Chargers can ruin the 2024 NFL Draft for Bills after Stefon Diggs trade
Just a short time after the LA Chargers dealt Keenan Allen, leading to a weakened wide receiver group, the Buffalo Bills traded Stefon Diggs, setting up another challenging wide receiver lineup alongside their franchise quarterback.
In an interesting twist, the Bills may owe a debt of gratitude to the Chargers for the Diggs trade, which might not have materialized without the Chargers’ move. It seems evident that the Bills were eager to part ways with Diggs, and the Texans emerged as the sole team willing to trade a valuable selection for him. Had Allen been traded to the Texans instead of the Bears, the Bills might have had to accept a much lesser return for Diggs.
With Allen going to the Bears, the Bills were able to extract maximum value for Diggs. Now, Buffalo is looking to add a wide receiver in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, while the Chargers have a chance to once again influence the Bills’ receiving corps.
However, this time, the Chargers could potentially disrupt Buffalo’s plans by potentially selecting the player the Bills covet as their top pick in the draft.
Chargers could ruin Bills draft by trading down, drafting Brian Thomas Jr
Throw it up to BT @Garrettnuss13 ➡️ @BrianThomas_11
📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/1j1lKG2qWu
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024
There has been significant speculation regarding the Chargers possibly engaging in a trade down during the 2024 NFL Draft. The most discussed scenario involves trading the fifth overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for the 11th pick, 23rd pick, and additional future draft assets the Chargers can negotiate from Minnesota.
While the preference for this writer is for the Chargers to select one of the standout wide receivers available with the fifth pick, it’s understandable why many fans are intrigued by the idea of turning one first-round pick into two. Given Joe Hortiz’s background with a team known for frequently trading down, this possibility is certainly viable.
Opting to trade down doesn’t diminish the need for a wide receiver, and the Chargers should still prioritize selecting one early in the 2024 NFL Draft. Beyond the top three prospects like Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze, LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. emerges as a standout fourth option.
Although Thomas isn’t in the same tier as the top three prospects, he stands out in his own right compared to the rest of the draft class. He possesses exceptional speed and game-changing abilities that could potentially elevate him to a premier WR1 in the NFL, especially with the right team and quarterback support.
Following the Diggs trade, landing Thomas in the first round would likely be a dream scenario for the Bills. Despite perceptions of his draft position, there’s a chance Thomas could slip down the order – as Pro Football Focus ranks him as the 28th prospect, coincidentally aligning with the Bills’ 28th pick.
If the Bills are concerned about missing out on Thomas at 28, they may consider trading up a few spots to secure him. However, if the Chargers broker a trade and hold the 23rd pick, they could block the Bills from having a shot at Thomas.
Given the Bills’ limited capacity to move up into the teens, they might rely on Thomas falling to the 24th pick to make a feasible trade-up. Positioned at 23, the Chargers could serve as a barrier and potentially thwart the Bills’ opportunity to select Thomas.
Considering the substantial need at wide receiver, it wouldn’t be entirely surprising if the Chargers opt to “reach” for Thomas at the 11th pick and select a different player at 23. Regardless, a trade-back scenario for the Chargers would pose challenges for the Bills in securing Thomas.
