NFL.com predicts a lot of playing time for 2 of our draft picks this year.

[billsfan89]

Running down the Bills list of rookies and I think it's not clear whose gonna take the largest roles. 

 

1. Parker - The highest pick in line for the most snaps makes sense. He is likely going to absorb the AJE snaps which is 450+ snaps on defense. 
2. Igo - Play time will depend on three things, how he does in camp, if the Bills bring in a vet corner, and if there are any injuries.
3. Bowry - Likely taking over the RVD swing tackle role at best, likely to only play if there are injuries and he beats out Grabel. 
4. Bell - Gonna get a chance to compete at WR but unlike a lot of pundits and fans I don't think he's gonna have a major impact year one. I think he's gonna be like Shakir and take his rookie year to develop. 
5. Orr- Probably gonna be a core ST player. I expect the Bills to bring back Shaq or Milano to get into mix as the primary backup. 
6. Kilgore - Interesting player will probably get a chance to flex around as the big Nickel but I think like Orr will flex into a special teams role year one. 
7. Durant - Probably will get a chance as a 3-4 DE could see him soaking in some snaps in a complementary role. 
8. Pride Jr - I don't see him making much of an impact, might even "redshirt" him a season. 
9. Doman Jr- Gonna compete with Mitch at punter strong chance to start. 
10. Reed-Adams- A dark horse guy as he's gonna if he shows out in camp compete for a starting guard spot if there's an injury and underperformance there. But most likely will be slotted in towards the back of the O-line bench competing with Lundt.

[machine gun kelly]

I see Parker, Bell, and Kilgore starting albeit a rotation for Parker.  IGB may grow into the role with an injury.

[SoonerBillsFan]

This may end up being Beans best overall draft class.

 

We are still a couple pieces away on Defense, but I feel this team has already greatly improved.

[Sojourner]

3 minutes ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

This may end up being Beans best overall draft class.

 

We are still a couple pieces away on Defense, but I feel this team has already greatly improved.

Agree. If we go by the pre draft rankings they did very well. My only thing is, and whilst I am a fan of IGB, he seemed to be drafted way earlier than most big boards had him. Time will tell but for the most part we came away with 5 guys ranked in most top 150/200 boards. 
 

Parker I hope gets his foot in the door and sees at least 40% of the snaps if possible. Can’t have 2 players in the top 62 who are, as it stands, rotational/depth guys. 

[BigAl2526]

On 4/30/2026 at 4:44 PM, DJB said:

You guys talk IGB and Parker and Kilgore…..but the man who’s going to play the most and save our season is that punter fella we drafted 

 

What’s his name again?

Assuming he wins the job, (actually fairly likely if for no other reason than cap management - he's a lot cheaper than the veteran) Doman will be on the field for punts and field goal attempts.  That will probably work out to not much more than 8 plays per game or 136 plays per season.  Kilgore will likely play special teams (pun coverage and kickoffs, plus any reps he earns on defense.  He should beat Doman handily.  Elarms-Orr should match Doman's playing time on special teams alone. If Parker is a rotational player at least, figure maybe 20 reps per game.  IGB is a question mark.  He could play a lot if our CBs get injured.  If Hairston and Benford both  play well in Leonhard's system and stay healthy, IGB could be relegated to mostly dime coverage when Buffalo plays a pass happy offense.  Skyler Bell's playing time is probably going to depend in part on Palmer and Coleman, who will likely start the season ahead of Bell on the depth chart.  If he gets to play much, that's probably and indication that Palmer and Coleman are continuing their quest to be invisible in actual games.  I expect Both Durant and Pride to get some playing time, but it's not going to be a whole lot.  Reed-Adams will likely be inactive most weeks assuming he's even on the 53 man roster.  The Bills may try to sneak him on to the PS.   

[Alphadawg7]

On 4/30/2026 at 12:53 PM, SoonerBillsFan said:

I agree on both. I feel Bell could end up pur #2 WR by years end and Kilgore will play a ton.  Both were absolute steals where we drafted them.

 

 

https://www.nfl.com/news/sixteen-day-3-nfl-draft-picks-who-could-compete-for-starter-snaps-as-rookies-in-2026

 

I love both those picks...but I wouldn't hold your breath on Bell reaching starter level this year without injuries helping the cause.  They love Keon and will give him every chance to bounce back and they still like Palmer too.  

 

We are going to run a lot still and DJ, Keon, Shakir, Kincaid, the RB's, the other TE's and Palmer are all going to get targets too.  Hard for a kid like Bell to ascend without opportunities to really climb the ladder.  

 

If Keon and Palmer just flop again, sure - but I am optimistic Keon is going to be improved this year and Palmer is solid when healthy.  So I am rooting for Bell, but I think it will be hard to earn a starting job this year is all. 

[Augie]

On 4/30/2026 at 4:44 PM, DJB said:

You guys talk IGB and Parker and Kilgore…..but the man who’s going to play the most and save our season is that punter fella we drafted 

 

What’s his name again?

 

Did you know the Maytag Repairman was born in Buffalo? 

 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_White_(actor)#:~:text=Jesse White (born Jesse Marc&text=was an American actor who,commercials from 1967 to 1988.

 

When you say punter, I think he should be used like the Maytag Repairman. 

[BuffaloBillyG]

17 hours ago, billsfan89 said:

Running down the Bills list of rookies and I think it's not clear whose gonna take the largest roles. 

 

1. Parker - The highest pick in line for the most snaps makes sense. He is likely going to absorb the AJE snaps which is 450+ snaps on defense. 
2. Igo - Play time will depend on three things, how he does in camp, if the Bills bring in a vet corner, and if there are any injuries.
3. Bowry - Likely taking over the RVD swing tackle role at best, likely to only play if there are injuries and he beats out Grabel. 
4. Bell - Gonna get a chance to compete at WR but unlike a lot of pundits and fans I don't think he's gonna have a major impact year one. I think he's gonna be like Shakir and take his rookie year to develop. 
5. Orr- Probably gonna be a core ST player. I expect the Bills to bring back Shaq or Milano to get into mix as the primary backup. 
6. Kilgore - Interesting player will probably get a chance to flex around as the big Nickel but I think like Orr will flex into a special teams role year one. 
7. Durant - Probably will get a chance as a 3-4 DE could see him soaking in some snaps in a complementary role. 
8. Pride Jr - I don't see him making much of an impact, might even "redshirt" him a season. 
9. Doman Jr- Gonna compete with Mitch at punter strong chance to start. 
10. Reed-Adams- A dark horse guy as he's gonna if he shows out in camp compete for a starting guard spot if there's an injury and underperformance there. But most likely will be slotted in towards the back of the O-line bench competing with Lundt.

I wonder if Bowry is next in line for that Alec Anderson "6th OLman" role to start getting him gameday experience. 

[SoonerBillsFan]

5 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

I love both those picks...but I wouldn't hold your breath on Bell reaching starter level this year without injuries helping the cause.  They love Keon and will give him every chance to bounce back and they still like Palmer too.  

 

We are going to run a lot still and DJ, Keon, Shakir, Kincaid, the RB's, the other TE's and Palmer are all going to get targets too.  Hard for a kid like Bell to ascend without opportunities to really climb the ladder.  

 

If Keon and Palmer just flop again, sure - but I am optimistic Keon is going to be improved this year and Palmer is solid when healthy.  So I am rooting for Bell, but I think it will be hard to earn a starting job this year is all. 

I think he will because this is Brady's team and I feel he will put the best talent on the field regardless. 

 

Yeah they want Coleman to be good, but Bell from the jump is more talented and played better in College.  

[BuffaloRebound]

Elarms-Orr has the clearest path to start.  Bernard would not have been brought back if his contract wasn’t terrible.  It’s cheaper to keep him than cut him.  I could also see Parker, IGB, KEO and Kilgore having significant roles this year.  Even the Penn State DT.  Leonard has no connection and nothing invested in any of the returning guys.  

[Alphadawg7]

2 hours ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

I think he will because this is Brady's team and I feel he will put the best talent on the field regardless. 

 

Yeah they want Coleman to be good, but Bell from the jump is more talented and played better in College.  

 

He can't block anywhere near the level of Keon, and that alone will keep Keon on the field.  

[BuffaloBillyG]

47 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

He can't block anywhere near the level of Keon, and that alone will keep Keon on the field.  

Keon also has 2 years in the system. By now he should be pretty far ahead when it comes to the plays, terminology, understanding the route concepts and check downs. 

 

That makes him the better player in this system at this point. Bell has work to do still. 

[SoonerBillsFan]

1 hour ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

He can't block anywhere near the level of Keon, and that alone will keep Keon on the field.  

I think the priority is now on route running and catching first, not blocking.

 

They need to put the beat receivers, not blockers, on the field.

[Alphadawg7]

1 hour ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

I think the priority is now on route running and catching first, not blocking.

 

They need to put the beat receivers, not blockers, on the field.

Blocking is hyper important in Brady’s offense, Keon will see plenty of time because he is our best blocker.  Just my 2 cents 

2 hours ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

Keon also has 2 years in the system. By now he should be pretty far ahead when it comes to the plays, terminology, understanding the route concepts and check downs. 

 

That makes him the better player in this system at this point. Bell has work to do still. 

Agree, and I really like Bell, none of this is a knock on the kid.  

[SoonerBillsFan]

1 hour ago, Alphadawg7 said:

Blocking is hyper important in Brady’s offense, Keon will see plenty of time because he is our best blocker.  Just my 2 cents 

Agree, and I really like Bell, none of this is a knock on the kid.  

I dont believe it was as much Bradys offense as it was McDermott.   Carmichaels schemes ( which its all the same Peyton, Carmichael and Brady) hasnt relied on blocking from WR's as much as Brady had to under McDermott. 

 

I feel McDermott's insistence on primary blocking,is what led to Diggs issues and departure. 

 

And like you my friend,  just 2 cents 😁

[VW82]

6 hours ago, BuffaloRebound said:

Elarms-Orr has the clearest path to start.  Bernard would not have been brought back if his contract wasn’t terrible.  It’s cheaper to keep him than cut him.  I could also see Parker, IGB, KEO and Kilgore having significant roles this year.  Even the Penn State DT.  Leonard has no connection and nothing invested in any of the returning guys.  

 

Bernard is a team captain so he's likely one guy whose job is safe...for now. But you make a good point that we should throw some of our assumptions out the window with Leonhard taking over. He may see things very differently than consensus in certain cases. 

[sven233]

I see a lot of people still questioning the IGB pick out there.  Not necessarily in this thread, but the sentiment still seems that the pick, especially as high as it was, is still seen as confusing to many.  And that it totally understandable, but I see things a bit differently.

 

The more I have thought about it, the more playing time I see for him this year, providing he doesn't look totally lost in camp in the preseason.  If he looks comfortable and good, which I think there is a good chance that he will, I think you will see him on the field in certain matchups and situations.  I fully expect Max to start and play well.  That said, I think there will be times, particularly in the red zone and around the goal line where you are going to want the bigger, more physical, man press skill set and IGB could step in in those situations.  You could also se this against bigger WRs. 

 

The Bills to me have made it a priority to find more guys that play "positionless football" meaning they could slot in anywhere and have a different role in different situations and packages.  On one play, a guy may be playing CB and on the next, he might drop back into more of a Safety role.  On the next play, they could be in a LB role.  I think they want guys that can move all over the field and do different roles in different situations in order to keep offenses guessing.  And, I think in today's league with offenses and QBs as good as they are, this is becoming more important.  If guys are just lining up and doing the same thing on every play, it is one less thing for the offense to worry about.  But, if you have a defense where 4-5 guys are rushing on every play, and you are not sure which guys are coming before the snap and you have guys dropping into zones or carrying WRs down the field that you would never expect, you start to dictate to the offense and I think this is the plan for this defense.  I think they want to create doubt in the QBs mind that hopefully leads to more mistakes whether that be holding the ball a bit too long, scrambling a bit to early, or throwing a ball that shouldn't be thrown.

 

So yeah, I expect Parker, IGB, KEO, and Kilgore to all get fairly good run this season because I don't think it's going to be just the defensive lineman subbing in and out.  I almost expect the LBs and Secondary to be doing the same in order to be able to present more confusion on defense.

[VW82]

5 minutes ago, sven233 said:

I see a lot of people still questioning the IGB pick out there.  Not necessarily in this thread, but the sentiment still seems that the pick, especially as high as it was, is still seen as confusing to many.  And that it totally understandable, but I see things a bit differently.

 

The more I have thought about it, the more playing time I see for him this year, providing he doesn't look totally lost in camp in the preseason.  If he looks comfortable and good, which I think there is a good chance that he will, I think you will see him on the field in certain matchups and situations.  I fully expect Max to start and play well.  That said, I think there will be times, particularly in the red zone and around the goal line where you are going to want the bigger, more physical, man press skill set and IGB could step in in those situations.  You could also se this against bigger WRs. 

 

The Bills to me have made it a priority to find more guys that play "positionless football" meaning they could slot in anywhere and have a different role in different situations and packages.  On one play, a guy may be playing CB and on the next, he might drop back into more of a Safety role.  On the next play, they could be in a LB role.  I think they want guys that can move all over the field and do different roles in different situations in order to keep offenses guessing.  And, I think in today's league with offenses and QBs as good as they are, this is becoming more important.  If guys are just lining up and doing the same thing on every play, it is one less thing for the offense to worry about.  But, if you have a defense where 4-5 guys are rushing on every play, and you are not sure which guys are coming before the snap and you have guys dropping into zones or carrying WRs down the field that you would never expect, you start to dictate to the offense and I think this is the plan for this defense.  I think they want to create doubt in the QBs mind that hopefully leads to more mistakes whether that be holding the ball a bit too long, scrambling a bit to early, or throwing a ball that shouldn't be thrown.

 

So yeah, I expect Parker, IGB, KEO, and Kilgore to all get fairly good run this season because I don't think it's going to be just the defensive lineman subbing in and out.  I almost expect the LBs and Secondary to be doing the same in order to be able to present more confusion on defense.

 

Also seems like league just went through a shift and we're going to see more 12 personnel. IGB's role might be to match up with certain TEs.  

[SoonerBillsFan]

9 minutes ago, VW82 said:

 

Also seems like league just went through a shift and we're going to see more 12 personnel. IGB's role might be to match up with certain TEs.  

Funny how the NFL is copying us.  Seems as if the offense was fine and some other factor has kept us from a Superbowl.  😈

[13 Seconds to Mars]

I expect Bell to be a major factor in the passing game by week 8. The Bills offense is absolutely starved for a true deep threat. Dare I say could even overtake DJ Moore if Allen likes him better. 

Edited May 3 by 13 Seconds to Mars