With the 2026 NFL Draft less than a week away, the Buffalo Bills are one of the more mysterious teams to evaluate. No one seems to be quite sure what the Bills will prioritize, especially in the first round. Buffalo does have a new head coach, but Joe Brady was an internal hire, and Brandon Beane is still the general manager. How much will things really change, or stay the same in Buffalo?
Plus, the Bills have a lot of draft needs, especially on defense. Wide receiver is still a concern on offensive, but linebacker, cornerback, and edge rusher are all potential weak spots on defense that could use some love. Picking at No. 26 overall in the first round, the Bills aren’t in prime position to draft a top player, but they still have plenty of options.
One ESPN analyst has a very strong opinion on what the Bills should do with that pick.
ESPN’s Ben Solak ‘Screaming’ for the Buffalo Bills to Trade Down
GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 09: Josh Allen #17 and offensive coordinator Joe Brady of the Buffalo Bills look on during warmups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
“Are the Bills a team in transition? Most teams with first-year head coaches are,” ESPN’s Ben Solak wrote on Thursday. “But Joe Brady was an internal hire made by the incumbent general manager with the expectation of playoff success, and the Bills’ big offseason move (trading for DJ Moore) seems to indicate they’re still pushing for a top-tier offense.”
“This question raises another question: Will they stay put or trade down from No. 26? I’m screaming trade down,” he continued. “This isn’t a great draft for a few early picks, but rather many middle-rounds dart throws. The Bills’ roster has endured some turnover and could easily absorb five-plus rookies. Depth at tackle and guard is needed, and a wide receiver addition should challenge Joshua Palmer at the third spot behind Moore and Khalil Shakir. On defense, linebacker needs a potential starter over Dorian Williams, and CB3 behind Maxwell Hairston and Christian Benford is a huge question.”
ESPN’s Ben Solak on Which Position He’d Prioritize for the Bills
“None of these needs feel huge, but they’re all potentially season-derailing if they don’t break Buffalo’s way — such are the margins of postseason football,” Solak said. “This roster got thin after a season of cap shedding, and the Bills would be better served turning pick No. 26 into two or three selections — especially since their next turn is currently 65 picks later. I would prioritize linebacker, given Terrel Bernard‘s injury history, and I’d love a corner with inside-out versatility to back up both spots (Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds sure feels like a culture setter similar to Taron Johnson).”
“I do not think wide receiver demands a first-round pick, though I’d understand if GM Brandon Beane tilted into the selection out of frustration. Denzel Boston (Washington) would be a great fit with the Bills’ current depth chart, but I’d also love some middle-rounds speed to keep Moore in more of a possession role — think De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss) or Bryce Lance (North Dakota State).”
ESPN’s Ben Solak ‘Screaming’ Bills ‘Have to’ Make Draft Day Trade