Buffalo Rumblings
The gambler took another route in Round 1
The star for the Buffalo Bills on the first night of the 2024 NFL Draft was none other than general manager Brandon Beane who, after all was said and done, made time to meet with the media following the events of Round 1.
One can only imagine the frustration within the Bills’ draft war room after seeing offensive players fly off the board. Leading up to this year’s draft, Brandon Beane stated that they didn’t have first-round grades on 28 players — the number at which they were originally slated to pick.
Instead of reaching for a wide receiver they didn’t necessarily have as high a grade on, Buffalo’s front office chose to allow the Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers to pick in their place. As a direct result of those trades, Xavier Worthy and Xavier Legette won’t play for the Bills. While that may disappoint some fans, it’s clear they weren’t in the team’s plans in Round 1.
But that doesn’t mean Beane was thrilled to do business as it ultimately unfolded — just that the opportunity was right for them at those spots. During his presser with the media, Brandon Beane’s body language appeared to show a man uncomfortable in response to questions about making that trade with that team. But he was quick to say that, ultimately, the trade value was what they wanted, and their best fit — and implied that the trade partner wasn’t a huge consideration, even if they’re someone you might not prefer to see draft in your spot.
Beane pointed out that the main reason he took the Chiefs up on their trade offer was so that he didn’t have to trade down too far. He also didn’t want to give up a pick in Round 2.
Depending on which outlet you read and who you trust, One Bills Drive either were all-in on trading up (to no avail) or had no interest in the idea in any form. The trade-up talk was all the rage on social media, while Beane pointed out that no calls were made to trade up into the top 10 — or any point otherwise in Round 1. If true, it’s interesting given how far Brian Thomas Jr. had fallen.
Bills Mafia isn’t used to seeing this out of Brandon Beane — where he essentially didn’t accomplished what was likely his main goal in Round 1. Though perhaps that’s an unfair statement and this was the main plan all along. We’re unlikely to ever know, and that’s okay. It’s also okay to feel like last night wasn’t great for the Bills.
What is important is that they find a receiver or two who fits their needs, aligns with their plans, and carries the talent and ability to pull off what’s been missing from the passing game. The draft’s wide receiver depth will be tested, and perhaps most significantly by the Buffalo Bills.
In closing his press conference, Brandon...
