Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - While most fans and analysts believe the Buffalo Bills have a big hole to fill at the top of their wide receiver depth chart, general manager Brandon Beane said he doesn't think that's the case.
"I'm not sitting here thinking we have a glaring hole," Beane told reporters here at One Bills Drive on Thursday, exactly one week prior to the start of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Bills general manager said he understands why people believe that, especially after they traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans back on April 3.
"We've not filled a No. 1 role," he admitted. "We have a group of guys, as we sit here today, that bring different skill sets. We like the group. Would we like to add to it at some point? Yes."
Not only did the Bills trade Diggs, but they also lost Gabe Davis via free agency to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Bills signed free agent receiver Curtis Samuel, who had his best pro season in 2020 with the Panthers while playing for Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who held the same role for Carolina.
They also signed free agent Mack Hollins, who had 690 yards receiving two years ago with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Khalil Shakir enters his third season after a very productive second half of 2023, including two games of over 100 yards receiving.
The roster also includes Justin Shorter, a fifth-round pick from a year ago who spent last season on Injured Reserve, as well as former second-round picks Andy Isabella, who spent last season on the Bills' practice squad, and K.J. Hamler, who they signed in January.
"Sometimes you have young guys on your roster, as well, who can ascend," Beane said. "But they have to prove it. Just like last year we were getting questions about linebacker; Terrel Bernard had to prove it. Even Tyrel Dodson, in his form when he played for us, had to go prove it because he had mainly been a backup prior to that."
The Bills hold the 28th overall selection in next week's draft. Beane said they do not have 28 players with first-round grades, but they do have "more than last year."
