The Buffalo Bills are heading into a pivotal offseason, and the wide receiver room is clearly at the top of the to-do list. With Stefon Diggs’ production dipping and the supporting cast still looking for a true breakout star, the pressure’s on GM Brandon Beane to give Josh Allen a go-to target-someone who can win one-on-one, move the chains, and show up in big moments.
But here’s the catch: picking at No. 26 in the NFL Draft doesn’t exactly guarantee access to a plug-and-play WR1. And that’s where things get tricky for Buffalo. The need is obvious, but the board might not cooperate.
In a recent Senior Bowl-themed mock draft, ESPN’s Matt Miller had the Bills selecting Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion with that 26th pick. On the surface, it’s a move that checks a positional box-but dig a little deeper, and the fit raises some eyebrows.
Concepcion is listed at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds. That’s not small, but it’s not the prototypical size you’d expect from a boundary alpha receiver either.
What he does bring to the table is quickness, route savvy, and yards-after-catch ability. He’s the kind of player you can line up in the slot, get the ball to in space, and let him create.
Think choice routes, quick hitters, and designed touches that let him work his magic.
But here’s the thing: Buffalo already has a legitimate slot option in Khalil Shakir. He’s been one of the few bright spots in that room and doesn’t need replacing. So if Concepcion is going to be more than just a slot guy, he’ll need to prove he can win outside the numbers, handle press coverage, and become a complete receiver-not just a gadget player.
There are some intriguing comps floating around. Miller hinted at a Diggs-lite skillset, while Bleacher Report compared him to Luther Burden III. That’s high praise, and if Concepcion can live up to that billing-especially as a route technician with elite elusiveness-then Bills fans will be more than happy to welcome him to Orchard Park.
But there are concerns. The scouting report flags focus drops-those frustrating plays where a receiver looks to turn upfield before securing the ball.
That’s a coachable issue, but it’s also the kind of thing that can get you benched in the NFL if it shows up too often. Run blocking is another area of concern.
In Buffalo’s offense, wideouts are expected to get dirty in the run game, and that’s not currently a strength of Concepcion’s.
Now, if Beane can land a true WR1 through free agency or a trade, then taking a swing on Concepcion late in the first round starts to make a lot more sense. In that scenario, you’re not asking him to be the guy from Day 1. You’re giving him time to grow, to clean up the drops, to get stronger as a blocker-and to carve out a role that plays to his strengths.
What the Bills can’t afford to do is draft a receiver at 26 and expect him to instantly fill Diggs’ shoes. That’s an unfair ask for any rookie, let alone one who might be the fifth wideout off the board. It’s one thing to draft for need-it’s another to reach out of desperation.
Buffalo’s window with Josh Allen is still wide open, but if they want to keep it that way, they’ll need to get this offseason right-starting with who lines up outside the numbers in 2026.