The Buffalo Bills’ approach to the 2026 NFL Draft was a key topic of discussion as “One Bills Live” broadcasted from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Analysts from various networks provided insights into the depth and strategy surrounding this year’s draft class, focusing on how Buffalo can best address its roster needs.
Emory Hunt of CBS Sports highlighted the overall depth of the draft, attributing it partly to increased eligibility and collegiate experience among players. He noted that NCAA football has evolved, especially at positions crucial for Buffalo such as wide receiver, edge rusher, and cornerback. “We’re seeing now more sets of three, four, five wide receiver sets. So, we’re seeing more wide receivers that have that time on task that they can step in right away and play right away … now you see guys hit the ground running,” Hunt said. He added, “And on the other side of the ball… you’re getting more corners and safeties that can get out there and cover. So, the depth there is evident … because guys are throwing the ball a lot more in college, you’re getting guys that can get to the quarterback … It’s deep across the board.”
Hunt also assessed specific prospects at wide receiver, giving high-end grades to players like Makai Lemon (USC), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Denzel Boston (Washington), Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee), Ted Hurst (Georgia State), Bryce Lance (North Dakota State), Zachariah Branch (Georgia), and Brenen Thompson (Mississippi State).
Jordan Reid from ESPN addressed interior defensive linemen depth through round four. He named Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati) and Dominique Orange (Ohio State) as reliable options even in later rounds: “Names like Dontay Corleone at Cincinnati and even Dominique Orange at Ohio State… Third or fourth round, you feel good about them. Even Darrell Jackson Jr. at Florida State, he can play nose or he can play 1-technique.” Reid also mentioned changes in Buffalo’s defensive scheme under coordinator Jim Leonhard may affect which positions are prioritized.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network pointed out that while few nose tackles or linebackers are graded highly for early rounds, there is a substantial group projected for round three: “Grade-wise, I have a lot of guys that fall more into the third-round group. A big collection of third-round guys,” Jeremiah said.
Bucky Brooks from NFL Network observed that extended eligibility has resulted in older prospects who are better prepared to contribute immediately: “You’re actually going to end up getting a better player in terms of preparedness, ready to play,” Brooks said. He emphasized identifying players who fit well with team schemes.
Dane Brugler from The Athletic described this draft’s identity as one focused less on star quarterbacks or running backs and more on solid talent across other positions: “The first round, second round, it’s going to be light on quarterback, light on running back … we’re going to see plenty of offensive linemen drafted, plenty of wide receivers drafted… edge rushers, linebackers, corners – those guys are going to fly off the board.”
Matt Harmon from Yahoo! Sports agreed about receiver depth but did not see any clear tier-one talent: “The quality of this class probably comes then in the depth of it…”
Regarding strategy beyond round one picks for Buffalo’s needs at edge rusher or linebacker—and considering similar needs across other teams—Hunt stated: “Even if the Bills don’t get a guy whom they see constantly over and over again in these mock drafts in round one, don’t fret… In day two you can find yourself a [Howell] of Texas A&M – a guy that’s just phenomenal in terms of getting to the quarterback.” He added linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU) could be an option early due to his versatility.
Reid discussed possible linebacker selections such as CJ Allen (Georgia): “I think there’s a lot of promise there…” Jake Golday (Cincinnati) was noted as an under-the-radar first-round possibility after posting significant statistics last season.
Jeremiah stressed postseason performance when evaluating potential picks: “You watch playoff games… you better be able to win in crowds… I need somebody who can win and can win contested balls.” Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) was mentioned as a possible target if available at pick No. 26.
Brooks explained why flexibility is important given unpredictable player availability before Buffalo’s selection: “…what you don’t want to do is lock yourself into a position… We’re going to take the best player.”
Field Yates from ESPN expressed confidence about Buffalo’s position late in round one despite fewer blue-chip prospects overall: “I like being at 26 more than I do 6 this year… I’d rather be where the Bills are than a team picking 18 or 20 spots ahead of them.”
Overall analysis indicates that while top-tier stars may be limited this year—especially among quarterbacks—the strength lies in mid-to-late round depth across multiple positions relevant for Buffalo’s evolving roster requirements.
