After months of swirling rumors suggesting discontent within the Buffalo Bills roster, Stefon Diggs, the standout wide receiver, found himself unexpectedly traded to the Houston Texans in a blockbuster move just weeks ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
During his tenure with the Bills spanning four seasons, Diggs etched his name into the franchise’s history books, ranking fourth in all-time receiving yards, touchdowns, and catches. However, his remarkable contributions will no longer grace Buffalo’s roster following the bold decision made by the team management.
The bombshell trade was initially reported by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, who disclosed that the Bills were finalizing a deal to send the four-time Pro-Bowl receiver to the Houston Texans in exchange for draft-pick compensation. Further details emerged when The Athletic’s NFL insider, Dianna Russini, revealed that Buffalo’s return for Diggs would be a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Speculations surrounding Diggs’ discontentment in Buffalo had been circulating since last year, fueling talks of a potential trade. Despite these murmurs, the Bills opted to retain him, and Diggs played a pivotal role in securing another AFC East title for the team in 2024. However, their playoff exit at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this year only intensified doubts regarding Diggs’ future with the franchise.
Just a fortnight ago, reports hinted at the likelihood of the Bills retaining Diggs for at least another season. However, recent developments have reshaped the narrative. Now, with Diggs gone, the Buffalo Bills are poised to utilize their top pick, 28th overall in the upcoming draft, to potentially fill the void left by the star receiver for the 2024 season and beyond.
Here are two prospective candidates the Bills could target in the NFL Draft.
Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Adonai Mitchell’s transfer from Georgia to Texas proved to be a strategic move, as he showcased considerable improvement in his performance, doubling his career-best in catches and yards in 2023. Though he fell short of surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the Longhorns, Mitchell’s towering 6-foot-4 frame hints at immense potential.
With 11 touchdowns in 2023, he could serve as a reliable end-zone target for Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen, provided his skills continue to develop. Mitchell is likely to be available when the Bills make their Round 1 selection.
Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Despite not boasting eye-popping statistics, Georgia Bulldogs senior Ladd McConkey stands out as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, thanks to his football intelligence and intangible qualities.
While he’s projected to excel as a slot receiver at the professional level, McConkey’s polished footwork and release give him a distinct advantage over most rookie counterparts. Although his athleticism may not immediately catch the eye, McConkey’s readiness for the next level suggests he could make an impactful contribution to teams like the Buffalo Bills right from the start.
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