Grading the Bills' three trades in Round 1 of 2026 NFL Draft

Despite not adding a single player in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, it felt like the Buffalo Bills did a good job on Day 1.

The Bills first moved back from No. 26 to No. 28 in the first round in a trade with the Houston Texans. Then a surprising second deal came down because of the trade partner, as Buffalo sent the No. 28 selection to the New England Patriots for the 31st position.

Finally, it was all the way out of the first round for the Bills. Buffalo traded the No. 31 selection to the Tennessee Titans and are next on the clock at the No. 35 pick in the second round.

For two simple reasons, the Bills front office and general manager Brandon Beane deserve praise for that trio of trades.

At the top, Buffalo entered the draft with seven selections and just two in the first 91 spots. After those deals, the Bills have nine total and three in the top 101 slots.

There is nothing wrong with taking more swings on prospects at the draft, especially one that was never considered very "top heavy" with talent.

And of course, look at the Bills' needs. A wide receiver could've been considered with one of the three Round 1 picks Buffalo did hold at one point. But the trade acquisition of DJ Moore earlier this offseason eases that.

Beside wideout, other needs the Bills have include the secondary, defensive line, linebacker and potentially offensive guard.

A few pass rushers went off the board in the first round. However, talent still remains there such as Texas A&M's Cashius Howell and Missouri's Zion Young.