How the latest mock drafts see the Bills using their first round pick

Yahoo Sports5h ago10 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

The Buffalo Bills, aiming for a Super Bowl run, have pressing needs as they approach the NFL Draft. With their first-round pick at No. 26, they are likely to focus on several position groups to enhance their roster.

Key points

Buffalo Bills have reached the NFL playoffs for seven consecutive seasons.
The team is considered a top betting favorite for Super Bowl 61.
New defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is influencing draft decisions.
The Bills traded their second-round pick for DJ Moore.
Their first-round pick could target multiple position groups.

Mentioned in this story

Sean McDermottJim LeonhardDJ MooreChicago

Buffalo Bills

ORCHARD PARK - For a team that is the only one to reach the NFL playoffs in each of the last seven seasons, and in 2026 is considered by the wise guys in Las Vegas to be one of the top three or four betting favorites to play in Super Bowl 61, the Buffalo Bills enter the NFL Draft with a whole bunch of needs that must be addressed.

With a new defense under construction in the wake of the Sean McDermott firing, new coordinator Jim Leonhard has likely steered president/GM Brandon Beane and his scouting staff in a few different directions as he lets them know the types of players would fit best in his base 3-4.

Of course, even with the addition of wide receiver DJ Moore in a trade from Chicago, one that cost the Bills their second-round pick, that position is always at the forefront for Buffalo as it must do a better job of providing Josh Allen the weapons necessary to back up the oddsmakers’ continued faith in the Bills.

You can throw all kinds of possible names out every year when trying to predict who the Bills might pick in the first round, but they are usually concentrated on maybe two or three position groups, max. This year, their first-round pick, No. 26 overall, could come from as many as six position groups, and there probably wouldn’t be too much pushback unless, you know, they take a tight end or a running back.

Joe Brady is experiencing his first draft process as a head coach, and he admitted it has been fascinating sitting in on the Bills’ own mock drafts to understand who their options could be Thursday night.

“I couldn't tell you who's even gonna be available at 26,” he said Monday. “That was an interesting thing at the mock draft, right? Like, just trying to figure all that out. We're in a fortunate position that we can play a game tomorrow (with their current roster). We can have the ability to take the best players available than sit there and say, ‘hey, we have to get this position.’”

Q&A

What position groups are the Buffalo Bills considering for their first-round pick?

The Bills are likely to focus on up to six position groups for their first-round pick, including wide receiver, tight end, and running back.

How has the firing of Sean McDermott affected the Bills' draft strategy?

With the firing of Sean McDermott, new coordinator Jim Leonhard is influencing the draft strategy, potentially shifting the focus to fit his 3-4 defensive scheme.

Who did the Bills trade for that impacted their draft position?

The Bills traded for wide receiver DJ Moore from Chicago, which cost them their second-round pick in the draft.

What is the significance of the Bills' first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Bills hold the No. 26 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is crucial for addressing their roster needs as they aim for another playoff run.