One highlight from each Bills draft pick that showcases their skillset (2024)

Coleman has areas that will need development to effectively take the next step at the pro level, such as his route running and separation abilities, which were key traits of his predecessor, Stefon Diggs.

That being said, what the rookie lacks in those areas he makes up for to a degree in the meantime with his mindset and commitment on and off the field, freak athleticism, and elite skills.

Receivers like Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir, as well as recent free-agency addition Marquez Valdes-Scantling, along with receiving-back James Cook and tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox can command coverage and help to open up the field for offensive opportunities for Coleman as well.

While he’ll simultaneously be developing, look for Coleman to see the field early and often, and to make an impact with Josh Allen and company in his first season as a Bill.

Speaking of guys that can potentially have an immediate impact, second-round selection Cole Bishop can do just that.

His speed should not be overlooked as Buffalo does have a penchant for adding speedy defenders and it’s a trait that will come in handy against offensive players like Tyreek Hill.

But it’s his ability to read and predict plays and get to quarterbacks and receivers that could be an x-factor in how he impacts games in and outside the numbers.

Carter brings a solid presence to the defensive line that, alongside Ed Oliver, could spell trouble for opposing offenses.

Especially their quarterbacks.

There’s no quicker and more effective way to stop an offense than at the starting point when the ball is in their QB’s hands, and Buffalo added some players in this draft like Carter who can help do just that.

His ability to pressure and get to quarterbacks could impact games for Buffalo in that he both gets to and rushes players under center in a way that blows up plays and also rushes their decision-making, creating more opportunities for mistakes the Bills can capitalize on.

Ray Davis may very well be the type of stout yet versatile back Buffalo’s front office has seemingly been after for some time.

With RB1 James Cook taking a big leap in his second year as he took over as their primary ball carrier, Davis adds the second pop to what could become a solid one-two-punch combination.

He is strong and has good feet and ability to see open lanes and break past defenders, but his skills don’t stop at his abilities as a running back. Like Cook, he also knows how to get past defenders and open in the passing game, as well as how to make athletic plays with good hands as well.

Van Pran-Granger is an intriguing addition to a Bills team that needed to cut veteran center Mitch Morse in a series of cap space-clearing moves.

While Connor McGovern is reportedly going to move under center for Buffalo, it could prove to be a temporary move on the offensive line should the rookie develop quickly enough.

Van Pran-Granger sometimes appears to be what happens when a movable object meets an unstoppable force, at least in football terms. He is known for “pancake-ing” opposing defensive players, and for his blocking and QB protection.

Ulofoshio has good field vision for reading opposing quarterbacks and opponent’s offensive plays.

He didn’t allow a touchdown while in coverage in 2023, which is an attribute the Bills defense needs more of, as they’ve given up what had proved to be costly points to opponents at times in the past during some of QB Josh Allen and the Bills’ offenses peak performances.

What’s more, he is another addition to the roster with takeaway abilities that can put defensive points on the board as well.

Solomon adds another prospective depth piece to the Bills’ defensive end rotation which could bolster their pass rush.

The team has been looking to add additional talent to their edge group and Solomon has the potential to do just that, coming off a 16-sack season at Troy in 2023.

Grable has room to grow and improve but also possesses good latch, block, and mover skills that protect and buy the offense time to execute plays.

When Josh Allen is your quarterback and can extend and make plays, and with GM Brandon Beane’s precedent to protect Allen and give him the time to do so, Grable’s attributes as a prospect are desirable for the coaches that will be tasked with developing him at the pro level.

If Hardy develops and his skills progress and translate at the pro level, he could develop into the latest value find and late-round gem for Beane and the Bills.

He has the type of speed as a corner who, along with second-round addition Cole Bishop and LBs Matt Milano and Dorian Williams, could be part of a speedy defensive coverage rotation for Buffalo.

His ability to work out of the slot could provide the quickness to limit the short game and check downs for opposing offenses, but he also has the ability to impact games in another one of their three phases as well.

Hardy can return kicks with speed and lane-seeing abilities that have allowed him to do so for touchdowns. As Buffalo aims to compete and win games across all three phases, Hardy will be on of the teams’ new additions who can compete for return-man duties and potentially make a meaningful impact on games in multiple ways.

Rugby player Travis Clayton shows his excitement after being drafted by the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, April 27, 2024, during the NFL draft in Detroit.

The latest developmental player from across the pond to join the Bills via the NFL’s player pathway program, Clayton is as athletic a prospect as one could get.

The only dilemma is that the former rugby player and boxer had never played football before when he was drafted. The good news is those athletic abilities are uniquely high.

As unlikely as it may seem, he could still potentially make the roster and see the field in his rookie year due to his speed and ability to block on the run downfield.