Several players on the Buffalo Bills roster find themselves in advantageous positions to succeed following the 2024 NFL Draft.
Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane took deliberate steps in the 2024 NFL offseason to revamp the team’s dynamics, prioritizing shedding veteran players and salary cap commitments. Instead, he focused on building a youthful core poised for potential breakout performances with increased responsibilities. Beane bolstered this core during the 2024 NFL Draft, adding 10 promising prospects who all have viable paths to securing spots on the team’s 53-man roster.
The draft not only enhanced Buffalo’s prospects for long-term success but also benefited existing players on the roster. The team’s strategic moves, or lack thereof, in various positions indicate a strong belief in the current talent pool. Consequently, five Buffalo players, including four from the previous season, stand in advantageous positions to thrive following the team’s draft selections in 2024.
WR Khalil Shakir
Buffalo made a strategic move in the draft by opting out of the first round and instead focusing on selecting a high-value pass-catcher, Keon Coleman from Florida State, as their top choice at 33rd overall. This decision implies an intention to integrate Coleman significantly into their offensive scheme, potentially impacting the targets of existing wide receivers on the Bills’ roster.
It’s a valid analysis to anticipate increased utilization of Coleman, especially considering General Manager Beane’s expressed desire for him to assume the role of the team’s primary ‘X’ wide receiver from the outset. However, despite the departure of seasoned players like Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, the Bills have fortified their receiving corps with additions such as Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, and Chase Claypool. Interestingly, the team’s minimal investment in free agency and the decision to focus on just one pass-catcher in the 2024 draft indicate a level of confidence in Khalil Shakir.
Shakir, drafted in the fifth round in 2022, has showcased his potential in his initial two seasons, recording 49 receptions for 772 yards and three touchdowns. His growing rapport with quarterback Josh Allen was evident throughout the 2023 season, culminating in a standout performance with six receptions for 105 yards in a crucial Week 18 victory against the Miami Dolphins, followed by an additional 10 receptions across the team’s postseason games.
Shakir’s advantageous position stems from his versatility and the lack of seasoned competition on the team’s depth chart. Despite primarily operating in the slot last season, he has demonstrated proficiency in both slot and wide positions. This flexibility makes him a viable starter regardless of the coaching staff’s preference. With no substantial competition for the slot role, Shakir could easily secure that position. Alternatively, if offensive coordinator Joe Brady prefers him as a ‘Z’ wideout, Shakir’s familiarity with the offense and rapport with Allen could elevate him above Samuel in the pecking order.
The current makeup of Buffalo’s roster presents an intriguing opportunity for Shakir. While he may not surpass Dalton Kincaid in targets, particularly over the middle, or become Allen’s primary wide target over Coleman, his expertise, adaptability, and experience position him as a significant asset in the Bills’ passing game, led by one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
1st career touchdown for Khalil Shakir. 4th TD pass for @JoshAllenQB! 🔥
📺: #PITvsBUF on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/5bVODjrAl5 pic.twitter.com/OoRr0ANaw0— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2022
CB Christian Benford
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Buffalo’s current management has a penchant for late-round defensive backs, often relying on Head Coach Sean McDermott’s coaching prowess to develop talent in cornerback and safety roles. Despite this trend, the Bills opted to select Penn State defender Daequan Hardy in the sixth round of the 2024 draft, adding depth to the defensive backfield.
However, the team notably refrained from drafting an outside cornerback, indicating a level of confidence in the boundary corners already on the roster, particularly in Christian Benford, a late-round pick from several years ago.
Since his selection in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Benford has surpassed expectations, securing a starting role on the outside and impressing with his aggressive style of play—a characteristic favored by McDermott. Starting 14 games last season, he recorded 54 tackles and two interceptions, establishing himself as a reliable defender.
Projections suggest Benford will continue to start alongside Rasul Douglas in the 2024 season, with the team showing no signs of seeking alternatives in the draft. Barring any setbacks during training camp or preseason, Benford appears poised to maintain his starting position, supported by his consistent growth and performance thus far in his career.
First INT of the season for Christian Benford!
📺: @NFLonFOX#ProBowlVote | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/TErzAeNVOZ
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 17, 2023
CB Kaiir Elam
Benford isn’t the sole boundary corner on Buffalo’s roster who’s benefiting from the team’s draft choices. The decision not to acquire an outside cornerback indicates faith in Kaiir Elam as the primary backup.
Elam’s NFL journey has been challenging since being picked in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His game has shown rough edges, resulting in penalties and a lack of trust from the coaching staff. Despite this, he has managed to make impactful plays in crucial moments during the 2022 and 2023 postseasons.
Speculation about Elam’s future in Western New York has arisen due to his struggles. However, the absence of new boundary corners in the 2024 NFL Draft indicates the team’s trust in him as the main backup. He currently ranks third in the outside cornerback pecking order, behind Benford and Douglas but ahead of Ja’Marcus Ingram, who hasn’t performed well in games.
While it’s unlikely for Elam to challenge Benford or Douglas for a starting position, he’s in a favorable position to compete given the limited competition. The lack of depth also secures a roster spot for the 23-year-old, which wasn’t guaranteed just weeks ago.
Kaiir Elam knocks away the 4th down pass!
📺: #MIAvsBUF on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/zCGXBeNnOK pic.twitter.com/TcwtDoEKgn— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2023
OL Alec Anderson
Offensive lineman Alec Anderson is back with Buffalo after spending the entire 2023 season on the active roster without seeing any game action. Despite never taking a snap, the former UCLA player remained on the Bills’ 53-man squad due to his versatility. The coaching staff trusts the 24-year-old to cover all five offensive line positions, ensuring his return to the roster this year.
Anderson’s advantage is amplified by the team’s offseason moves. Buffalo emphasizes the importance of a ‘swing’ lineman who can fill in at various positions, previously employing Ryan Bates in this role. With Bates now traded to the Chicago Bears, Anderson emerges as the most experienced and likely primary ‘swing’ lineman on the team.
The Bills’ actions in the 2024 NFL Draft further solidify their confidence in Anderson. Although they selected Georgia center Sedrick Van Pran-Granger in the fifth round, he seems tailored for the center position. Sixth- and seventh-round picks Tyler Grable and Travis Clayton are gambles on athleticism, with Clayton lacking game experience in American football.
Given the current roster composition, Anderson’s roster spot appears secure in both the short and long term. While he may not challenge Spencer Brown, O’Cyrus Torrence, or Connor McGovern for a starting role in training camp, he is expected to provide valuable depth across the offensive line, ensuring his presence in Western New York for the foreseeable future.
One player I think we'll talk about more of closer to the draft we get is Alec Anderson (UCLA RT 70). Needs some refinement but there's plenty of flashes on tape where he's technically sound and plays with good aggression. Had his best offensive grade (76.0) per PFF this year. pic.twitter.com/cRvH7ynFqe
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 23, 2022
DE Javon Solomon
The sole newcomer mentioned here is Javon Solomon, the former Troy pass-rusher. He secures a place on the list due to an exceptionally favorable opportunity.
A major concern surrounding Solomon upon entering the NFL was his physical stature. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 246 pounds, he lacks the typical build and extraordinary athleticism (with arm length in the 63rd percentile and wingspan in the 51st percentile) of a top-tier NFL edge rusher.
However, Solomon compensates for his size and athleticism deficiencies with sheer power and unwavering determination. Most experts agree that he is poised to become a dependable rotational defensive lineman and a specialist in pass rushing. This potential aligns perfectly with his current situation, as Buffalo not only frequently rotates its defensive linemen but also requires a specialist pass rusher.
Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa have solidified their positions as the starting defensive ends for the team, while future Hall of Famer Von Miller is slated as their backup. Beyond them, the depth chart at the position is wide open, with Solomon poised to compete against players like Casey Toohill and the recently acquired Dawuane Smoot for a contributing role.
It’s reasonable to suggest that Solomon currently holds the lead in this competition. With his skill set, youth, and draft pedigree, it’s easy to imagine the 23-year-old not only securing a roster spot but also establishing himself as the team’s fourth defensive end.
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