With the 26th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select:

[GunnerBill]

6 hours ago, Allen2Moulds said:

I think he's going to be a good NFL player, I just don't know if he profiles as an outside WR.

 

I also believe that we go OLB at 26.

 

I think Cooper is a Z / slot flex guy. If the Bills are comfortable with Moore playing almost entirely as their X he would be be an option. I suspect though they actually plan on moving Moore around more than that to exploit matchups. So I wonder if they would see a more traditional X like Boston as a better compliment.

[BillsFanForever19]

5 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I think Cooper is a Z / slot flex guy. If the Bills are comfortable with Moore playing almost entirely as their X he would be be an option. I suspect though they actually plan on moving Moore around more than that to exploit matchups. So I wonder if they would see a more traditional X like Boston as a better compliment.

 

If nothing else is done at WR besides Moore, I sincerely hope Boston is available and in play for us.

 

I don't like Concepcion's hands. Fields feels like Coleman 2.0. I like Cooper but agree with your assessment.

[DJB]

I don’t think Cooper will be the pick, spent too much time in the slot and we already have Shakir and Kincaid. He might be gone by the time we pick anyway. 

I don’t like Boston either . I had speed concerns before the combine and he skipped the 40 there and also at his pro day. Huge red flags. I’ve compared him to Keon 2.0 a couple of times. 
 

Not a fan of Cashius Howell either . He has a great get off but leaves me wanting more . Hes a pass rusher only and won’t be useful on run downs at all. I have concerns . 
 

Im fine with Allen but I don’t think he’s any type of top end ILB but he would fill a need. 
 

Im a fan of Mesidor. I know

he’s older but he’s solid and can rush the passer and also stop the run. He’s versatile as well. 
 

I love Thieneman but I don’t think he will be there . We seem ok I’ll put it at S but need a long term guy at some point. 
 

I love Ianoe and I’m sure some people would lose it if we took a G but he’s a stud. We already have a hole at LG and I’m not sure paying Torrence huge money next year is the right thing to do. Again I think he will be gone though 

I really like Malachi Lawrence but he might be more of a trade back guy. But he’s explosive 

 

I’d be ok with Kayden McDonald although I’m not sure if the value will be there to take him at that spot. Would fill a need as a run stopper . 
 

If Jordan Tyson somehow makes it I would be all over that . Yes injuries have been an issue but he’s a top 10 talent in this class. 
 

I’ve written for over two years how this years WR class sucks and it still does. There are two guy I like in Tate and Tyson. Lemon is ok but a slot guy. This group is way overhyped. Next year’s class will have at least 4 clear round 1 WR’s. We should wait and take one next year . 
 

Should be interesting come draft day and I suspect we trade back anyways . We could be the trade down spot to early round 2 with a team looking to move up for Ty Simpson 

Edited March 20 by DJB

[GunnerBill]

26 minutes ago, DJB said:

I don’t think Cooper will be the pick, spent too much time in the slot and we already have Shakir and Kincaid. He might be gone by the time we pick anyway. 

I don’t like Boston either . I had speed concerns before the combine and he skipped the 40 there and also at his pro day. Huge red flags. I’ve compared him to Keon 2.0 a couple of times. 
 

Not a fan of Cashius Howell either . He has a great get off but leaves me wanting more . Hes a pass rusher only and won’t be useful on run downs at all. I have concerns . 
 

Im fine with Allen but I don’t think he’s any type of top end ILB but he would fill a need. 
 

Im a fan of Mesidor. I know

he’s older but he’s solid and can rush the passer and also stop the run. He’s versatile as well. 
 

I love Thieneman but I don’t think he will be there . We seem ok I’ll put it at S but need a long term guy at some point. 
 

I love Ianoe and I’m sure some people would lose it if we took a G but he’s a stud. We already have a hole at LG and I’m not sure paying Torrence huge money next year is the right thing to do. Again I think he will be gone though 

I really like Malachi Lawrence but he might be more of a trade back guy. But he’s explosive 

 

I’d be ok with Kayden McDonald although I’m not sure if the value will be there to take him at that spot. Would fill a need as a run stopper . 
 

If Jordan Tyson somehow makes it I would be all over that . Yes injuries have been an issue but he’s a top 10 talent in this class. 
 

I’ve written for over two years how this years WR class sucks and it still does. There are two guy I like in Tate and Tyson. Lemon is ok but a slot guy. This group is way overhyped. Next year’s class will have at least 4 clear round 1 WR’s. We should wait and take one next year . 
 

Should be interesting come draft day and I suspect we trade back anyways . We could be the trade down spot to early round 2 with a team looking to move up for Ty Simpson 

 

Cooper is more than just a slot. He can 100% play as a Z receiver. But as I said above it depends what the Bills intend to do with Moore and I suspect it is move him about to exploit matchups rather than simply line him up as the X receiver on 75-80% of the offensive snaps. If that's the case I don't see the fit for Cooper. But you are right he will also be gone before #26 I'm pretty sure. When I started watching the receivers in January I couldn't understand why he wasn't getting more love. And then the hype train started. 

 

I don't love Boston either. He is smoother than Keon and a better route runner, I just don't know what the special is with him. He definitely lacks speed and the fact he hasn't ran a 40 at any stage this spring tells me they believe it would tank his stock, but it is not just that. His release package isn't great and he isn't a high end separator down the field. He does have some separation skills in the intermediate range because his breaks are really clean, but he isn't a natural downfield separator.

 

I agree with you on Jordan Tyson, tape grade he is my WR1, I think his ceiling is significantly higher that Tate's. If he slips to #26 injury concerns be damned I'd sprint to the podium. 

 

Aside from wide receiver I also agree that Theineman won't be there but you have to consider him if he is, because he is a stud, and then after him there is a cluster of guys - CJ Allen, Vega Ionae and Kayden McDonald who all feel a bit low ceiling but would be safe picks who can contribute as rookies and are probably worthy of going late 20s / early 30s. I probably like McDonald the best of those 3.... but would see the thought process in all of them.

 

At edge I'm also a no to Cashius Howell - and I'm convinced he will not be for the Bills. Short arms, doesn't play the run... I get it's a new coaching staff but I doubt those fundamentals have changed. I'm less sold on Mesidor than you. I never like guys who only start producing in college when they are a mid 20s grown man playing against teenagers. He has a bit of Boogie Basham to him to me. He is a power rusher who at 24 years old overpowered some college kids. Meh. I also think both he (and Lawrence who you mention) are really base ends in a 4-3. Not sold that either is a perfect fit for what Jim wants to run. 

 

 

@gonzo1105 and I are hoping to record episode 2 of the podcast this weekend and we are going to try and run some scenarios for the Bills draft strategy and see what they throw up. 

[Urban Achievers]

I’d personally prefer trading back. I know it’s not the popular opinion. Heck I love draft night and it’s a letdown when Bills don’t pick. 
 

So if we stay put I’d go CJ Allen at 26 assuming he’s there.

 

Or better yet 

 

Trade back into second and take Anthony Hill Jr and then pickup a WR like Hurst or Lance.

[Kirby Jackson]

I really kind of hate this draft. Outside of Thieneman, and he’s a S, I don’t really get excited by the thought of any of these guys. Even guys that will be long gone don’t do much for me. If Tyson, somehow fell, I could walk away feeling good about that. Chris Bell is another name that I would like (although maybe not at 26). I want a difference maker early and just don’t see many of them in this draft. I’m not just saying guys that won’t be available for the Bills but guys that won’t be available at all.

Edited March 20 by Kirby Jackson

[BigdaddyinOrlando]

I’d like Cooper but would love to get 

R Mason Thomas, there is your Nik Bonito clone and fit for the defense! JMO

[frogger]

I feel there’s three slightly urgent positions. 

number one being ILB, I like Williams at one LB spots, and Buffalo Joe’s value just increased, but we need a starter. I think Bernard will be a valuable nickel and dime LB. But we need a interior playmaker.

 

NT, right now we would have Walker playing NT in a 3-4, I have concerns, the good thing, there’s a lot of depth in this draft at that position. 
 

finally, guard. This is a very sneaky need and only a few that can fill it. I have four guys I like to play LG. I’m not suggesting they’ll start, but they could over Anderson.

 

WR, CB, even edge are also needs. But unless it’s a true game changer, I don’t see drafting him high.

 

 

[Dr. Who]

10 minutes ago, frogger said:

I feel there’s three slightly urgent positions. 

number one being ILB, I like Williams at one LB spots, and Buffalo Joe’s value just increased, but we need a starter. I think Bernard will be a valuable nickel and dime LB. But we need a interior playmaker.

 

NT, right now we would have Walker playing NT in a 3-4, I have concerns, the good thing, there’s a lot of depth in this draft at that position. 
 

finally, guard. This is a very sneaky need and only a few that can fill it. I have four guys I like to play LG. I’m not suggesting they’ll start, but they could over Anderson.

 

WR, CB, even edge are also needs. But unless it’s a true game changer, I don’t see drafting him high.

 

 

LB, NT, and G are not where one would usually want to invest a first round pick. You spend those on high value positions that are expensive like Edge, WR, and CB. They might end up taking someone there at the positions you cite, but it's not ideal.

Edited March 20 by Dr. Who

[Gregg]

I have no idea but the popular pick among all of the mock draft "experts" is CJ Allen. I will go with Allen as the pick.

[Pecker]

If we don’t trade up, it’s going to take trotter.  I’m also expecting a few CBs drafted, as we don’t have many on the roster.

Edited March 20 by Pecker

[DJB]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Cooper is more than just a slot. He can 100% play as a Z receiver. But as I said above it depends what the Bills intend to do with Moore and I suspect it is move him about to exploit matchups rather than simply line him up as the X receiver on 75-80% of the offensive snaps. If that's the case I don't see the fit for Cooper. But you are right he will also be gone before #26 I'm pretty sure. When I started watching the receivers in January I couldn't understand why he wasn't getting more love. And then the hype train started. 

 

I don't love Boston either. He is smoother than Keon and a better route runner, I just don't know what the special is with him. He definitely lacks speed and the fact he hasn't ran a 40 at any stage this spring tells me they believe it would tank his stock, but it is not just that. His release package isn't great and he isn't a high end separator down the field. He does have some separation skills in the intermediate range because his breaks are really clean, but he isn't a natural downfield separator.

 

I agree with you on Jordan Tyson, tape grade he is my WR1, I think his ceiling is significantly higher that Tate's. If he slips to #26 injury concerns be damned I'd sprint to the podium. 

 

Aside from wide receiver I also agree that Theineman won't be there but you have to consider him if he is, because he is a stud, and then after him there is a cluster of guys - CJ Allen, Vega Ionae and Kayden McDonald who all feel a bit low ceiling but would be safe picks who can contribute as rookies and are probably worthy of going late 20s / early 30s. I probably like McDonald the best of those 3.... but would see the thought process in all of them.

 

At edge I'm also a no to Cashius Howell - and I'm convinced he will not be for the Bills. Short arms, doesn't play the run... I get it's a new coaching staff but I doubt those fundamentals have changed. I'm less sold on Mesidor than you. I never like guys who only start producing in college when they are a mid 20s grown man playing against teenagers. He has a bit of Boogie Basham to him to me. He is a power rusher who at 24 years old overpowered some college kids. Meh. I also think both he (and Lawrence who you mention) are really base ends in a 4-3. Not sold that either is a perfect fit for what Jim wants to run. 

 

 

@gonzo1105 and I are hoping to record episode 2 of the podcast this weekend and we are going to try and run some scenarios for the Bills draft strategy and see what they throw up. 

Yes Cooper can play the Z I’ll give you that. I just don’t think he’s the type of WR we are coveting. Still think we are searching for a larger X type

 

As for Mesidor I don’t think we pick him anyway. We have Rousseau and Chubb so I’m thinking it’s going to be more of a standup OLB type bendy burst quicker guy possibly . TJ Parker ? Yes had a down year this year but he fits the mold and id rather gamble on him than Howell 

Edited March 20 by DJB

[GunnerBill]

2 minutes ago, DJB said:

Yes Cooper can play the Z I’ll give you that. I just don’t think he’s the type of WR we are coveting. Still think we are searching for a larger X type

 

As for Mesidor I don’t think we pick him anyway. We have Rousseau and Chubb so I’m thinking it’s going to be more of a standup OLB type bendy burst quicker guy possibly . TJ Parker ? Yes had a down year this year but he fits the mold and id rather gamble on him than Howell 

 

Yea, agree. Mesidor would have fitted our old scheme. Not sure he fits the new scheme as well. 

[Sweats]

I've been watching all the mock drafts on the NFL Network, and they've got about half a dozen scenarios this year where a choice of 3 different WR's at our pick, maybe a NT or maybe a LB or a DE.

 

This is the first time in a long time where i have absolutely no idea what Bean's going to do in the draft or if he's leaning more towards O or D, trading up or trading down, etc.

[papazoid]

trade down

[GunnerBill]

6 minutes ago, papazoid said:

trade down

 

Need a team who wants to trade up and is willing to give you something worth having. I can imagine the Bills being open to moving back this year. I just don't know whether they will get their price. 

[mathja]

Trade down slightly. Anthony Hill Jr. 

[Kirby Jackson]

9 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Need a team who wants to trade up and is willing to give you something worth having. I can imagine the Bills being open to moving back this year. I just don't know whether they will get their price. 

26, 126 & 2027 2nd to Arizona for MHJ and 65. They get Ty Simpson, Bills win 3 straight Super Bowls. Problem solved

[SoCal Deek]

I find it hard to believe that there’s another team out there that wants to trade UP with us so desperately. Especially if everyone on hear believes we should trade DOWN. 
 

With that said, if there’s a player there at 26 who projects as a Day One starter….take him!!!  I’m done with the McD era of waiting two or three years to get any sort of production out of your First Round pick. 

[frostbitmic]

Theineman the Safety from Oregon ... Our new DC was a Safety in the NFL, the addition of Theineman to pair with Bishop would give the Bills a solid back end of the Defense, if he's still availablle he'll be the pick ... He won't be available though.

 

Omar Cooper - Mainly projected as a slot in the NFL but I think he could play anywhere ... I think he'll be gone too.

 

Ioane - A Guard isn't a sexy pick in the first but it's a late first and he'd fill a need. Protecting Josh Allen should always be job #1 but I doubt he'll be around when the Bills pick anyway.

 

With Pittsburgh picking before us I don't see Ty Simpson getting past the Steelers so the opportunity to trade back will lessen when he's picked.

 

I'm leaning towards CJ Allen - ILB - Georgia ... Because of what he's being paid I see Bernard as one starting ILB until he gets injured, then Williams will replace him, leaving us with a big need at the position. Beane also hasn't touched the ILB position in FA giving me an indication that there is an ILB that he covets in the draft.

 

With more than a month before the draft this could change numerous times.