Buffalo Plus Podcast: "Wide Receivers the Bills Could (or should) Pick High in NFL Draft"
April 13, 2023 | Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the Buffalo Bills’ options at wide receiver in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Buffalo Plus team — Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, and Dan Fetes — leverage their insider access and years covering the team to debate which WR prospects might help Josh Allen and the Bills break through. Structured as a roundtable, the show explores prospects’ fit, draft value, and potential impact, with a focus on first- and second-round considerations. The conversation is lively, analytical, and full of Bills-centric banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Bills’ Approach to Drafting WRs

• Acknowledged need at WR:
  “I don't think there's any question that they know they need help at the wide receiver position.” – Mike (01:30)
• Dan’s “Team Wide Receiver” stance:
  Dan advocates for selecting a WR early, referencing the league’s trend of rookie WRs making instant impacts (e.g., Jefferson, Chase, Olave, Wilson).
  “I’m with it — all in on a team wide receiver and an early, early wide receiver, whether that's at 27 or moving up to go get a guy before that.” – Dan (03:37)
• The Bills’ official top-30 visits signal genuine interest, with six WRs being brought in — more than any other position.

2. Draft Strategy and Flexibility

• Brandon Beane (GM) drafts by need, but the Bills may choose value over pure positional fit.
• Importance of “best player available”:
  “Go get the best player. Now they're also picking late 20s... I don't see them moving up to get a guy this year.” – Mike (07:12)
• The late first round (pick 27) is effectively like picking in the second round due to talent tiers.

3. The Value of the Fifth-Year Option

• Picking in the first round secures a fifth-year option for prospects, a strategic asset, especially for WRs and RBs.

4. Overview & Evaluation of Top WR Prospects

Zay Flowers (Boston College)

• Profile: 5’9”, 182 lbs, senior — 78 catches, 1,077 yards, 12 TDs (2022)
• Pros: Fast, athletic, great ball skills, deep threat; well-liked personality
• Cons: Small frame/arms/hands; may struggle with contested catches; needs polishing as route runner
• NFL Comp: Travis Benjamin
• Noted as a potential early riser in Round 1, but questions about the ceiling linger.
  “If you like Flowers, then take Flowers. But you don't pass on him because you have Deonte Hardy for a two-year deal.” – Dan (16:55)
• Debate centers around whether he’s worth a first-round pick given possible limitations.

Jordan Addison (USC, formerly Pitt)

• Profile: 5’11”, 173 lbs, junior — 59 catches, 875 yards, 8 TDs (2022 — missed 3 games)
• Pros: Quick, versatile, complex route-runner, punt return capability
• Cons: Fades against physical corners, underwhelming finish to season, injury, less contested-catch ability
• NFL Comp: Tyler Lockett
• The hosts note his stellar sophomore year at Pitt (100/1,593/17) and wonder if his best fit is as a slot or versatile WR2. “Shrinks against handsy corners... I want to see a guy with a little more contested ability.” – Mike (20:06)

Jaxon Smith-Njigba ("JSN" – Ohio State)

• Profile: 6’1”, 196 lbs, junior — limited to 3 games in 2022 due to hamstring injury; monster sophomore year (95/1,606/9)
• Pros: Route-running maestro, tough, makes contested catches
• Cons: Injury concern; slot-only label by some scouts
• NFL Comp: None named, but compared to Jefferson/Chase in potential
• Universally loved by the panel, lauded as the safest, highest-floor WR in the class.
  “I think JSN is top 10 talent. I think he has a shot to be a Jamar Chase, a Justin Jefferson.” – Dan (28:46)
• Likely out of Buffalo’s reach, but would be a dream pick if available.

Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee)

• Profile: 6’0”, 175 lbs, junior — 67 catches, 1,267 yards, 15 TDs, big-play threat (18.9 ypc)
• Pros: Blazing speed, YAC ability, explosive, can be an immediate impact player
• Cons: Limited route tree, slight frame, question if “one-trick pony” or complete
• NFL Comp: DeSean Jackson
• Discussed as an intriguing option for Bills’ long-standing need for YAC and speed.

Josh Downs (North Carolina)

• Profile: 5’9”, 170 lbs, junior — 94/1,029/11 (2022)
• Pros: Dynamic feet, instinctive, highly productive
• Cons: Slight size, drops, limited outside ability
• NFL Comp: Kadarius Toney
• Generally seen as a Day 2 target; hosts not enamored with his fit for Buffalo.

Quentin Johnston (TCU)

• Profile: 6’3”, 208 lbs, junior — 60/1,069/6 (2022)
• Pros: Ideal WR frame, catch radius, athletic gifts
• Cons: Inconsistent production, struggles with separation, low TD numbers despite stature
• NFL Comp: Alshon Jeffery
• Boom-or-bust prospect:
  “I think Johnston has a massively high ceiling, I also think he has a very low floor.” – Dan (43:28)
• Compared to Gabe Davis in style and physicality, but potentially a much higher-drafted, more risky version.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the draft’s unpredictability:
  “This is the perfect dichotomy of a fan base... One comment said, ‘Dan, you’re an idiot, that would be a stretch at 27...’ The next: ‘Oh, I hope they move up to get him because I don’t think he’ll be there at 27.’” – Dan (09:13)

• On late first-round talent:
  “27 is pretty much the second round; if you see a guy and go, ‘Oh I can't believe he went in the first round, Mel Kiper had him in the second’... It’s the second round.” – Dan (10:06)

• On Khalil Shakir’s role and the changing roster:
  “Now we look at this team and go, they can draft any position outside of quarterback, and we can go, they got a chance to start.” – Dan (12:17)

• On Quentin Johnston’s volatility:
  “His size means he’s too big for the little guys, but he’s too slow for the fast guys. So you’re kind of stuck—where do you separate from?” – Dan (42:30)

• Lighthearted player comps:
  “Who’s Dan’s comp on the current Bills?” – Mike (18:22)

• On the Bills’ lack of speed:
  “They did not have guys in that wide receiver group that are just blowing by people. That’s not the way they're built, and I think that is an important element to have somewhere in this offense.” – Mike (34:46)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [01:30] – Why WR is a need and the importance of official visits
• [03:37] – Dan’s “team wide receiver” argument for early investment
• [05:57] – Drafting for need vs. fit; learning from Justin Jefferson’s draft slip
• [08:38] – Draft tiers and talent beyond the top 15 picks
• [13:52] – Zay Flowers discussion and fit in Buffalo
• [19:22] – Jordan Addison profile; pros/cons, concerns about contested catches
• [25:46] – JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) roundtable; why he’s a "dream" pick
• [32:14] – Jalin Hyatt’s big-play potential and fit
• [35:29] – Josh Downs as a likely Day 2 pick, fit for Bills
• [40:17] – Quentin Johnston as a prototypical outside WR; pros and cons
• [49:07] – Reflection on Khalil Shakir and the state of the WR room

Additional Player Thoughts & Roster Nuances

• Shakir’s development: The room is “wide open,” and the Bills’ new rookie WR could have a strong chance to start outside of Diggs and Davis (49:07).
• The slot position remains crucial given Buffalo’s offensive scheme.
• Fit vs. talent: Don’t let “fit” override quality — but recognize what Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott have historically prioritized (separation, route running, versatility).

Conclusion

The Bills’ 2023 draft plan at wide receiver remains a pivotal question for fans and front office alike. The Buffalo Plus crew, while split on certain players, agree that a high-upside rookie WR could transform the offense and provide much-needed help for Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs. While blue-chip talent like JSN may be out of reach, there are several intriguing options — each with their own set of risks and rewards. The consensus: the Bills have flexibility, needs, and plenty of good receiver choices, but the right fit could make all the difference in the quest for a Super Bowl run.