In a surprising turn during the 2024 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills traded their 28th overall pick to the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions. This move raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, particularly given the Bills’ ongoing playoff rivalry with the Chiefs.
Xavier Worthy Joins the Chiefs
With the 28th pick, the Chiefs selected wide receiver Xavier Worthy from Texas. Known for his incredible speed, Worthy was an essential target for the Chiefs, who aimed to enhance their receiving corps. Buffalo’s decision to trade down perplexed many, considering they had multiple players who could fit their needs.
Keon Coleman Selected by Buffalo
After trading the 32nd pick to 33rd, the Bills drafted Florida State’s wideout Keon Coleman. Bill’s General Manager, Brandon Beane, later stated that there were no first-round grades left on their board, which justified the trade. But this reasoning did little to ease the concerns of fans.
Connecting Stories: Worthy and Coleman
The narrative surrounding Worthy and Coleman is fascinating. This trade ties their career paths together, similar to past decisions made during draft seasons involving these two franchises. In 2022, the Bills had aimed for cornerback Trent McDuffie but were outmaneuvered by the Chiefs, who selected him. The Bills then chose Kaiir Elam, who has had a less impactful career thus far.
Historical Context of Trades
This isn’t the first significant trade between the two teams. In 2017, the Bills traded down, allowing the Chiefs to select Patrick Mahomes. Instead, Buffalo chose to stick with Tyrod Taylor initially and selected Josh Allen the following year. This decision has since been scrutinized, especially with Mahomes achieving legendary status.
Performance Insights
Last season, Worthy emerged as a key player for the Chiefs, showcasing his talent in games against the Bills. In the November matchup, he recorded four receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. In their rematch during January, he achieved six receptions for 85 yards and another score.
Meanwhile, Coleman, who missed a game due to injury, faced criticism for his inability to create separation and establish consistent performance. Former NFL star Steve Smith Sr. even questioned his skill set on his podcast, suggesting that Coleman’s challenges in route running could hinder his development.
Implications for Both Teams
The success of both Xavier Worthy and Keon Coleman will significantly impact their respective teams. Currently, the Chiefs appear to have gained the upper hand in this trade as they continue to excel offensively. Worthy’s contributions play a pivotal role in their strategy, especially as teams focus on their dynamic offense.
In contrast, the Bills need Coleman to prove his worth on the field. As they rely heavily on their running game and James Cook’s contributions, Coleman must deliver crucial plays to alleviate defenses and support quarterback Josh Allen. The coming games will be critical for Coleman to demonstrate his capabilities and potential developmental arc.
