2026 PFWR Buffalo Bills Mock

PFWR All Bills Mock Draft

The Bills face a critical draft to fill some significant needs on both sides of the ball. Despite a major move to trade for a legit WR1 in DJ Moore, sending the Bills 2nd round pick in this draft to Chicago, the offense could still use one more receiver with speed and size to add to the roster to both make an immediate impact, and provide some long term stability with a cost controlled WR on a rookie contract. Other than some depth on the o-line, the offense seems close to be complete. On the flip side, as the Bills transition from McDermott's Heavy Zone, bend don't break, 4-2-5 D, to Jim Leonhard's aggressive 3-4/ Hybrid scheme, there are a multiple of positions needing upgrades and depth. That starts with the front 7, especially ILB, NT and Edge. While the draft has some quality, the premium options will dry up quickly and this mock attempts to optimize the value, as it tries to address each of the critical needs.

The Bills have invested heavily in Edge over the Beane era, but have not truly hit on finding that game changing difference maker. One thought, is swing for the fence with a potentially more explosive pass rush specialist. The two prospects likely to be available at 26, who seem to fit that dynamic potential, are Cashius Howell and Malachi Lawrence. Both have an explosive first step and elite bend, and flash the kind of explosive playmaker Beane has been searching for. However, both come with significant risk given their size, and production vs the run. While they could very well boost the pass rush production early, as passing down rush specialists, they may never grow beyond that role. Maybe that's enough, but for a team that was 28th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game with 136.2, 30th in Yards per rush (5.1), and 9th in giving up the most chunk rush plays of 20 yards with 13 and another 7 over 40 yards. They also gave up the 2nd most rushing TDs in the league with 24. It's sexy to think about adding a dynamic pass rusher, but the bigger problem for the Bills defense, is the inability to stop the run in a league cycle back to rush heavy offensive attacks again. They do still need to vastly improve the pass rush, to help them get off the field on 3rd down, another statistic in the Bills defensive futility as they ranked near the bottom in being able to get off the field. The one prospect that would be great value at 26 who not only offers solid run defense metrics, and the ability to set the edge, but also has long term pass rush potential given his explosive metrics and testing, and '24 production when he was freer to attack than he was in '25 is TJ Parker.

Parker is a bull with violent hands and loves to attack the edge, tranistioning speed to power. He is stout at the point of attack, sheding blocks and setting the edge woth authority. He has a punch that jolts Tackles and TEs, and collapses the pocket while maintianing gap integrity. He reminds me of a younger Bradley Chubb, who he can learn from, as he builds his pass rush tool bag and gains even more strength and bulk in an NFL system. His combine numbers speak to a prospect that has potential as an impact exposive playmaker, maybe even beyond his college production. Especially his 10 yard 1.61 split and 34" vertical. Parker also offers value the others do not have that will see him get on the field earlier and in more roles. He has the ability to slip inside to 5 tech or 4i on passing downs, where he showed the ability to shoot the gap, and win with more than just power as an insider rusher.

While this draft dries up in a hurry in the 2nd round at most positions, WR likely will offer some intriguing options for the Bills at pick 91. I have been higher than most on Ja'Kobi Lane from USC. Saw him live early this season, and have been a fan ever since. But Lance offers a little more potential upside as a multi-faceted weapon given his size, explosive speed, and great hands. He will need to prove he can do it against better secondaries than he saw at ND State, and he needs to continue to refine and improve his route tree, but physical traits and production, even at the FCS level, are rare. Physical frame; Freakish Size/ Speed/ Athleticism strong contested-catch skills. Great hands (3 drops (2025); career ~3.8%) 89.5 PFF overall grade (10th among WRs); high YPRR; 149.7 passer rating when targeted (elite)

Dontay Corleone "The Godfather" (DT, Cincinnati) is a massive 6'1", 340-lb nose tackle prospect with elite density, low pad level, violent hands, and surprising short-area quickness for his size. Career stats include 123 tackles, 17 TFL, and 9.5 sacks over four seasons, highlighted by a strong 2022 (44 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3 sacks) before injuries limited 2025 production to 14 tackles in 10 games. Scouts praise his anchor against doubles, play strength, and high-motor run-stuffing ability, though medical flags (blood clots, ankle issues) and limited pass-rush variety cap his ceiling as a 4th-round value. He'd fit perfectly as a space-eating 0/1-tech to clog A-gaps, free up edge rushers and LBs, and provide immediate rotational depth on early downs.

Rolder was stuck on Michigan's depth chart through most of his time there, partly due to a series of nagging injuries. Once given the opportunity this season, he took full advantage of the opportunity. He pops on the tape, making sideline to sideline plays. His size and elite athleticism are clues his best days may be at the NFL level. The Bills have put the work in on him, and I would be surprised if they passed on him if he was sitting here in the 5th round. At the very least, they will have a special teams demon, but he may end up being a steal if he realizes his full potential and stays healthy. Easily one of the most fun watches during this process this year.

The Bills double dip here in the 6th round at LB. The room needs depth, competition and day 3 atheltic LBs offer added value and a path to roster as special teams contributors. Boettcher was another fun watch. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and always seems to be around the ball. He is an older prospect, and has some limitations with shorter arm length, but will the Bills another cost effective options to fill the roster with quality athleticism and production. I have Boettcher and Roder virtually graded the same, but Boettcher has more tape, and Roder offers more upside and athleticism. Plus, who wouldn't want to hear Josh's Bobby Boucher quotes.

Stephens is a physical and savy interior lineman. He battle back after losing his starting role to put in a steady work and earn all Big Ten honors. Experienced in Iowa's Zone blocking system, which will help him overcome relatively short arms, and limited athleticism. Potential interior swing, who may need a year on the PS. Took some reps at Center at the Senior Bowl, but its a work in progress.

A true throw back glass eating FB. Brady relied heavily on FB Reggie Gilliam as a lead blocker and tush push expert. The Bills could rely more on Jackson Hawes to fill that role as the Bills 3rd Blocking TE, but Bredson could have a clear path to a roster spot and a role on Sunday's if healthy after sustaining a late season lower leg injury last season. Indian's Riley Nowakowski is another solid option to fill this role if he should slip to the 7th.