3 First-Round Picks the Bills Can Target to Build Around Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills took a major step forward this season with Josh Allen under center.

They won 10 games for the first time since 1999 and made the playoffs for just the second time over the same span. Still, the offense struggled, finishing 23rd in points per game, 24th in total yardage and 26th in passing yardage.

With the quarterback position seemingly locked down for the foreseeable future, the next logical step for general manager Brandon Beane looks to be surrounding his 23-year-old signal caller with some weapons. Here are some players he could target in the upcoming NFL Draft who could grow alongside his franchise quarterback.

1. Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado

Laviska Shenault's versatility and NFL-ready size could make him one of the draft's biggest climbers following the combine and pro days. Still, as of writing, he could last late enough into the first-round to be a target for the receiver-needy Bills. Shenault's somewhat disappointing junior season, in which he posted 925 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns on 79 touches, is likely the reason he isn't projected to go earlier. Still, his average of 11.7 yards per touch was up from the 10.9 mark he delivered as a sophomore. Adding Shenault to a core that already features Cole Beasley and John Brown could turn the Bills' receiving core to an immediate strength.

2. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

Jalen Reagor's situation is somewhat similar to that of Shenault. His yards from scrimmage dropped from 1,231 yards as a sophomore, to 700 as a junior. He remained explosive, posting 12.3 yards per touch, but a down season by the TCU offense as a whole seems to have driven his draft stock down. The talent doesn't look to have gone anywhere, meaning some solid performances throughout the draft process could solidify his stock as a first-round pick. He's slightly bigger than John Brown, but both measure out at 5-foot-11 and could combine to create a dynamic one-two punch downfield for the strong-armed Josh Allen.

3. D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

Rookie Devin Singletary showed promise in his first NFL season, posting 5.4 yards per touch and 969 yards from scrimmage. Still, in today's NFL, the tide seems to have turned to a committee approach at the running back position. With Singletary and Josh Allen leading the way, the Bills finished as the eighth-best rushing team in the NFL. Adding a player of Swift's caliber to that mix could take elevate them to an even higher level on the ground. Swift finished with 1,434 yards from scrimmage on 220 touches in 2019, and adding a second dangerous RB to the mix could give Buffalo one of the NFL's best backfields.

Join FanDuel Sportsbook Today. New users get a risk-free bet up to $500. Join Now.