Longtime ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper. Jr. has released his first mock ahead of the 2024 NFL draft just in time for the early end of the Buffalo Bills’ season.
In some admitted recency bias, Kiper’s first predictions sees some help for Josh Allen head to Buffalo.
Selecting at the No. 28 overall slot, the Bills take Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Against the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo fell 27-24 in the AFC divisional round. While the Bills did have Stefon Diggs out there, he underwhelmed against Kansas City and had throughout the second half of the 2023 season.
Even if Diggs does bounce back next season, fellow starting receiver for the Bills, Gabe Davis, is set to be a free agent this offseason.
Regardless, some have clamored for Davis to be replaced. If he returns, Mitchell could still be a realistic option for Buffalo.
A tall target, Mitchell had a breakout campaign in 2023 after transferring from Georgia. In 14 games played, Mitchell had 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Kiper’s breakdown on the pick can be found below:
I made a late change with this pick after I watched Josh Allen average 4.8 yards per attempt in the home loss to the Chiefs. His receivers struggled to get open and didn’t make enough plays after the catch once they did. Stefon Diggs hasn’t had a 100-yard game since mid-October, and Gabe Davis is now a free agent. General manager Brandon Beane can find a useful pass-catcher here.
The 6-foot-4 Mitchell broke out after transferring from Georgia, catching 55 passes for 845 yards and 11 scores for the Longhorns in 2023. He thrived on crossing routes, using his size and quickness to get separation from defenders. He has great hands. The position I almost went with? Nose tackle, because T’Vondre Sweat (Texas) could be a great fit in the middle of the Buffalo defense.
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