Adonai Mitchell. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bills take potential Stefon Diggs' understudy in mock draft

Buffalo wide receiver Stefon Diggs underperformed in the second half of the season, so it makes sense for the Bills to take another pass-catcher in the 2024 NFL Draft.

In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicted Buffalo would take Texas' Adonai Mitchell with the 28th pick.

"I made a late change with this pick after I watched Josh Allen average 4.8 yards per attempt in the home loss to the Chiefs," wrote Kiper Jr. "His receivers struggled to get open and didn't make enough plays after the catch once they did. Stefon Diggs hasn't had a 100-yard game since mid-October, and Gabe Davis is now a free agent. General manager Brandon Beane can find a useful pass-catcher here."

Diggs' regression is concerning. He had one catch for seven yards in a 27-24 divisional-round loss to the Chiefs. Still, Buffalo's passing attack relies heavily on the 31-year-old. In 17 regular-season games, he led the team in receptions (107), targets (160), receiving yards (1,183) and receiving TDs (eight).

Spotrac estimates Buffalo is $43.6M over the cap, so it can't spend in free agency. An extension for Davis — who had 45 receptions for 746 yards and seven TDs in 17 games — would eat more cap space. His market value is a four-year deal worth $13.5M annually.

The Bills offense stretches the field more with a WR like Mitchell. In 14 games, he recorded 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 TDs, helping the Longhorns earn their first College Football Playoff berth. Kiper Jr. noted he has great hands, size (6-foot-4, 196 pounds) and an ability to create separation. 

Buffalo should seriously consider drafting a WR in April. It will give the Bills another target they can count on and someone who could eventually replace Diggs as a No. 1 WR.

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