2023 NFL Draft Predictions: Buffalo Bills Biggest Team Needs

February 20, 2023

2023 NFL Draft outlook, predictions and team needs for the Buffalo Bills. Which positions do the need the most help in? Which players might they choose?

The Buffalo Bills had Super Bowl expectations heading into the 2022 season. Despite a few rocky performances during the season, the Bills ended the year with a 13-3 record and the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.

Buffalo won their first-round matchup against the Miami Dolphins, 34-31. Josh Allen had over 350 passing yards in the game. Unfortunately, the Bills got embarrassed the following week. The Cincinnati Bengals came into Buffalo and won 27-10, as the Bills had no answers on either side of the ball.

Following their second-round exit from the playoffs, Buffalo will have the 27th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

What Are The Buffalo Bills Biggest Needs On Offense?

While the Bills have an elite offense led by Allen and Stefon Diggs, they need to add another weapon. Gabe Davis was too inconsistent as a starter last year. Meanwhile, Isaiah McKenzie isn’t a difference-maker on offense. Buffalo needs to add a playmaker opposite of Diggs.

Despite his injury-plagued 2022 season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. While his junior year was disappointing, the star receiver was unstoppable in 2021. He had 95 receptions for 1,606 receiving yards and nine touchdowns that year. Furthermore, he led the team in receptions and receiving yards despite Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave combining for 135 receptions and 1,994 receiving yards in 2021.

More importantly, Smith-Njigba had an all-time performance in the Rose Bowl. With Wilson and Olave sitting the out the game, Smith-Njigba had 15 receptions for 347 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the win against Utah.

What Are The Buffalo Bills Biggest Needs On Defense?

Buffalo has several critical free agents this offseason. At the top of the list is veteran safety Jordan Poyer. However, the belief is that the safety has played his final down as a member of the Bills. Everyone hopes Damar Hamlin can return to the field next year, but the team can’t count on it.

One potential draft target is Alabama’s Jordan Battle. While Brian Branch will be a first-round pick, Battle might be the better draft value between the Alabama safety duo. He almost declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. Instead, Battle returned to Alabama for one more year.

More importantly, the star safety ended his college career with 252 tackles, six interceptions, and three touchdowns. Furthermore, Battle was one of the best cover safeties in school history.

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