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    No First-Rounder, No Problem: Previewing the 2024 NFL Draft for the Bills, Texans, and Browns

    Three teams -- the Bills, Texans, and Browns -- didn't make a pick in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. But they can get on the board on Day 2.

    While almost every team got in on the action during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, three clubs did not have a selection on Day 1.

    The Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, and Cleveland Browns didn’t make a pick on Thursday and were forced to watch as the first-round board took shape.

    Let’s run through those three squads and see where their Day 2 picks stand, what happened to their first-round selections, and what team needs they could fill on Friday evening.

    The 2024 NFL Draft Begins Friday for Teams Without a First-Round Pick

    Buffalo Bills

    Day 2 Picks: 2-33, 2-60

    What happened to Buffalo’s first-round pick? The Bills entered Round 1 owning the 28th pick but traded down twice before Thursday night was complete.

    First, Buffalo allowed the AFC-rival Kansas City Chiefs to move up to 28 for Texas WR Xavier Worthy. The Bills picked up pick Nos. 32, 95, and 221 from the Chiefs in exchange for Nos. 28, 133, and 248.

    General manager Brandon Beane moved back again to close out the first round, sending No. 32 and No. 200 to the Carolina Panthers for Nos. 33 and 141. Carolina took South Carolina pass-catcher Xavier Legette at 32.

    The Bills are also missing their third-round pick. They traded that selection (No. 91) to the Green Bay Packers at last year’s deadline in exchange for CB Rasul Douglas and a fifth-rounder (No. 160).

    What do the Bills need? The fact that Buffalo let two teams move in front of them to take receivers is beyond curious — because the Bills’ top need is unquestionably a wideout.

    Stefon Diggs finally worked his way out of Buffalo this offseason and was traded to the Houston Texans, while Gave Davis departed in free agency. Josh Allen’s top three WRs are currently Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, and Mack Hollins. It shouldn’t be surprising if the Bills target a pass catcher like Adonai Mitchell, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman, or Ja’Lynn Polk at 33.

    Buffalo might be inclined to use the rest of its Day 2 and 3 capital to fortify a defense that lost corners Tre’Davious White and Dane Jackson and safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. If the Bills pass on a receiver at 33, could hybrid CB/S Cooper DeJean solve their defensive concerns?

    Houston Texans

    Day 2 Picks: 2-42, 2-59, 3-86

    What happened to Houston’s first-round pick? The Texans traded their 2024 first-round pick (No. 27) to the Arizona Cardinals during the 2023 NFL Draft. Houston picked up the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft in that swap and used it on pass rusher Will Anderson Jr., who won the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

    General manager Nick Caserio also had another first-rounder (No. 23) in his back pocket due to the Deshaun Watson trade. But the Texans sent that choice and No. 232 (seventh round) to the Minnesota Vikings in a March trade, acquiring No. 42 (second round), No. 188 (sixth round), and a 2025 second-rounder in the process.

    MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board

    While the Vikings may have wanted an extra first-round choice as ammunition for a QB trade-up, ESPN’s Adam Schefter later reported that the Texans initiated that deal.

    Houston wanted to get out of 2024’s first round and pick up extra second-round capital in each of the next two years. The Texans ultimately traded the 2025 second-rounder they received from Minnesota to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for veteran WR Stefon Diggs.

    What do the Texans need? Not much. After nailing last year’s draft by landing QB C.J. Stroud, Anderson, and WR Tank Dell, Houston went on a spending spree during free agency.

    Diggs wasn’t the Texans’ only offensive acquisition, as Houston also traded for and extended RB Joe Mixon. On defense, Caserio and Co. signed EDGE Danielle Hunter to a high-priced deal, added valuable contributors like LB Azeez Al-Shaair and DTs Denmico Autry, Foley Fatukasi, Tim Settle, and Mario Edwards, and took low-risk shots on CBs Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson.

    Houston papered over its most pressing needs, ensuring it can target the best player available once Day 2 rolls around.

    The Texans could take advantage of deep WR and OT classes to add depth in the second round, while a Round 2 D-tackle like Ohio State’s Michael Hall Jr. or Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro could also make sense.

    Cleveland Browns

    Day 2 Picks: 2-54, 3-85

    What happened to Cleveland’s first-round pick? The Deshaun Watson trade cost the Browns their Round 1 picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Cleveland is also missing its 2024 fourth-round pick (No. 123) thanks to the Watson trade.

    What do the Browns need? Like Houston, Cleveland doesn’t have many immediate concerns on its roster. The Browns have filled most of their gaps and are in a position to A, draft the best player available at No. 54, and B, choose prospects with future needs in mind.

    That could mean restocking a WR corps that could lose Amari Cooper and/or Elijah Moore in 2025. DTs Quinton Jefferson and Maurice Hurst are on one-year deals, meaning Cleveland could consider an interior defender in Round 2.

    Finding a mid-round cornerback could be of interest for the Browns, especially if they don’t plan to re-sign slot CB Greg Newsome. Meanwhile, a Day 3 RB may also be on the docket, depending on how Cleveland feels about Nick Chubb’s recovery from a gruesome September knee injury.

    Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!

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