selecting character athletes with leadership experience. At University of Washington, Ulofoshio was a team captain for the National Champion runner-up Huskies and was awarded the Guy Flaherty Award as the most inspirational player by his teammates. On the field, Ulofoshio recovered from multiple injuries to post a strong 2023 season, racking up 94 tackles, eight TFL, three sacks, 4 pass break-ups, a pick six, and a forced fumble. He’ll factor in as a quality depth piece in the linebacker room.
Round 5, Pick 168: Javon Solomon, DE, Troy
Javon Solomon is an undersized edge out of Troy, but he might be one of my favorite picks in this draft. At only 6’0” 248 lbs, he lacks traditional size, but his 33 ⅞” arms and explosive athleticism allow him to keep offensive linemen out of his chest while he bursts around the corner with speed. Solomon can be a rotational pass rusher in his rookie season.
Round 6, Pick 204: Tylan Grable, OT, UCF
Beane likes athleticism, traits, and upside. Tylan Grable, offensive tackle out of Central Florida, possesses all three. His 9.85 RAS is a healthy number that represents the elite athletic testing that he showcased at the Scouting Combine. I don’t care much about the 40-yard dash for linemen, but I do care about the 10-yard split, which he crushed. His 1.69 second 10-yard split was spectacular. He has violent hands but needs some coaching, something OL coach Aaron Kromer will be excited to work with.
Round 6, Pick 219: Deaquan Hardy, CB, Penn State
Oh look, another athlete. Deaquan Hardy is a sure tackler, ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, and can cover the slot. That speed pops on tape, where his recovery ability, his loose hips, his ability to close on the ball or on a ball carrier in space are evident. When he trusts his eyes, he flies. The tools are there for Hardy to develop into a potential starter.
Round 7, Pick 221: Travis Clayton, OT, England (International Player Pathway)
I can’t think of a more Beane pick than to use a 7th rounder on an International Player Pathway prospect with absurd athleticism. Travis Clayton is an offensive tackle prospect that stands 6’7” 300 pounds, and ran a 4.81 40. His pro day 40-time was faster than any offensive lineman has logged at the Combine in the last decade. An athletic ball of moldable clay, Clayton makes me think of Jordan Mailata, who was an IPP prospect that developed into one of the best linemen in the game. Maybe he doesn’t pan out, but maybe the Bills struck gold in the 7th round.
Every Pick Made By Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane
Gallery Credit: Brett Alan