Way too early look at the 2026 draft

[gonzo1105]

3 minutes ago, Ralonzo said:

 

I think at 32 you can gamble a bit when there's that kind of ceiling? I remember those arguments with DK Metcalf.

Easy to say that now but what if Harbor busts and the next WR goes on to have success or even a different position of need.
 

There were tons of people on this board before the draft that refused to even consider Cooper DeJean and only after his rookie season did people start saying how could we have passed on him.

 

It’s already bad enough that McConkey is what he is and listening to the comparisons of him and Coleman. Mostly by me haha.  Could you have pictured if we took Legette like so many wanted on this board, even compared to Coleman let alone McConkey. This board would have killed Beane. 

 

Im gonna be honest a lot of people use Metcalf as an example of why you can’t pass up metrics profile but Metcalf went end of round 2, he’s a one route straight line player who doesn’t run a route tree. Yes he had some good seasons but it was with Russ Wilson in his prime and what does Russ do really well. Breaks contain and had the best deep ball in the league. It was a perfect match for what a QB/WR did best for his career. Is he a good player , yes I’m not going to deny that but he isn’t the elite 30 mill + WR the Steelers are paying him to be 

[NewEra]

2 hours ago, quincy said:

I am in the minority here however I'd be okay if Buffalo offers Torrence a new contract, we drafted him and developed him like Brown and Dawkins beforehand.

 

Is there anyone currently on the roster capable of starting on the IOL next year? 

 

From my understanding only McGovern and Edwards are in their last year in 2025, so the 2026 anticipated starting OL is Dawkins - ? - ? - Torrence - Brown

 

 

Robert Hunt got 20M 2 offseason ago.  If I’m his agent, that’s my starting point.  He’s looked really good so far this year and his price tag may even be going up.

 

if we could somehow extend him for 15-18M, I’d be on board, but I don’t think we’ll be able to afford the 20M+ that might be coming his way.

 

McGovern and Edwards need to get paid too.  Hoping to bring back 2 of the 3.  Seems like Edwards has been playing his best football as a pro. Possible that it’ll be around 10-15M for edwards and 15-20 for mcgovern unless that take a hometown discount. Money is important, but it seems like this family atmosphere and culture that McD and Josh have created could make up for a few million. 

[gonzo1105]

21 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Robert Hunt got 20M 2 offseason ago.  If I’m his agent, that’s my starting point.  He’s looked really good so far this year and his price tag may even be going up.

 

if we could somehow extend him for 15-18M, I’d be on board, but I don’t think we’ll be able to afford the 20M+ that might be coming his way.

 

McGovern and Edwards need to get paid too.  Hoping to bring back 2 of the 3.  Seems like Edwards has been playing his best football as a pro. Possible that it’ll be around 10-15M for edwards and 15-20 for mcgovern unless that take a hometown discount. Money is important, but it seems like this family atmosphere and culture that McD and Josh have created could make up for a few million. 

Yea I’m with you I said Torrence at worst tucks in the top 10 which right now is 17.5 million dollars a season before he’s scheduled to become a free agent 

[quincy]

1 hour ago, NewEra said:

Robert Hunt got 20M 2 offseason ago.  If I’m his agent, that’s my starting point.  He’s looked really good so far this year and his price tag may even be going up.

 

if we could somehow extend him for 15-18M, I’d be on board, but I don’t think we’ll be able to afford the 20M+ that might be coming his way.

 

McGovern and Edwards need to get paid too.  Hoping to bring back 2 of the 3.  Seems like Edwards has been playing his best football as a pro. Possible that it’ll be around 10-15M for edwards and 15-20 for mcgovern unless that take a hometown discount. Money is important, but it seems like this family atmosphere and culture that McD and Josh have created could make up for a few million. 

 

It'd be quite something if all the starting five OL are back for 2026 and potentially 2027 and beyond. I trust the salary cap will go up a fair amount this off-season to make it happen. 

 

Life must be good for the backup OL we have on the roster. Anderson gets some snaps as OL number 6 and the others end up only playing in blowout wins barring injuries or fatigue. Other posters are high on Grable, Lundt and VPG and their capabilities/potential,  yet the starters appear to be locked into their roles.

 

These backup players could hit free agency with very little wear and tear with good chatter about them going around the league. I wonder how it will all play out but we are blessed to have the stability and the very good players that are currently with us on the OL.  

 

 

[Bill from NYC]

On 9/23/2025 at 2:04 PM, GunnerBill said:

 

The primary focus of this regime has been on defensive line. 

Not really, not in terms of the draft.

 

Since McDermott arrived, the Bills have drafted a db three times in round one, as opposed to two for the DL. In this same time period, the Bills have drafted a total of 14 dbs and 11 defensive linemen. If you want to cite expenditures only at both positions you would be correct. 

 

Count me as one who believes that the draft is the most important way to build a football team. Yes, trades and free agency are both important but clicking on draft picks is the most vital aspect imo.

 

https://www.drafthistory.com/index.php/teams/bills

[GunnerBill]

57 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

Not really, not in terms of the draft.

 

Since McDermott arrived, the Bills have drafted a db three times in round one, as opposed to two for the DL. In this same time period, the Bills have drafted a total of 14 dbs and 11 defensive linemen. If you want to cite expenditures only at both positions you would be correct. 

 

Count me as one who believes that the draft is the most important way to build a football team. Yes, trades and free agency are both important but clicking on draft picks is the most vital aspect imo.

 

https://www.drafthistory.com/index.php/teams/bills

 

So sure, 3 DBs in round 1 in 9 drafts including the one McDermott ran. But only 1 more DB in the first two days. 

 

Defensive line it is 2 first round picks and SIX day two picks. 

 

The priority of this regime in the draft has unquestionably been defensive line.

 

8 premium picks vs 4. 

Edited September 26 by GunnerBill

[BillsShredder83]

On 9/23/2025 at 5:43 PM, Nephilim17 said:

Even with his average pass blocking, Torrence could see a huge payday as a free agent. Perhaps Bean makes it work, but maybe it's an opportunity to save close to $20 million a year — if you find a great rookie. Big If, of course.

Even if we resign him, I think having linemen in the pipeline is always a good idea.

Keep feeding BeachChairs prospects!!

On 9/24/2025 at 11:27 AM, gonzo1105 said:

The problem is with that is he’s going to price himself out of the Bills range. He will be 26 years old, he was a 2nd round pick, which means he’s in his prime and is going to be looking for a large contract to set him and his family up for life. 
 

On the other side, The Bills have committed big dollars to both Dawkins and Brown. They are likely to sign either McGovern to a large deal this offseason or re-sign David Edwards to an above average deal or both. Honestly the best way to set aside money for Torrence is to let McGovern walk this offseason. I don’t see it happening as historically the Panthers and Bills have invested in the Center position well before Guard. Examples of this are Ryan Khalil, Mitch Morse, and McGovern. On the contrary they haven’t invested in Guard at all high level. 
 

Then we take into the fact that there is a dearth of good offensive lineman in the league, guard salaries have exploded and due to Torrence’s age, play level, and lack of even good offensive lineman and I’d bet Torrence tucks into the top 10 paid guards in the NFL which at this moment is 17.5 million dollars a year. Far too much for the Bills to pay 

If thats the case, let's hope he gets ABSURD guard money we've seen flying around. Gimme them comp picks!!!

[DJB]

I’ll continue each year to pound the table for the BPA regardless of position . The best teams like the Eagles and Ravens ignore needs and just take good football players 

 

Bills need to do the same 

Edited September 27 by DJB

[BillsShredder83]

On 9/24/2025 at 11:50 AM, Nephilim17 said:

I agree with you. Don't pay a good but not all-around elite (with pass blocking) guard $20 million when we need to pay a center and other positions. I was just asking about navigating the team politics of it. I would be good with using an early pick on guard in the draft.

Our track record around the league has to be at the tippy top of retaining our own.

 

That said, other guys on the team know this is cut throat business  and we cant do it at 100% clip. Me thinks he gets one of these 5year deals pushing almost $90m. Players will be happy for him, and we have the best OL Coach in football. 

 

Get Kromer a raise, and a title upgrade like assistant HC. The reason you can let a guy like Torrence walk and next man up can go so smoothly is that dude!!

 

Wouldn't be shocked if we see Torrence take a step back when he leaves. Not hoping for it, not saying he'll be trash... just hard to picture a guy leaving our system, downgrading the guys next to him, and him continuing to elevate his play 

[BillsShredder83]

On 9/23/2025 at 5:09 PM, BillsShredder83 said:

Calling an early shot here.... less sexy than a bunch of others who will posts.

 

USC, LB, Eric Gentry. 6' 6". 7foot 1" wing span.  Late round/UDFA guy.  His athleticism matches up pretty well with Tremaine. Very versatile player. Above average instincts.  His giant glaring problem.... he's ~220-225lbs. Needs to bulk up massively.

 

I'll be honest, without bulking up majorly, he belongs in a 3-4 defense.  However, he strikes me as a guy McBeane would be intrigued by, and take in a very late round to try and work with the kid.

 

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST FOLKS!!

Eric Gentry quick highlights from this season! Dude is rangey

 

https://x.com/NFL_DF/status/1971937669837127801

[machine gun kelly]

On 9/26/2025 at 1:37 PM, NewEra said:

Robert Hunt got 20M 2 offseason ago.  If I’m his agent, that’s my starting point.  He’s looked really good so far this year and his price tag may even be going up.

 

if we could somehow extend him for 15-18M, I’d be on board, but I don’t think we’ll be able to afford the 20M+ that might be coming his way.

 

McGovern and Edwards need to get paid too.  Hoping to bring back 2 of the 3.  Seems like Edwards has been playing his best football as a pro. Possible that it’ll be around 10-15M for edwards and 15-20 for mcgovern unless that take a hometown discount. Money is important, but it seems like this family atmosphere and culture that McD and Josh have created could make up for a few million. 

Agreed on both of these points.  A number of people keep wanting a WR, etc. but one of our greatest strengths is our line.  They keep Josh clean, and blow open big holes for Cook and company.  I love how we are playing smash mouth football with Gilliam getting more starts this year, than any before.  We are also effectively using 13 personnel.  It like we are the 2019 Baltimore Ravens reincarnated.

 

Id much rather draft safet(Ives) and yes, one WR who can separate.

[gonzo1105]

2 hours ago, machine gun kelly said:

Agreed on both of these points.  A number of people keep wanting a WR, etc. but one of our greatest strengths is our line.  They keep Josh clean, and blow open big holes for Cook and company.  I love how we are playing smash mouth football with Gilliam getting more starts this year, than any before.  We are also effectively using 13 personnel.  It like we are the 2019 Baltimore Ravens reincarnated.

 

Id much rather draft safet(Ives) and yes, one WR who can separate.

I think people are already setting themselves up for disappointment when we go OG, LB, S at the top of the draft next year haha.