In what was supposed to be a rest year, the Buffalo Bills surpassed all expectations to reach the AFC Championship Game with their superstar quarterback Josh Allen bagging his first MVP. But the work for the Bills has just begun.
As a core that management and fans have invested heavily in, anything short of a Super Bowl is going to feel like a shortchange. As a result, the latest mock draft from PFSN’s Ian Cummings has the recipe for Buffalo to follow to take that next step and get over the hump.
33) Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Projected Trade: Browns receive 30th pick, BUF 2026 5th; Bills receive 33rd pick, 94th pick, 2026 CLE 2nd
“Trading just outside of Round 1, the Buffalo Bills get a defensive anchor in Kenneth Grant: A 6’4″, 331-pound behemoth with high-end run defense utility and enthralling pass-rush upside,” Cummings states.
As per PFSN’s scouting report, “Due to his rare athleticism, Grant projects as a mid to early first-round pick and as one of the best defensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. Grant has the ceiling in the NFL to become a top-five defensive tackle. At the very least, he can survive in the NFL for a long time as a dominant run defender.”
53) Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
Projected Trade: Bills receive 53rd pick, 157th pick; Buccaneers receive 62nd pick, 94th pick, 169th pick
Cummings predicts the Bills to “make an aggressive move to leapfrog the Packers and steal Bradyn Swinson: A well-rounded EDGE with easy acceleration, bend, power, and sturdiness in the run game.” Swinson profiles as a pass-rush specialist who needs development before he can be relied on in obvious run situations.
56) Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
“Giving off shades of Pierre Garçon with his size, fleet-footed athleticism, and play strength in multiple phases, Jalen Royals can be a dynamic movement-Z next to Khalil Shakir,” Cummings believes.
Royals projects as a number two receiver who can play outside or in the slot. His ability to win at all levels of the field will impress coaches and the fanbase from the get-go.
109) Zy Alexander, CB, LSU
A rare combination of length, instincts, and reliable tackling makes Zy Alexander project as a fantastic contributor immediately. But, with his natural feel in the zone and physical presence against the run, Alexander’s ceiling could quickly grow higher as he adjusts to life in the NFL.
132) Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
James Cook remains a question mark to return in the long term to the Bills. As a result, they need to look at other options soon. While next year might be a more ideal time, taking a swing on Brashard Smith here might not be the worst idea.
Getting run in his final year with the Mustangs, Smith put up 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns, while adding 327 yards as a pass catcher as well.
157) Anthony Belton, OL, NC State
The Buffalo Bills had one of the best offensive lines in the league last season. So, adding Anthony Belton isn’t going to be a short-term hole that they need to address.
Instead, Belton’s pass protection skills, in addition to his robust frame, should make him a long-term developmental prospect that eventually becomes a consistent starter.
170) Sai’vion Jones, DL, LSU
Another piece to develop for Buffalo, Sai’vion Jones, could become a valuable addition to the defensive line, but in due time. His impact is going to be felt on early downs, especially against the run.
But in due time, Jones could become a versatile defender with a very high ceiling.
173) Kitan Crawford, S, Nevada
His core team’s value is going to be off the charts, but the Bills will go after Kitan Crawford for his defensive upside. The combination of speed and versatility Crawford possesses is difficult to find.
He should be able to contribute right off the bat in specific packages, but over time could become a multi-talented, consistent starter.
177) Jordan Williams, OT, Georgia Tech
Jordan Williams should immediately be able to be a factor for Buffalo. Exceptional against the pass with experience as both a guard and a tackle, he has the versatility and the ability to be a difference maker.
However, injuries are the biggest concern for him, hence, the Bills might be a tad squeamish for him in that regard.
206) Arian Smith, WR, Georgia
Smith started off as purely a vertical threat, but in his final year with the Bulldogs, he proved he could be a three-level threat in the outfield.
However, on the Bills, the long ball will be his calling card as the team tries to move away from their relatively conservative offense this past season.
With four seasons averaging over 19 yards per reception and three over 28, Smith’s impact is undeniable. And for Buffalo, it might be far more valuable than virtually any other squad.