The Buffalo Bills used trades to move up in the NFL Draft on Day 3 and pick three new additions to the potential roster.
Justin Shorter, the 150th overall pick, is a big, long wide receiver with the build-up speed and skill set to attack defenses downfield. He plays to his size with a physical demeanor that allows him to win contested catches.
He has above-average ball skills, but analysts say he’s “too leggy and gradual in short spaces” to consistently win against press coverage. Shorter requires longer-developing routes to get up to speed, but once he does, he is a threat to score.
His limitations cap his ceiling, but his toughness and ball skills raise his floor as a WR4/5 with upside.
Nick Broeker, selected 230th overall, is an average-sized guard prospect with above-average play strength. He is a good run blocker who excels at firing out and driving his feet through contact to open lanes. However, he is limited as a move blocker and his pass protection needs improvement, according to NFL analysists.
Broeker has very strong hands and consistently works to finish his blocks. However, he sometimes struggles with his hand placement and body control, which can lead to penalties in pass protection.
Overall, Broeker is a below-average athlete with above-average play strength. He has the talent to become a starting guard in a downhill run scheme, but he will need to improve his pass protection to reach his full potential.
Alex Austin, selected in the 7th round (252nd overall) was a three-star recruit out of Long Beach Poly High School in Los Angeles.
He redshirted his freshman year, then started five games in 2020 and recorded 29 tackles. He earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors as a sophomore and junior, recording 47 and 57 tackles, respectively, along with two interceptions and seven pass breakups each year.
He declared for the NFL draft after his junior season. His younger brother, Daylen, signed to play at the University of Oregon in 2023.
