Draft Coverage

'I live for the me versus him' | 5 things to know about Bills 2026 NFL Draft pick cornerback Davison Igbinosun

Apr 25, 2026 at 12:06 AM

Seasonal writing associate

The Buffalo Bills selected cornerback Davison Igbinosun No. 62 overall in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. They made a trade with the Denver Broncos for this second-round pick, giving them a third-round pick (No. 66 overall) and a sixth-round pick (No. 182 overall).

This is Buffalo's second addition to its defense of the night after selecting outside linebacker T.J. Parker No. 35 overall at the start of the Round 2.

Here's five things to know about Igbinosun.

1. Igbinosun comes from a dominant Ohio State defense and "sets the tone in the secondary"

Igbinosun was the seventh Buckeye overall and fifth player from Ohio State's defense selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

That doesn't come as a shock as the Buckeyes ranked first in almost every defensive category in 2025. They gave up the least number of total yards (3,067), yards per game (219.1), passing yards (1,816), passing yards per game (129.7), points (130) and points per game (9.3). Against the run, Ohio State was ninth in total rushing yards allowed (1,252) and seventh in average rushing yards allowed per game (89.4).

Igbinosun shines as a press corner. In 2025, he totaled 53 tackles, eight pass deflections and two interceptions.

"You're getting a player that's built for Buffalo, built for the Bills," Igbinosun said. "You're getting a nasty, edgy player who sets the tone in the secondary who's ultra-aggressive and just a competitor who lives for the matchup outside. I live for the me versus him."

2. Igbinosun believes he'll "prosper" in Leonhard's defense

General manager Brandon Beane discussed what he and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard looked for in safeties and cornerbacks in this draft class.

"We weren't just looking for a long press corner. There were other corners that … were good as well, that had a little different skill set that we like," Beane said.

He continued, saying that being a long press corner wasn't the only box that players needed to check. The two analyzed where the prospects need to improve on and how Leonhard plans on using them in his system.

"It was position specific more than anything," Beane said.

For Igbinosun, he knows he'll fit well with what Leonhard envisions his defense looking like.

"We played a lot of zone at Ohio [State], I played a lot of different defenses in college," Igbinosun said. "I'll think I'll prosper in this system."

"I'm a spark plug. I feel like my teammates feed off me. I set the tone; I play with passion; I play with energy. Every day," Igbinosun said. "I don't take anything for granted. When I'm on the football field, I turn it up. [I'm] not just out there to be out there."

"Bills Mafia, let's go. Best in America." - @DaveIgbinosun pic.twitter.com/mbbDVp2DWv
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 25, 2026

3. He knows where he needs improvement and isn't backing down from the challenge

Igbinosun finished his collegiate career with 30 penalties, something that consistently popped up in scouting reports. The Athletic's Dane Brugler described him as a "flag magnet" due to his 18 penalties (16 in coverage) over the past two seasons.

Despite this glaring weakness in his game, Igbinosun isn't afraid of overcoming it head on.

"I'm always trying to get better and improve my game. So, obviously that was something that I needed to improve on … That was holding me back a little bit," Igbinosun said. "I just made that an emphasis or focus point in the offseason with my coaches at Ohio State, just watching the film and seeing a lot of the situations I was in.

"I was in great position a lot of times. Just needed to relax and play with poise. The top of the route, a lot of those [pass interference calls] should have been [pass breakups] and interceptions … ball protection."

Beane acknowledged this aspect of the cornerback's game, but commended him on making an active effort to improve on it.

"We'll work on that. Sometimes that's technique. I'm not going to get into the officiating … probably got away with some that could have been called, and maybe [some] were called for some ticky tack that usually evens out," Beane said. "That's one of the things that I would say he improved the most if you watch his [2024] film to his [2025] film."

4. Igbinosun is already building and strengthening Bills connections

When Igbinosun came to Buffalo for his 30 visit, he felt like the Bills made sense. He said he made it a point of emphasis to put his "best foot forward" and connect with the players and the staff.

Specifically, he recalled being around his former teammate, safety Jordan Hancock, and meeting cornerback Maxwell Hairston.

"That as the first time I sat at the table with some guys," Igbinosun said of his visit. "I [thought], 'Dang, I wouldn't be mad if I [was in Buffalo].'"

After the Bills drafted him, he and Hancock hopped on a FaceTime. Overcome with excitement, the two didn't have a coherent conversation, but rather a loud celebration.

Aside from the current players on the roster, Igbinosun also reconnected with cornerbacks coach Jay Valai. He never overlapped with Valai as a player, but being from New Jersey, Igbinosun was very familiar with the coaches at Rutgers. Valai was a cornerbacks coach for the Scarlet Knights in 2019.

"[Valai] knows my background, just growing up, being in New Jersey … I would say we just connected because he loves football and I love football too," Igbinosun said. "He saw that with the tools that I have at corner and his coaching, he thinks that we'll have a good partnership – and I agree."

Having these connections established in Buffalo, Igbinosun said that when he got the call from the Bills, "it just made sense."

5. Depth is just as important as finding a starter

Igbinosun made it clear he won't take any day or opportunity for granted.

As he starts his NFL career, he could see different areas of the defensive backfield or special teams. Any chance to improve his game, learn and be prepared for when his number is called, Igbinosun will do.

Beane emphasized that he will put the best 11 players out on the field, rookies or veterans alike. At some point, especially for safeties and cornerbacks, those players will see the field. Adding depth, such as with Igbinosun, is key for those two phases of the game.

"They're going to play. It's a long season … You're going to need those guys; and again, you're suiting up guys, not only to fill in as a backup, but also to help you on fourth down too," Beane said. "We like versatility."

Beane is also confident that Igbinosun will no doubt add to the Bills' roster.

"This is a depth player that will come in and compete," Beane said. "He'll push our starters in time, and we'll take it one day at a time."