It was a heartbreaking year for the Buffalo Bills who were close to finally vanquishing the Kansas City Chiefs before falling to them for the fourth time in the Josh Allen-Patrick Mahomes era. However, a new season approaches and the Bills have a decision to make with the No. 30 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
While the defense wasn’t up to par throughout the season, the Bills’ offensive explosiveness was a mirage in the playoffs. The offense struggled against the Baltimore Ravens and the Chiefs. As a result, the draft will be unpredictable for Sean McDermott and Co.
Buffalo Bills Predicted To Upgrade Wide Receiver Room
Last year, Buffalo played its most conservative style since Allen took over as the team’s quarterback. It led to a greater emphasis on the run game, led by James Cook and Allen. However, the passing game wasn’t what it once was, with the team not having a true first option.
As a result, Henry McKenna of Fox Sports believes the team needs to invest in a wide receiver at the top of the draft. His prediction for the pick is Texas’ Matthew Golden.
“Receivers? In back-to-back years? I think Bills GM Brandon Beane would love to take a defensive player, but the board doesn’t have as much to offer on that side of the ball.”
McKenna’s decision is simple: the fit is too good to pass up on.
“Golden is a perfect fit for this offense. Keon Coleman looks to me like a unique wideout — but maybe one who is trending toward a WR2 that scores a lot of touchdowns. Khalil Shakir owns the middle of the field as a slot option. Buffalo’s tight ends (Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox) aren’t focal points of the game plan. ”
McKenna stressed, “That’s what I think Golden could someday be: an offensive centerpiece. He has traits to be a No. 1 guy. He might finish the draft process as WR2 on many big boards.” Golden’s ability could bring the best out of the reigning MVP’s arm.
Golden has steadily improved during his three years with the Longhorns, finishing with nearly 2,000 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns.
Does Bills’ Defense Need More Attention?
Buffalo’s defense needs serious work. Throughout the 2024 season, the shoddy unit finished 18th on PFSN’s Defense+ metric.
As a result, PFSN’s latest mock draft has the team going after arguably the best safety in this year’s draft, Malaki Starks.
PFSN’s Brentley Weissman wrote, “[Starks] is a versatile cover man who can play single-high, split-safety, and in the slot. He would fill a massive need at safety for the Buffalo Bills and give them a much-needed talent upgrade over what’s currently on the roster.”
Both options make a ton of sense for a team that lost by a whisker in the AFC Championship Game. The direction they choose with their first round pick might ultimately impact the direction they take with all of their moves this offseason.