The Buffalo Bills moved on from Sean McDermott due to playoff failures, with defense being a major concern. New head coach Joe Brady is tasked with improving the defense, particularly through the upcoming draft.
Key points
Buffalo Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott
Defense was a major concern for the team's playoff failures
Joe Brady is the new head coach
Jim Leonhard is the new defensive coordinator
The Bills need to address defensive needs in the draft
You can point to any number of reasons why the Buffalo Bills decided to move on from Sean McDermott, and according to owner Terry Pegula, at the top of the list was the proverbial playoff wall that the team could not scale in the coachâs nine seasons.
That was certainly a big one, but if thatâs No. 1, then No. 1A was that Pegula, and general manager Brandon Beane, knew the biggest thing holding Buffalo back year after year in the postseason was its defense, and nothing was going to change on that side of the ball if McDermott returned to finish off a decade at the helm.
There was nothing wrong with the offense, which is in large part why Joe Brady was picked to replace McDermott as opposed to any of the outside candidates. But Bradyâs first edict from management was simple: Pick a defensive coordinator who can put together a defense that can win in January.
Hey, no pressure Jim Leonhard. Youâre stepping into a team that has made the playoffs eight of the last nine years, armed with a superb offense, and itâs your job to make sure the defense doesnât tank the effort.
Leonhard is changing the scheme, this we know. What is uncertain is how Buffaloâs returning players fit into it, and what it needs in this draft to not only augment it, but it make better.
Hereâs what the Billsâ look like on defense heading into the draft:
Defensive line: Lots to figure out
Deone Walker will be looking to build on a strong rookie season.
Deone Walker will be looking to build on a strong rookie season.
The Bills fired Sean McDermott primarily due to repeated playoff failures, with owner Terry Pegula citing the inability to overcome a 'playoff wall' as a key reason.
What changes will Joe Brady implement for the Bills' defense?
Joe Brady is expected to change the defensive scheme to enhance performance, focusing on building a defense capable of winning in the postseason.
Who is the new defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills?
Jim Leonhard has been appointed as the new defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills.
What are the Buffalo Bills' draft needs for the upcoming season?
The Bills need to focus on augmenting their defense in the upcoming draft to ensure it aligns with the new scheme and improves overall performance.
ⶠSal's analysis: The switch to the base 3-4 defense means Leonhard is going to be a very busy man during the upcoming offseason practices and then training camp figuring out the puzzle laid out before him.
Call it what you want - the 4i or the 5-tech - but essentially, the position is defensive end and the top candidates for those spots are Oliver, Sanders, Jackson and Jones. I also think Walker fits better in that role because of his height and lateral quickness, but Beane has said he thinks he can play on the inside over the center, or shaded off the centerâs shoulder, despite the leverage issues heâd have standing 6-foot-7. Carter, Logue and Mathis will probably be considered for that inside tackle spot as well, though none of those players are true nose types which I think the Bills need.
ⶠPotential draft spot: First round, or somewhere on Day 3.
ⶠNames to watch in that range: If the Bills are serious about fixing their perennially weak run defense, they should consider taking Ohio State Kayden McDonald if heâs there at No. 26. McDonald is not a three-down player, but what defensive lineman is these days in the NFL? Rotation is the name of the game and McDonald is exactly what the Bills donât currently have - a true early-down and short yardage nose tackle who excels against the run and absorbing double teams.
If not, they could find a run-stuffing nose later, someone like 340-pound Dontay Corleone of Cincinnati, Texas Techâs Lee Hunter or maybe Domonique Orange of Iowa State who could be in play in the third round, and if they wait until Day 3, Tim Keenan, a three-year starter at Alabama, could be a possibility.
Outside linebacker/edge rusher: The need for speed
Greg Rousseau is making a big change in the Bills new 3-4 defense as he'll move to outside linebacker.
Greg Rousseau is making a big change in the Bills new 3-4 defense as he'll move to outside linebacker.
ⶠSal's analysis: Beane has confirmed that Rousseau is going to move to the OLB spot and rush the passer from a two-point stance, set the edge against the run and occasionally drop into coverage. There will be a period of adjustment for him, but the Bills hope this will unlock his pass rush which has been inconsistent throughout his five seasons.
Chubb has played the position most of his career, and Hoecht played it a bit when he was with the Rams. Thatâs a pretty good start, assuming Hoecht recovers from his torn Achilles. But what none of those players possess is speed and bend around the edge, and coming from Denver where the Broncos had Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper, you know Leonhard would love to add that type of athlete.
ⶠPotential draft spot: Anywhere, including the first round.
ⶠNames to watch in that range: Texas A&Mâs Cashius Howell has the exact traits the Bills need, provided he can find a way to overcome his short arms. You might laugh, but short-armed edge rushers have traditionally struggled in the NFL. Clemsonâs TJ Parker doesnât have Howellâs speed and he might be a reach in the first round, but there are plenty of mocks that disagree.
If the Bills wait until the third round, there are two interesting players, though both could be gone by pick No. 91. Gabe Jacas of Illinois had 50 games of college experience and can play the edge or move to defensive end in a 3-4 so his versatility is a selling point. And Oklahomaâs R Mason Thomas has the speed the Bills would love, and new cornerbacks coach Jay Valai was a co-defensive coordinator for the Sooners last year.
Linebacker: Terrel Bernardâs injury history is a concern
QB Josh Allen, #17
QB Kyle Allen, #11
QB Shane Buechele, #6
RB James Cook, #4
RB Ray Davis, #7
RB Ty Johnson, #28
RB Rank Gore Jr., #20
WR DJ Moore, #2
WR Khalil Shakir, #10
WR Keon Coleman, #0
WR Joshua Palmer, #5
WR Tyrell Shavers, #14
WR Trent Sherfield
WR Mecole Hardman Jr., #1
WR Jalen Virgil
WR Stephen Gosnell, #89
TE Dalton Kincaid, #86
TE Dawson Knox, #88
TE Jackson Hawes, #85
TE Keleki Latu, #83
OT Dion Dawkins, #73
C Connor McGovern, #66
OT Spencer Brown, #79
G O'Cyrus Torrence, #64
G/C Alec Anderson, #70
C/G Austin Corbett
C Lloyd Cushenberry
C/G Sedrick Van Pran-Granger
OT/G Tylan Grable, $68
OT Chase Lundt, right, #77
G Nick Broeker, right
OT Travis Clayton, #67
DT Ed Oliver, #91
DT Deone Walker, #96
DT T. J. Sanders, $98
DT DeWayne Carter, 90
DT Phidarian Mathis, #72
DT Zion Logue, #93
DT Tommy Akingbesote, #71
OLB Bradley Chubb, #9
OLB Greg Rousseau, #15
OLB Michael Hoecht, $55
OLB Javon Solomon, #56
OLB Andre Jones, #75
DE Landon Jackson, #94
ILB Terrel Bernard, #8
ILB Dorian Williams, #42
ILB Joe Andreessen, #44
ILB Keonta Jenkins #49
ILB Jimmy Ciarlo
CB Christian Benford, #47
CB Maxwell Hairston, #31
CB Dee Alford, #23
CB Dorian Strong, #43
CB Daryl Porter Jr., #46
CB MJ Devonshire Jr., #38
S Cole Bishop, #24
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, #22
S Geno Stone, #25
S Damar Hamlin, #3
S Wande Owens, #30
DB Jordan Hancock, #37
DB Sam Franklin Jr., #28
DB Te'Cory Couch, #33
K Tyler Bass, #16
P Mitch Wishnowsky, #19
LS Reid Ferguson, #69
K Maddux Trujillo
1 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
QB Josh Allen, #17
1 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
QB Josh Allen, #17
2 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
QB Kyle Allen, #11
3 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
QB Shane Buechele, #6
4 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
RB James Cook, #4
5 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
RB Ray Davis, #7
6 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
RB Ty Johnson, #28
7 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
RB Rank Gore Jr., #20
8 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
WR DJ Moore, #2
9 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
WR Khalil Shakir, #10
10 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
WR Keon Coleman, #0
11 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
WR Joshua Palmer, #5
12 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
WR Tyrell Shavers, #14
13 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
WR Trent Sherfield
14 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
WR Mecole Hardman Jr., #1
15 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
WR Jalen Virgil
16 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
WR Stephen Gosnell, #89
17 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
TE Dalton Kincaid, #86
18 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
TE Dawson Knox, #88
19 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
TE Jackson Hawes, #85
20 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
TE Keleki Latu, #83
21 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
OT Dion Dawkins, #73
22 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
C Connor McGovern, #66
23 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
OT Spencer Brown, #79
24 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
G O'Cyrus Torrence, #64
25 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
G/C Alec Anderson, #70
26 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
C/G Austin Corbett
27 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
C Lloyd Cushenberry
28 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
C/G Sedrick Van Pran-Granger
29 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
OT/G Tylan Grable, $68
30 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
OT Chase Lundt, right, #77
31 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
G Nick Broeker, right
32 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
OT Travis Clayton, #67
33 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
DT Ed Oliver, #91
34 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
DT Deone Walker, #96
35 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
DT T. J. Sanders, $98
36 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
DT DeWayne Carter, 90
37 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
DT Phidarian Mathis, #72
38 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
DT Zion Logue, #93
39 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
DT Tommy Akingbesote, #71
40 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
OLB Bradley Chubb, #9
41 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
OLB Greg Rousseau, #15
42 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
OLB Michael Hoecht, $55
43 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
OLB Javon Solomon, #56
44 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
OLB Andre Jones, #75
45 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
DE Landon Jackson, #94
46 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
ILB Terrel Bernard, #8
47 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
ILB Dorian Williams, #42
48 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
ILB Joe Andreessen, #44
49 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
ILB Keonta Jenkins #49
50 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
ILB Jimmy Ciarlo
51 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
CB Christian Benford, #47
52 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
CB Maxwell Hairston, #31
53 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
CB Dee Alford, #23
54 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
CB Dorian Strong, #43
55 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
CB Daryl Porter Jr., #46
56 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
CB MJ Devonshire Jr., #38
57 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
S Cole Bishop, #24
58 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, #22
59 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
S Geno Stone, #25
60 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
S Damar Hamlin, #3
61 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
S Wande Owens, #30
62 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
DB Jordan Hancock, #37
63 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
DB Sam Franklin Jr., #28
64 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
DB Te'Cory Couch, #33
65 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
K Tyler Bass, #16
66 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
P Mitch Wishnowsky, #19
67 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
LS Reid Ferguson, #69
68 / 68
Bills roster breakdown by position heading into 2026 season
ⶠSal's analysis: When heâs healthy, Bernard has been a good player and he should be able to transition nicely into the 3-4, but can he stay on the field? Itâs a big question. Williams is a great athlete and a downhill thumper against the run, but his struggles against the pass are real. Behind them, thereâs almost no depth, so this is a big area of need, especially with Williams heading into the final year of his contract.
There are many who scoff at taking an off ball linebacker in the first round, but there are a few players who would be nice fits for the Bills and if there isnât a value choice at edge or receiver, thereâs no reason for Beane to ignore linebacker.
ⶠPotential draft spot: Anywhere, including the first round.
ⶠNames to watch in that range: I love Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech and while most believe No. 26 is too early, my response to that is why? All he did was make plays in college, heâs smart, tough, athletic and he can be an every-down player in the middle of any defense. If the Bills love him, and they should, then take him right there.
Georgiaâs CJ Allen is possible in the first, too, but the consensus on him - same as it is with Rodriguez - is that heâs more of a second-rounder. Not having a second-round pick really hinders the Bills because so many LB prospects are projected as second-rounders, and a few more are slated for early in the third, probably before the Bills pick at No. 91. Texasâ Anthony Hill isnât falling that far, but Cincinnatiâs Jake Golday could be there, as well as Missouriâs Josiah Trotter.
Cornerback: Boundary depth is non-existent
Maxwell Hairston needs to prove he can be a starting cornerback in the NFL.
Maxwell Hairston needs to prove he can be a starting cornerback in the NFL.
ⶠSal's analysis: Benford is a bonafide No. 1 corner, but after that, the Bills have a bunch of questions. Last yearâs first-round pick, Hairston, was injured most of the year and he has a lot to prove this season - can he be a full-time starter, and can he stay healthy? Also, we still need to see what Leonhard thinks of him because the Broncos had two big starting corners in Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss.
Is Hairston a starter for Leonhard, or does he want more size at the position, meaning the Bills would have to pick a corner or sign a veteran in free agency. My guess is theyâre going to do both. I think the mock drafters who have the Bills taking a corner in the first round are crazy, but anytime after makes sense.
ⶠPotential draft spot: Third round or after.
ⶠNames to watch in that range: Ohio Stateâs Davison Igbinosun could be around at No. 91. He played 56 games including 43 at Ohio State, so that kind of experience is outstanding, and he has the size at 6-1 and 192 pounds that might entice Leonhard. In the fourth round, players like Julian Neal of Arkansas, Malik Muhammad of Texas, and Georgiaâs Daylen Everette are interesting projections.
Safety: Would it be crazy in the first round?
Cole Bishop is entrenched at safety, but the Bills may look to the draft to deepen the position.
Cole Bishop is entrenched at safety, but the Bills may look to the draft to deepen the position.
ⶠSal's analysis: There are a couple mocks that have Oregonâs Dillon Thieneman and Toledoâs Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in play for the Bills at No. 26 and in either case, I wouldnât bash Beane for doing it. Weâve seen safeties enter the NFL in recent years and become critical parts of defenses, most recently Nick Emmanwori last season for Seattle.
Either of Thieneman or McNeil-Warren could become the long-time partner for Bishop, and theyâd have the benefit of watching and learning from Gardner-Johnson while heâs on his one-year contract.
ⶠPotential draft spot: Day 3, maybe in the fourth round.
ⶠNames to watch in that range: Again, I donât see Beane using his first-round pick on a safety so those top two will be gone by the time he picks again. And I donât think the value would be there in the third round, though TCUâs Bud Clark, who made 15 interceptions in his career, could be worth it. Later, maybe the fifth round, you could go with Miamiâs Jakobe Thomas, and in the sixth round, Indianaâs Louis Moore, to provide depth and special teams work.
ⶠSal's analysis: The Bills believe Bass will be 100% recovered from his surgery that cost him all of 2025, but if he struggles in the offseason, they could save some salary cap space by releasing him and bring in a new kicker. Matt Prater, who filled in quite well last year, is still hanging around.
Wishnowsky did a nice job settling down the punting situation after some early upheaval and the Bills re-signed him to a one-year deal. I have seen a few mocks that have the Bills picking a punter late. Not a terrible idea because if they use their sixth- or seventh-rounder on a punter, he would have a much better chance of making the team and contributing in a meaningful way than a player from any other position.
ⶠPotential draft spot: Late on Day 3.
ⶠNames to watch in that range: Georgiaâs Brett Thorson, a 26-year-old from Australia, won the Ray Guy Award as the nationâs top punter as he had just four of his 42 punts returned, indicating great hang time and direction. Syracuseâs Jake Stonehouse set the school record for yards per punt at 47.1 in 2025, 20 of his punts traveled at least 50 yards and he forced 25 fair catches.
Sal Maiorana has covered the Buffalo Bills for more than four decades including 37 years as the full-time beat writer/columnist for the D&C. He has written numerous books about the history of the team, and he is also co-host of the BLEAV in Bills podcast/YouTube show. He can be reached at maiorana@gannett.com, and you can follow him on X @salmaiorana and on Bluesky @salmaiorana.bsky.social.
