After a fourth postseason loss to the Kansas City Chiefs since Josh Allen became quarterback, the Buffalo Bills might not be in the worst shape imaginable. Thanks to a growing salary cap, the team underwent a soft reset last year — and still reached the AFC Championship Game.
Now in a better position to give the reigning league MVP more support, Buffalo is built to rebound quickly. The latest mock draft from PFN by Brentley Weissman offers a path that could finally get the Bills to the Super Bowl.
30) Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Walter Nolen was one of the top recruits in the country coming out of high school. The talent has always been there, and he finally put it all together in his last season at Ole Miss. He’s a quick, powerful defensive tackle with impressive lateral agility.
The Bills already boast one of the NFL’s best defensive lines and added Joey Bosa and Larry Ogunjobi this offseason. Some might call this pick overkill, but doubling down on a strength with a high-upside rookie makes sense — especially when trying to keep that defensive front fresh.
Despite all the talent, Buffalo’s defense finished just 18th in PFN’s Defense+ metric. Nolen can help raise that ceiling in a hurry.
56) Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Buffalo signed Joshua Palmer this offseason, but the receiving corps still needs more juice. Jayden Higgins has reliable hands, sharp route running, and can win at all three levels.
During the playoffs, it became clear the Bills lacked enough top-tier weapons for Allen. Higgins is coming off a strong 2024 campaign with 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns—and looks like someone who can help fix that fast.
62) Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
Like the Lions, the Bills double-dip on the defensive front with Bradyn Swinson. After letting Von Miller walk in free agency, Buffalo needs more pass-rushing firepower.
Swinson brings bend, explosiveness, and upside and would fit nicely alongside Bosa and Gregory Rousseau. With the front office committed to building an elite D-line, he adds more talent to the mix.
109) Zy Alexander, CB, LSU
After focusing on the front, Buffalo shifts its attention to the secondary with Zy Alexander. He’s versatile and fits a variety of coverages, but he thrives in press-man and brings physicality as a tackler.
He could compete for a starting role early and add important depth to a secondary that has seen turnover in recent years.
132) Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers
With a shortage of elite receiving targets, the Bills leaned heavily on the run game — and it worked. Buffalo finished fourth in PFN’s Offense+ metric. But James Cook’s future is unclear.
Kyle Monangai is a workhorse. He tallied over 1,200 yards in each of the last two seasons, scored 21 touchdowns, and averaged over five yards per carry. In a deep RB class, he’s a value add.
169) Raheim Sanders, RB, South Carolina
Buffalo doubles up at running back with Raheim Sanders. At 6 feet and 230 pounds, he’s a bruiser. His best year came in 2022 when he ran for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns at Arkansas.
Injuries slowed him down over the last two years, but if he bounces back, Sanders and Monangai could form a powerful 1-2 punch.
170) Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin
Buffalo’s offensive line ranked fourth in PFN’s OL+ metric, and it showed all year. But there’s always room to build.
Jack Nelson is a scheme-specific prospect who thrives in zone systems. He can help diversify a relatively conservative offense as a right tackle with more outside movement and misdirection.
173) Miles Frazier, OG, LSU
Like Nelson, Frazier is a depth pick for an already strong offensive line. But unlike Nelson, Frazier is more of a plug-and-play guard who can fit into almost any scheme.
He’s tough, physical, and smart — exactly what you want from a mid-round interior lineman.
177) Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado
Looking to add more juice on offense, Buffalo could find a spark in Jimmy Horn Jr. He didn’t rack up big stats with Travis Hunter soaking up the spotlight, but he still posted 441 yards on 37 catches — averaging close to 12 yards per reception.
He’s a deep threat and can be a situational weapon with room to grow.
206) Jah Joyner, EDGE, Minnesota
Jah Joyner has the size, length, and quickness to be a legitimate NFL edge rusher. He flashes serious pass-rushing ability, but his run defense needs work, and consistency is a concern.
Still, his upside is worth the gamble for a pick this late. The tools are there — Buffalo might just have found a Day 3 gem.