No. 26 – EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF
He's a big rusher who is incredibly explosive off the line. He can be a little stiff at times, but Buffalo will coach him up.
No. 26 – DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Having a nose tackle who's willing to eat up blocks and do the dirty work in run defense is essential to defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's 3-4 scheme. McDonald would fill that role as the best run-defending interior defensive lineman in this class. His 7.8% run stop rate last season topped all FBS defensive linemen, but he can also create negative plays in the backfield with quick wins, as evidenced by his 9.5 tackles for loss.
No. 26 – LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Allen isn't the rangiest LB out there, but he's smart and handled heavy responsibilities within Georgia's defense right away as a true freshman. He would be a great fit in Leonhard's defense and has the physicality and smarts that play well in a 3-4 defense. He would potentially be the stabilizing presence the Bills have been missing since Matt Milano was at the peak of his powers.
No. 26 – WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Adding Concepcion's ability to make plays after the catch puts a big smile on Josh Allen's face heading into training camp.
No. 26 – EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Would the Bills consider another first-round cornerback after going with Maxwell Hairston in 2025? Would they continue to hammer the receiver position? Would they even consider a trade back if another team started seeing Ty Simpson fall?
All valid options for a perennial contender. But I have Buffalo taking a chance on a prospect with a ton of impressive physical traits and upside. Faulk is scheme-versatile, and he can make an impact in the pass rush and against the run. His production didn't take the expected jump last season (he went from seven sacks in 2024 to only two in 2025), but getting him in the building with Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb could unlock his potential.
No. 26 – EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF
The Bills' drafting history under general manager Brandon Beane has leaned more toward bigger defensive ends, so this would be a chance to go with a lighter, more explosive option. Though he's not super bendy, Lawrence has the initial burst and rush explosiveness to create problems for blockers.
No. 26 – DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
If Buffalo stays at No. 26, taking McDonald feels like the perfect way to lean into Jim Leonhard's defensive reset without forcing the edge board. The Bills have enough offensive stability after the DJ Moore trade to prioritize the defensive front, and McDonald gives them a powerful interior tone-setter who can hold up in a 3-4 structure while keeping Ed Oliver and the rest of the rotation cleaner.
No. 26 – DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
All the first-round-worthy receivers are off the board, so let's meet your need at nose tackle in new DC Jim Leonhard's 3-4 front. I love Hunter in this spot; he absolutely demolishes the run and could develop into a force as a pass rusher.
No. 26 – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
The Bills will select the receiver with the highest potential to be special in this draft. Tyson has elite catching ability, but injuries push him down the board.
