Could the Bills Take a Swing on KC Concepcion at No. 26?
The Buffalo Bills’ need at wide receiver isn’t exactly a secret. With Stefon Diggs’ production dipping and Gabe Davis hitting free agency, the Bills’ pass-catching corps is in flux-and Josh Allen needs reinforcements. Even general manager Brandon Beane has acknowledged the need to add weapons, and with the 26th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the expectation is clear: Buffalo is likely targeting a wideout.
This year’s draft class is deep at the position. From big-bodied boundary threats to shifty slot specialists, there’s no shortage of options. But one name that keeps popping up in connection with the Bills is Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion.
Concepcion is a dynamic, albeit unconventional, prospect. He posted 61 catches for 919 yards and nine touchdowns last season, averaging an impressive 15.1 yards per grab.
That kind of production, especially in the SEC, is nothing to scoff at. He’s got a knack for creating separation, particularly against press coverage-something Buffalo’s offense has sorely lacked.
Analysts like Ian Cummings have pointed out that Concepcion’s ability to win off the line could be a perfect fit in Joe Brady’s offensive system. Brady, now the full-time offensive coordinator, is expected to emphasize quick separation and rhythm passing-a style that plays to Concepcion’s strengths. If the Bills want to make that transition smooth, adding a receiver who can consistently beat man coverage is a smart place to start.
But here’s where things get complicated.
Concepcion stands at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds. That’s not tiny by NFL standards, but it does likely peg him as a slot receiver at the next level-especially given where he lined up most often in college.
The challenge? Buffalo already has a solid slot option in Khalil Shakir, who played nearly 60% of his snaps inside last season.
Drafting another player who thrives in the same space raises questions about fit and redundancy.
Then there’s the matter of his hands. While Concepcion made plenty of big plays in college, consistency catching the football hasn’t always been his strong suit.
And while he’s quick and agile, he’s not exactly a burner. He’s not the kind of vertical threat who’s going to blow the top off a defense like Tyreek Hill.
If you’re drafting him, you’re betting on his route-running, toughness, and ability to separate-not raw speed.
That’s what makes this potential pick so intriguing-and risky.
If Concepcion can evolve into a versatile weapon who can win both inside and outside, he could be a valuable asset for Allen. But if he’s limited to the slot and struggles with drops or physical coverage, it’s fair to wonder whether Buffalo would have been better off going with a more traditional boundary receiver-especially if someone like Washington’s Denzel Boston is still on the board.
Boston, at 6-foot-4, brings a different kind of profile-one that could help the Bills replace the size and physicality they’re losing with Davis. So if both receivers are available at No. 26, the Bills will have to weigh upside versus fit, polish versus projection.
In a draft class loaded with wide receiver talent, the Bills have options. But if they believe Concepcion’s skill set is the missing piece in Joe Brady’s offense, don’t be surprised if they take a swing on the Aggie playmaker-even if it comes with a little risk.