The Buffalo Bills addressed one of their biggest weaknesses in free agency when they signed wide receivers John Brown and Cole Beasley, but a play for a top receiver like D.K. Metcalf in the draft might still be in play.

Bills general manager Brandon Beane inquired about a potential trade for Antonio Brown with the Pittsburgh Steelers before he was dealt to the Oakland Raiders. That came on the heels of Beane saying at the NFL combine that he doesn't think a team necessarily needs a prototypical No. 1 wide receiver.

Metcalf was brought in for a visit to One Bills Drive and Beane is obviously interested in adding talent at the position to help young quarterback Josh Allen. Metcalf is arguably the most talented receiver in the 2019 draft.

Here's how he'd fit with the Bills, the pros to Beane drafting him and the cons to making him the pick at No. 9. Plus, scroll down for some expert analysis on Metcalf and NFL.com's scouting report. Ryan Talbot and I discuss Metcalf as a potential fit for the Bills and more in the podcast video at the top of the page.

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Getty Photo/Joe Robbins

How does Metcalf fit with the Bills?

Before we can discuss how Metcalf fits with the Bills you need to have an understanding of what kind of prospect you're getting. He's a raw talent because of his limitations as a route runner, but his physical traits combined with his penchant to make the big, highlight-reel catch make him a super intriguing prospect at the position. Some are comparing his upside to Randy Moss at the next level because of his ability to create separation and just blow past cornerbacks.

So if we're talking about how he fits in with this Bills offense he probably becomes a bigger, faster version of Robert Foster (from the second half of 2018). With the additions of Brown and Beasley and Foster and third-year receiver Zay Jones all in the mix, there won't be a lot of pressure on Metcalf early on as he he develops.

The problem with the wait-and-see approach is that the Bills have a number of needs still after free agency on the offensive line, at tight end, on the defensive line and, to a lesser extent, at linebacker. If you're taking a player in the top 10 of the NFL draft you need to hit a home run. Metcalf could be that home run and if it means you give Allen a bonafide No. 1 receiver and big-play threat for the next 10 years then it's a no-brainer.

Metcalf suffered two significant injuries during his three-year career at Ole Miss - one his freshman season and then a scary neck injury that ended his 2018 campaign early.

Bills coach Sean McDermott said at the NFL's Annual Meeting that he feels the Bills are better at the wide receiver position right now than they were a year ago.

"That said we have to get on the field and see where we are," he said. "Availability is key - guys being healthy."

That's been a problem for Metcalf - staying on the field. But he does bring speed to the equation and that's something McDermott and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll are always trying to find.

If Metcalf was the pick at No. 9 for the Bills he would immediately become the team's tallest receiver at 6-foot-3 (The Bills signed Duke Williams from the Canadian Football League this offseason who also stands at 6-foot-3).

The Bills are all-of-a-sudden pretty deep at receiver. The depth chart probably looks something like this:

WR1: Brown, Foster, Williams, Da'Mari Scott

WR2: Jones, Phillips, Ray-Ray McCloud, Victor Bolden

SLOT: Beasley, Isaiah McKenzie, Andre Roberts

The addition of another top end receiver in the draft will intensify the competition for roster spots in training camp. But that's exactly what Beane and McDermott are hoping to accomplish this offseason: adding enough quality players to increase the competition for spots across the roster.

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D.K. Metcalf is looking like a matchup problem



(via @JamesPalmerTV) pic.twitter.com/qf5onisC7q — B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) March 29, 2019

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Pros of drafting Metcalf at 9

The upside. The Bills have a strong-armed passer in Allen and getting him as many weapons as possible will significantly improve his chances at being a better quarterback. What good is having a big arm if you don't have the players that can maximize it? Metcalf is getting compared to Randy Moss by some and even if he's a poor man's version that would be a big-time playmaker in any offense.

With all the publicity over the new receiver acquisitions in Brown and Beasley it's hard to ignore the fact that Beane made a run at acquiring Antonio Brown. Now that the quarterback is in place it's not a stretch to think that the Bills want to add a high-profile receiver. If they believe they have the people in place to develop the type of talent Metcalf can be then it makes sense for them to try and get an elite pass catcher.

This draft is deep along the offensive and defensive lines. If the Bills go with a receiver in the first round there will be plenty of options available to them in the later rounds to try and grab some talented players to fill holes on both lines.

One of the concerns surrounding Metcalf is his injury history. The Bills as an organization have made significant investments to upgrade their player training and rehabilitation programs and what types of resources are available for players. Many free agents that signed with the Bills, like franchise center Mitch Morse and new cornerback Kevin Johnson, mentioned that the Bills' facilities played a role in their decisions. Metcalf would be set up to succeed from a health standpoint by landing with a team like Buffalo.

Excitement. It's been a long time since the Bills had a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Sammy Watkins went fourth overall but never really lived up to the hype. Fans want to see an improved offense and getting a playmaker like Metcalf could further energize the fan base ahead of next season.

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This about to bigger than Odell and Jarvis Landry when they entered the draft . Two potential 1st round draft picks from the same school. @nfl I hope you’re ready . @olemissfb @exossports pic.twitter.com/UBEJDjZBNy — AJ Brown (@Brown1arthur) February 21, 2019

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Cons of drafting Metcalf at 9

Questionable hands. A deep dive on Metcalf's scouting report will usually unearth some questions around his ability to consistently haul in passes. You want your No. 1 receiver to be reliable when it comes to making the big plays and that bullet point is certainly a cause for pause.

Metcalf isn't the most physical player. His teammate A.J. Brown gets higher marks for his ability to run routes and his physicality with the ball in his hands. You want your top target to be competitive after the catch and too many times on film Metcalf leaves something to be desired in that department.

Taking a receiver at No. 9, especially one with some limitations and question marks like Metcalf, isn't the definition of best player available. If the Bills go this route it will say something about where they feel they stand on offense even after an active free agency period.

Entering year three under the Beane/McDermott regime, the Bills have to win. Beane has said his preference is to build the bulk of the core of the team through the draft. Hitting on first-round picks is essential in their mission. If you take Metcalf and he's not a slam dunk then it's a missed opportunity.

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DK @dkmetcalf14 and JG @JOSH_GORDONXII are often compared, given similar athletic gifts. Flash shows integrated technique few can achieve, and that makes all the difference in the @nfl: pic.twitter.com/Y7Att4NJCY — J Moyer (@JMoyerFB) February 13, 2019

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What are the experts saying?

The Athletic's Dane Brugler

"A two-year starter at Ole Miss, Metcalf lined up as the “X” receiver in the Rebels’ three-receiver offense, playing exclusively on the left side of the formation, outside the numbers. He is a “first off the bus” type of player with his broad-shouldered, ripped frame, displaying the gifted athleticism to create mismatches against cornerbacks. Metcalf ran a high volume of vertical routes (go routes, curls, comebacks, etc.) with 13.9 yards per target in 2018, which showed off his downfield abilities (of his 26 catches in 2018, five receptions were 50-plus yards and nine were 30-plus yards). However, he is a straight-line player and his route tree needs more branches. The feedback from his medical evaluation will influence his standing on NFL draft boards. Overall, Metcalf is rough around the edges and needs to fine-tune his routes and finishing skills, but he has the freakish qualities to be an enforcer wideout and grow into a team’s No. 1 pass catcher."

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah

"Metcalf has a rare blend of size, speed and athleticism. He's at his best on runaway routes (go, slant, post). He explodes off the ball in his release and uses his big frame (6-3, 228) to wall off opponents on slants and vertical routes. He's a little choppy at the top of his route when he's working back to the quarterback. Metcalf makes some spectacular one-handed grabs, but he will drop some passes due to lack of concentration. He is exceptional after the catch, breaking tackles and pulling away from defenders. Overall, Metcalf still has room to improve, but he's built like the Batman suit -- extremely explosive and tough. He will be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams as soon as he steps foot on an NFL field. He was fully cleared to participate in the combine, but he did suffer a serious neck injury last season, and it's a concern any time a player is coming back from that type of injury. Pre-draft medical checks figure to play a big role in his evaluation."

Yahoo Sports' Eric Edholm

"A high-ceiling prospect whose game needs polish, Metcalf will be a fascinating gamble for a team high in the draft. Even with question marks surrounding his health and his lateral quickness, he’s just too gifted not to be one of the first receivers selected. Among the teams that could be especially interested in his services include the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts."

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The elite physical skill set but costly concentration drops from DK Metcalf has me comparing him to TO.



Can win deep, over the middle or take a slant to the house. Has obvious 50/50 dominance at times, but the easy play comes hard to him too. Really a fascinating prospect. — Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 14, 2019

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NFL.com scouting report on Metcalf

Read full bio/scouting report at NFL.com

Strengths

Uncommon, but highly coveted height, weight and speed traits

Quick-twitch athlete with loose hips to carry him quickly in and out of his breaks

Has blend of physical tools to work all three levels of the field

Light feet to stutter and trigger an explosive release up the field

Can wipe out coverage cushions with top-end speed that takes the top off

Very risky to press without a back-end safety net

Hauled in multiple one-handed circus catches in 2018

Consistently creates late-catch space with subtle hand usage

Menacing separation potential once he learns to play to his speed

Effective use of size to cinch-up and wall off defenders as perimeter blocker

Should take big leap forward with expanded route tree and coaching to go with it

Weaknesses

Should rely on footwork and body positioning over arm-extension to clear the top of his route

Rushes through pattern ingredients rather than developing their flavors as a route chef

Gears it down a little when turning to locate the deep ball

Fails to sell route fakes to manipulate his opponent

Breaks and stems aren't as sharp as they could be

Had separate season-ending injuries in 2016 (foot) and 2018 (neck)

Suffered focus drops when working back to the ball

Drop rate too high over last two seasons

Needs better positioning of his big frame to block out defenders on comebacks

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