Potential Buffalo Bills target: draft analysts’ take on D.K. Metcalf

D.K. Metcalf is one of the most physically gifted wide receivers to enter the NFL Draft. There are concerns about his health and his lack of production in his season-and-a-half as a starter at Ole Miss. In 2016, Metcalf played in two games before suffering a season-ending foot injury that allowed him to make 2016 a redshirt season. Two years later in 2018, after playing in seven games, Metcalf suffered a season-ending neck injury. The Buffalo Bills don't have a true number-one receiver. Whether or not a guy like that is needed in today’s NFL is up for debate, but Metcalf is a special type of talent who would be beneficial to any team.

Joe Marino of The Draft Network and Lance Zierlein of NFL.com have this to say about Metcalf:

Joe Marino

(D.K.) Metcalf brings a rare physical skill set and has showcased dynamic playmaking skills in the SEC although more experience would be preferred. There is consistency needed as a finisher but it’s a minor tradeoff for the upside he presents in the passing game. His traits are worthy of a high selection despite some rawness to his game. Metcalf is a universal scheme fit that has immense playmaking ability to every level of the field. By year three, Metcalf has the upside to become one of the premiere receivers in the NFL.

Lance Zierlein

Big, explosive talent with projectable upside to become a home-run threat as a WR1. Teams seek out pass-catchers with rare height, weight and speed dimensions and Metcalf has those for days. While he has the talent to become a full-field threat, Metcalf is still an unpolished gem who was the second-best receiver on his college team. Until his skill-set is more developed, he could begin his career as a hit-or-miss long-ball threat. However, once it clicks, defenses could struggle to find solutions for him.

Metcalf’s best collegiate season came in 2017 where he played in 12 games and hauled in 39 catches for 646 yards and seven touchdowns. Those numbers don't jump out to anyone but he never really had the chance to reach his full potential as a college player due to his two injuries. Athletically and physically, Metcalf is generational. At 6’3” and 230 lbs, Metcalf logged a 4.33s 40-yard dash, a 40.5-inch vertical and 27 bench reps of 225 pounds.

The Bills were active in free agency with adding a deep threat in John Brown and a slot receiver to win man-to-man in Cole Beasley. The receiver room looks a lot better now than it did at the start of the 2018 season. With the ninth overall pick and the projection of where Metcalf would go in the draft, the Bills should have the opportunity to take him in the first round.