5 biggest roster needs for the Bills ahead of the 2026 NFL draft

The Buffalo Bills had an adventurous 2026 offseason.

With new head coach Joe Brady joining general manager Brandon Meane as central decision-makers for the roster, the Bills made several moves to revamp their roster ahead of the NFL Draft.

Even after reconstructing the roster with transactions such as trading for wide receiver DJ Moore, signing edge rusher Bradley Chubb, and moving on from veterans such as receiver Curtis Samuel and cornerback Taron Johnson, Buffalo still has a ways to go to finalize its team.

With that, here are the position groups in which the Bills roster is still lacking at this point in the offseason.

Nose tackle

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Deone Walker (96)v applies pressure on Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Buffalo's defensive scheme will change for the first time in nearly a decade. With the departure of head coach Sean McDermott and the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, the Bills will see some changes to the alignment of their front seven.

It's anticipated that the Bills will run more of a 3-4 alignment in the trenches. Buffalo will need a big body in the middle of the line to play as a 0-tech/1-tech lineman.

Deone Walker is Buffalo's best option to fill this role right now. Phidarian Mathis and Zion Logue can also fill this spot, but they lack the experience that the team is looking for in a starter.

Players, such as Ed Oliver and TJ Sanders, will most likely move away from lining up against opponents' centers.

It makes sense why many prognosticators have linked the Bills with a defensive tackle in the first round of their mock drafts. Ohio State's Kayden McDonald has been a popular name whom the Bills could select if the team decides to bolster their defensive line.

Inside linebacker

Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes with linebacker Terrel Bernard coming in to help during first half action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Nov. 2, 2025.

Buffalo will most likely employ two inside linebackers this season. The Bills have two options on the roster who can fill the role at this moment: Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams. Both players found success in McDermott's defensive scheme.

Bernard gradually became a core member of the Bills defense, while Williams was a solid next-man-up player who could perform admirably on demand.

However, it might be time for the Bills to find a solid downhill thumper who can provide a bit more force against the run from the linebacker position.

Edge rusher

Sep 18, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) passes against Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The Bills have some solid options who can play a traditional 3-4 edge spot. Greg Rousseau, Michael Hoecht, Bradley Chubb, and Javon Solomon are expected to battle for snaps.

This group, while a solid one, is still in need of a dominant pass rusher who can consistently cause problems for opposing quarterbacks.

Buffalo's sack and pressure numbers have waned over the past few years. In particular, Buffalo did not have a rusher in the top-20 for pass rush win rate last year.

Left guard

Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) scrambles behind guard David Edwards (76) during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Buffalo's offensive line was a model of consistency over the past two seasons. This offseason, though, the Bills were forced to make some choices due to salary cap constraints, and Buffalo's brass chose to move on from left guard David Edwards.

The left guard spot is a glaring opening on the Bills roster right now. Alec Anderson has the best chance at opening as the Bills staring left guard. Anderson played multiple positions as a reserve on the Bills offensive line during his time in Western New York.

The Bills could look to the draft if they feel there is someone who can provide greater competition at the position.

Wide receiver

Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (10) celebrates with wide receiver Elijah Moore (18) and teammates after a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

We might as well add the wide receiver position to this analysis. Buffalo added DJ Moore via trade. The former Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears palyer has immediately becomes the Bills' best option.

Buffalo has had questions about the wide receiver spot for years. They have brought in a bunch of substandard receivers to help fill the void out wide (see Curtis Samuel).

Moore, along with 2025 free agent signee Joshua Palmer, are the starters on the perimeter. Khalil Shakir will operate out of the slot for the Bills. However, Palmer's performance last year left something more to be desired. Keon Coleman has found himself on the outside looking in after a subpar sophomore season for Buffalo. Stop gaps, Elijah Moore and Curtis Samuel are no longer on the roster.

Tyrell Shavers will miss the start of the season recovering from an ACL tear.

Buffalo lacks the dynamic No. 1 receiver that many believe the team covets. Many mock drafts still link the Bills with a receiver for the No. 26 overall pick in this year's draft. As much as the Bills have worked to bring in options to support Josh Allen, they still lack a superior option on the roster.

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 5 biggest roster needs for the Bills ahead of the 2026 NFL draft