Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane took a risk this offseason in trading a first round pick—along with various lower-round choices—for former Minnesota Vikings star receiver Stefon Diggs. It’s hoped that Diggs will immediately step into the role of a number-one receiver who can be trusted at all levels of the field. However, at 6’0”, Diggs’s one physical weakness is that he doesn’t have the “above-the-rim” size necessary in certain game situations. In his latest two-round mock draft, ESPN’s Todd McShay sought to remedy the wide receiver corps’ perceived size disadvantage by gifting the team former Notre Dame wideout Chase Claypool. Here’s what McShay had to say regarding the choice:
54. Buffalo Bills
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Claypool brings size to a wide receiver group already flush with downfield threats in Stefon Diggs and John Brown. Now Josh Allen has a tall target to find in the red zone, too. Claypool has the hands and strength to make contested catches look easy
Grif’s take
McShay is correct in saying the wide receiver room lacks the size ostensibly necessary for the red zone and that Claypool’s athleticism would be an asset there, as well as on certain routes like slants and back-shoulder throws. After all, by finishing in the top ten of most events, he had one of the most impressive performances at the combine this year. However, it’s questionable if this is a sufficient allocation of team resources, considering Buffalo no longer has a first-round pick.
Despite the positive gifts Claypool would bring to the table, he would likely not be utilized on the field very much, considering how much the team relied on Cole Beasley and John Brown last year. In the wide receiver pecking order, he would likely be fourth in the short term. While the team’s free agency spending spree covered up most immediate needs, there are still positions that could be better targeted with the 54th pick, including running back, edge rusher, and cornerback, all of which are arguably bigger needs than wide receiver.