The Athletic has live coverage of the second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Read more of The Athletic’s coverage from the 2025 NFL Draft: Best Players Available | Draft Grades | Winners & Losers

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, and with it the Bills added a potential impact defensive player, selecting Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston with pick No. 30. As the Bills head to their planning strategy meetings throughout Friday to come up with a battle plan, they could go in several different directions with their upcoming picks.

As it stands now, the Bills have nine selections remaining at Nos. 56, 62, 109, 132, 169, 170, 173, 177 and 206. Who could they look at over the final two days of the draft, and how do they fit what the Bills are looking for at specific need positions?

Here are our best available players remaining for the Bills, separated by position and by day of the draft, with an in-depth analysis of each need-to-know name.

Top 100 rankings and draft ranges provided by The Athletic’s draft expert Dane Brugler.

Day Two (Rounds 2-3)

Edge rusher

Mike Green, Marshall (No. 10)

Green has a ton of production (17 sacks in 2024), but shorter arms than the Bills typically invest in at the position. The Bills will also need to feel comfortable with the off-field component.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College (No. 22)

He’s a bit on the lighter side for 4-3 pass rushers, but you can’t ignore the plus-arm length and excellent production (16.5 sacks in 2024). Those two traits have become more important to the Bills over the last few years than height-weight considerations.

JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State (No. 43)

A highly productive (12.5 sacks) pass rusher who primarily lined up on the right edge. Tuimoloau would represent a consistent baseline of a plus run defender while maybe not having the high ceiling that other edge rushers would have in this range. Tuimoloau fits the usual height (6-foot-4), weight (265 pounds) and arm length (33.75 inches) the Bills look for, but has no documented pre-draft contact with the team.

Landon Jackson, Arkansas (No. 47)

Jackson is a prototypical 4-3 defensive end who is at his best winning with power off the edge. He’s a solid enough run defender that he could turn into a consistent starter, despite possibly lacking the high ceiling range of outcomes. For the Bills, he fits what they generally look for from a size perspective, but since top rusher Greg Rousseau mostly wins with power, it’s worth wondering if they’d want someone with a speed element as a complementary pass rusher.

Jack Sawyer, Ohio State (No. 58)

Sawyer is a powerful pass rusher who is described as ultra-competitive without missing a single game. Sawyer lacks a bit in winning with his athleticism against tackles, which makes him a bit one-dimensional, but his motor never stops. It may not be a good match for the Bills with his below-average arm length (31.75 inches) and lack of bend around the edge.

Nic Scourton, Texas A&M (No. 59)

With 29 tackles for loss and 15 sacks over his last two seasons, Scourton is a highly productive player with the type of quickness off the snap that helps his overall potential. The big question is if he can overcome average speed to continue as a highly productive player. Scourton doesn’t turn 21 until late August, which enhances his appeal as a potential long-term asset. He passes most tests as a potential Bills target.

Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA (No. 64)

If you’re looking for the ball-of-clay high-ceiling player, Oladejo is one of the most intriguing names available on Day Two. He was a middle linebacker his whole college career up until his fourth game of the 2024 season and made the switch to the edge. Oladejo’s 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in only his first nine games at a new position, along with outstanding athleticism and size, will likely have teams around the league excited about what he can do with NFL coaching. Oladejo is a clear-as-day potential Bills target.

Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss (No. 71)

Umanmielen wins with speed and bends around the edge, which is something teams will constantly seek out. He may struggle with power, and isn’t a three-down defender just yet, but there is a lot to like on third downs with potential for more. Even if Umanmielen is slightly on the lighter side (244 pounds), he fits the height and arm length prototype the Bills usually go for. If they believe he can be a 4-3 edge in their scheme rather than just a 3-4 rusher, there is some potential in the pairing.

Ashton Gillotte (No. 78)

Gillotte is an effective all-around edge defender who wins with strength and is good against the run. His lack of athleticism will drop him down the order, as will his below-average height, arm length and hand size. In the third round range, the Bills generally rely on a prototype for certain positions — defensive end among them — to give their picks the best chance to succeed in the NFL. His profile isn’t a usual pairing for them.

Bradyn Swinson, LSU (No. 100)

Swinson is the type of high-ceiling edge rusher the Bills could be on the lookout for in this draft. At 6-foot-3, 255 pounds and a 33.375-inch arm length, Swinson passes every threshold the Bills generally look for at the position. In only one year of starting, Swinson provided some excellent moments that showed explosiveness and, more importantly, the ability to bend around the edge.

Defensive tackle

Darius Alexander, Toledo (No. 61)

Alexander has terrific size and is at his best showing off his movement skills when he’s rushing the passer. There will always be an emphasis on pass-rushing ability from the interior. Due to that skill set, his best position is likely as a three-technique in an even-man front or a five-technique in an odd-front. From a Bills perspective, Alexander may not have the versatility they’re looking for, as they already have their long-term three-technique in Ed Oliver.

Alfred Collins, Texas (No. 68)

Collins is a clear fit as a prototypical one-technique who would be a two-down run defender in their scheme to begin his career. He could even push for more playing time as early as this year. Collins is a massive player at 6-foot-5 and 332 pounds, with a 34.625-inch arm length. He shows a clear ability to shed one-on-one run blocks, which puts him in a position to limit a play through his gap. The slight concern is that he is a one-technique-only player and the Bills value versatility to play both. You wonder if he can become a three-down player over time.

Joshua Farmer, Florida State (No. 76)

At 6-foot-3, 305 pounds, with a 35-inch arm length and three-down potential, Farmer fits right in line with the Bills’ previous investments. He isn’t as accomplished of a run defender as others in this tier, but he shows enough balance and strength to become an eventual starter in the Bills’ scheme, possibly at one-technique. Farmer would be one of the high-ceiling plays of the second-round options.

Ty Hamilton, Ohio State (No. 92)

In terms of effort and doing the dirty work to help his teammates, Hamilton shines for a defense. Hamilton has the game of a one-technique but the body of a three-technique, to which there is concern he’s maxed out at his current weight of 299 pounds. Hamilton’s arm length is a bit on the shorter side, too. Those factors could stand in the way of a potential Bills pairing, but there is a lot to like.

Ty Robinson, Nebraska (3rd-4th)

Robinson can do a bit of everything for a defense, showing some pass-rushing ability while giving excellent run-defending reps, and playing up and down the line of scrimmage. While his arm length (32.25 inches) is on the shorter side and was a bit lighter (291 pounds) during pre-draft testing, Robinson has the frame to pack on weight once he gets to the NFL. Robinson has both the on-field skill set and the off-field personality that the Bills gravitate toward. He has the potential to be a long-term answer at one-technique with three-down ability at a discounted draft price.

Wide receiver

Jaylin Noel, Iowa State (No. 42)

Although Noel is a little undersized for the position (5-foot 10, 194 pounds), the Bills haven’t been picky about those measurables in the Z receiver position in the past. In terms of route running, separation and speed, Noel’s skill set is a match, and he has a lot of big plays. He was also a kickoff and punt returner in college. He would have potential versatility to play both at Z receiver and in the slot. Being viewed as slot-only would likely mean this pairing doesn’t happen.

Jalen Royals, Utah State (No. 63)

If the Bills are looking for upside and a player who, if brought along correctly, could outplay his draft slot, Royals is compelling as a potential second-round pick. He possesses the separation skills, the speed and ability to win over the top, along with natural yard-after-catch skills. Of the traits the Bills are likely looking for, those are the more difficult to cultivate at the NFL level. Although the route-running piece isn’t there just yet, that’s where the Bills’ established top three could come in handy to have Royals develop in the background as the WR4 with a handful of snaps each game.

Tre Harris, Mississippi (No. 65)

Harris is another receiver with excellent size and the ball-winning skills in contested situations. Like Higgins, Harris’ future and fit with the Bills would be at X receiver, which makes a Day 2 investment more on the far-fetched side.

Jack Bech, TCU (No. 72)

Bech is an excellent receiver who does a lot of the little things the right way. His competitiveness shines through any time you watch him, and he is as trustworthy as they come in winning the ball when it’s in the air, regardless of the route. He does have some versatility to play multiple positions in the Bills offense, but because he isn’t a great separator and doesn’t have the speed that adds the verticality aspect to their team, would he just be a bit more of what they already have in their current top three? That might be the biggest hurdle to clear with this pairing when there are other speedy separators available.

Isaiah Bond, Texas (No. 88)

Bond would bring an elite, easy-to-see speed that the Bills simply don’t have on their roster. The ability to have a speedy deep threat would help him draw attention away from others anytime he’s on the field, even if his only purpose is to run a wind sprint down the sideline. Bond also has some good footwork in his route running, which helps separation ability. The big question is if the Bills will feel comfortable enough with their character evaluation to draft him, stemming from the sexual assault allegations he’s facing.

Kyle Williams, Washington State (No. 91)

Williams, who may not be physically imposing to NFL defenses but brings the key attributes the Bills likely will be looking for in a rotational Z receiver with some long-range starting potential. Williams is an explosive receiver with natural separation skills due to his speed, which can also help him to hurt teams in the open field.

Offensive line

Marcus Mbow, T/G/C, Purdue (No. 84)

The 22-year-old Mbow has starting experience at right tackle and right guard, but also projects promisingly to either left guard or at center. All of that functionality makes him a desirable asset to the Bills, who can go in a number of different routes with which of their 2025 starters they choose to replace in 2026 and beyond. Mbow presents intriguing athleticism, though he’ll have to work through dealing with the power of defensive tackles at the NFL level. Regardless, Mbow is someone to monitor if the Bills get a third-round selection.

Charles Grant, T, William & Mary (No. 89)

Grant was nearly a four-year starter at left tackle in college and comes in the prototypical package (6-foot-5, 311 pounds, 34.75-inch arm length) the Bills gravitate toward. He’s also a fluid athlete who would fit their scheme quite well. But at this point, he’s a year or two away from seeing the field in a starting role. The Bills have not shied away from small school offensive linemen in the past because they can usually be had at a discount. They hit it big with Spencer Brown in the late third of the 2021 NFL Draft. Although Grant was an offensive tackle only in college, there could be some guard potential due to his athleticism, but they’ll likely work him outside in to see if he can stick as a tackle, considering Dion Dawkins is 31 years old. Like Mbow, this is a name to remember if the Bills wind up with a third-round pick or in the early fourth round.

Safety

Xavier Watts, Notre Dame (No. 54)

The biggest thing that stands out about Watts is his turnover production. He had 13 interceptions over the last two years, along with 27 pass breakups. On the downside, Watts is a bit slower than most teams prefer at safety, but the Bills aren’t as concerned about that if the zone instincts are there, and he has those. The only question about this pairing is their long-term plan for Bishop. Bishop looks best suited to a long-term role with his home at strong safety, and that’s where Watts likely lands as well. If they think Bishop can be the long-term free safety, then it opens up the pairing a bit more.

Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma (No. 85)

At 5-foot-10 and 197 pounds, Bowman isn’t for every team. However, the Bills are one of those teams that care less about safety measurables and more about their ability to read, anticipate and react. What Bowman lacks in genetics, he makes up for with his mind. He profiles as a potential long-term fit at free safety next to Bishop and an early-career core-four special teams asset. Without question, my favorite safety fit for them in Day 2 and beyond.

Andrew Mukuba, Texas (3rd-4th)

Mukuba’s plus instincts and IQ overcome some of his average athletic testing, and he proved it with five interceptions in his final year of college. He’s also a potential plus in run-defending, making him an all-around fit for what the Bills generally look for in a free safety. Mukuba also offers special teams value as an experienced member of kickoff return and punt coverage units.

Running back

Dylan Sampson, Tennessee (No. 74)

The third round is when taking a running back might become a bit more realistic if they wind up with a selection there. Sampson would be an intriguing fit for that, despite not having a wealth of receiving production, much of that can be chalked up to the offense he played in and the routes they had him run. Sampson also has intriguing explosiveness and good enough size to play between-the-tackles when needed. There could even be some special teams potential for Sampson.

Trevor Etienne, Georgia (No. 97)

The 20-year-old Etienne offers a good skill-set as an accomplished change-of-pace pass catcher while being good enough between the tackles to be a part of a committee. He also could have even more value as a blocker on third downs, maybe taking over the role from Ty Johnson as early as this year if drafted. Lacking a special teams component to his game may stand in the way of this pairing, but with his potential in key areas the Bills look for, he’s on the radar in the late-third to fourth round.

Day Three (Rounds 4-7)

Wide receiver

Tory Horton, Colorado State (3rd-4th)

Horton has copious punt return experience and provides the blazing, in-game speed the Bills lack at receiver, though he lacks route refinement at this point. If the Bills believe in their in-house development of teaching route running, Horton could wind up being a steal in that range of the draft. The rest of it — the speed, yards after catch and ability to find the weak spot of a defense seems to be all there.

Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech (4th)

Lane’s lack of size (5-foot-9) likely means he’s mostly a slot receiver just as he was in college. However, it’s his elite speed (4.34 40-yard dash) and experience as a return specialist that makes him appealing to the Bills. Lane averaged 10.8 yards per punt return with two touchdowns, and also 18.2 yards per kick return.

Keandre Lambert-Smith, Auburn (4th-5th)

Lambert-Smith has explosive speed that would add well to the Bills room along with deceptive footwork for separation. Like some others, he had a limited route tree in college and he has no special teams experience in college.

Chimere Dike, Florida (4th-5th)

Dike has elite speed to stretch a defense and special teams experience both as a returner and on coverage. On the downside, his route running inhibits separation and also lacks high-end run-after-catch skills.

Tai Felton, Maryland (4th-5th)

Felton possesses great on-field speed and very good run-after-catch abilities. He played on both kickoff and punt coverage units, helping build his case as a potential Z receiver with special teams utility.

Arian Smith, Georgia (5th)

Smith (6-feet, 179 pounds) is a smaller receiver but has the deep-field speed to challenge a defense vertically, and could be a fit as a depth Z receiver. He also has special teams experience as punt team gunner.

Dont’e Thornton Jr. (5th-6th)

Thornton has top-end speed and separation skills, but in a much bigger frame than most (6-foot-4, 205 pounds). He can easily separate due to his speed and add to the cushion. Thornton is a bit of a project due to his very limited route tree in college. He lacks special teams experience, though his frame may make the Bills think they can coach it into him.

Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas (5th-6th)

TeSlaa’s size (6-foot-3, 214 pounds) is impressive, and his speed with that size is even more so. He’s a bit rough around the edges as a receiver and will need development, but he has special teams experience and could project as a core-four player in that phase. He would fit the Bills as a boundary receiver.

Ricky White III, UNLV (5th-6th)

White is a shifty route runner who can naturally create separation. He has versatility to play Z receiver and slot, and also possesses extensive special teams experience (blocked four punts in 2024). For his slender frame (6-foot-1, 181 pounds), his timed speed is below average and could force teams to look elsewhere.

Jordan Watkins, Mississippi (6th)

Watkins (5-foot-11, 196 pounds) is likely a Z receiver in the Bills’ scheme that can also play inside at slot receiver, and has the speed to win over the top. Along with it, Watkins could give the Bills a return specialist that 7.9 yards per punt return. He’s lacking as a route runner due to the offense he played in, so will need ample coaching before ever competing for a heavy amount of snaps on offense.

Defensive tackle

Cam Jackson, 1T, Florida (3rd-4th)

Jackson is a massive one-technique prospect who isn’t as nimble as some of the other one-technique-only types, but he’s a traits-based play at 6-foot-6, 328 pounds and a 34.125-inch arm length. Power and holding his ground are his best assets. He’s likely a two-down rotational player

Omarr Norman-Lott, 3T, Tennessee (3rd-4th)

With 9.5 sacks over his last two years from the defensive tackle position, Norman-Lott is all about being able to impact the quarterback. His run-defending lags behind, but pass-rushing usually reigns supreme in the NFL Draft. Norman-Lott wasn’t a full-time player in college, and projects best as a rotational three-technique in the Bills scheme, which would likely push DeWayne Carter to one-technique.

Jordan Phillips, 1T, Maryland (3rd-4th)

Phillips is a fun one to watch because of his play strength. He’s like a tree trunk in the middle of the defensive line and difficult to move. He’s a better mover than expected, but it likely isn’t enough to project him becoming a plus pass rusher down the line. Phillips is a one-technique through and through and likely doesn’t have as much versatility to play both positions down the line.

Deone Walker, 3T/1T, Kentucky (4th)

At 6-foot-7 and 330 pounds, Walker has ridiculous size even for the NFL. But he’s not your average 330-pound defensive tackle, as his athleticism and fluid movements are what stand out the most, while the run-defending piece isn’t quite there. He projects as a three-technique for the Bills who can give some snaps at one-technique. This would be a high-ceiling type of pick if all goes well.

Jamaree Caldwell, 1T, Oregon (4th)

Caldwell is a gap-plugging, space-eating, one-technique-only prospect at 332 pounds with a quick first step. There is some thought he would be best suited to the 0-technique role in a 3-4 defense, but he’s a clear strength as a run defender.

CJ West, 1T, Indiana (4th-5th)

West is 16 pounds lighter than Caldwell and has slightly shorter arms, but he’s a similar middle-of-the-defense run defender with better-than-expected quickness. Caldwell and West could probably be had in the fourth round should the Bills strike out on the first two days of the draft.

JJ Pegues, 3T/1T, Mississippi (4th-5th)

There is some projection involved with Pegues that he could develop well into the one-technique role due to his frame. He’s not as stout as some of the other prospects and may not hold the point of attack as consistently as others, but he has some good run-defending reps on tape and the pass rush potential. I was reminded a bit of Tim Settle with Pegues, who the Bills signed, hoping he could give them some good rotational one-technique reps.

Yahya Black, 1T, Iowa (5th)

The 6-foot-5, 336-pound defensive tackle uses his 35-inch arm length to his advantage in fortifying a run defense in the middle. He likely won’t be a pass-rushing threat due to being a bit heavy-footed, but his ability to hold his ground, and use his power and length to defend the run could develop into an early-down starter in the future.

Zeek Biggers, 1T/3T, Georgia Tech (7th)

Biggers had some pre-draft contact with the Bills and is an intriguing late-round option who offers some versatility. He weighed 363 pounds when he enrolled at Georgia Tech and has dropped down to 321 pounds. Biggers can become a rotational one-technique that can slide over to three-technique if there’s a late switch of roles due to pre-snap motion.

Cornerback

Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech (4th)

Strong is another zone-based cornerback prospect who could struggle in man coverage. However, for the Bills, it’s less of an issue with the rate they play zone. Strong is 6-foot-1, 185 pounds with a 30.875-inch arm length, and although the arm length is a bit short, they are the same size as Elam. Even if a bit underweight compared to other cornerbacks, Strong plays with good play strength to deal with physicality in both the pass and run game. That, along with his instincts in zone, makes him an interesting option.

Denzel Burke, Ohio State (4th-5th)

Burke would be at his best as a zone defender who can give the Bills solid reps as a down-the-line starter. Burke is shorter (5-foot-11) but has arm length to make up for it (31.375 inches), and is right around the average investment the Bills have made at cornerback. His tackling and run-defending are a bit more in question. However, there is plenty to like as a potential Day 3 steady depth option that could give some starts if he develops well enough.

Zy Alexander, LSU (5th)

At 6-foot-1, 187 pounds and a 31-inch arm length, he fits into the usual mold of Bills corners, if just a bit lighter. Alexander is at his best in zone coverage, and his best football could be ahead of him after he made the switch from a smaller school to LSU quite seamlessly. If he can add some strength and ball-hawking to go along with his ability in zone and tackling ability, he could easily outplay his draft slot.

Cobee Bryant, Kansas (6th)

Bryant does his best work in zone coverage while still holding up with his play strength despite having a leaner build. He doesn’t get knocked back like some other tall, thinner cornerbacks, but he will likely have some problems in run support. Bryant (6 feet, 180 pounds) has adequate arm length (31.25 inches), and his ball skills and instincts help propel him as a potential fit for the Bills. While the hope is that the team would help him get stronger throughout his rookie contract, the team could view him as a much faster (4.53 40-yard dash), higher-ceiling version of what they had years ago in the thinner Levi Wallace.

Safety

Malachi Moore, Alabama (4th)

Moore fits the mold of the instinctive, high-IQ safety that thinks through the game better than he tests during the pre-draft process. He’s also slightly undersized, but that won’t deter the Bills if they like his potential playmaking skills. Moore would likely be a free safety in the Bills’ scheme.

Maxen Hook, Toledo (4th-5th)

If the Bills are looking for their next Siran Neal – a player who doesn’t quite have an exact home on defense but becomes one of their top special teams assets for years to come, Hook is an intriguing Day 3 option. Hook played 681 special teams snaps throughout college and was a special teams MVP three years in a row in high school. 

Dante Trader Jr., Maryland (4th-5th)

If the Bills can find an instinctive safety later in the draft with some special teams ability they can develop in the background in 2025, someone like Trader would have a chance to crack their 53-man roster over Forrest. Trader also has some versatility to play nickel, helping his long-term value.

Rayuan Lane III, Navy (6th)

Lane is a potential core-four special teams player the Bills could add with one of their final picks. His ability as a punt gunner and run defender helps his projection to become a featured piece of their special teams units during his rookie deal.

R.J. Mickens, Clemson (7th)

Mickens is an instinctive, sound-tackling safety who wins with his mind more than his athleticism. He is the son of longtime NFL cornerback Ray Mickens, and sons of NFL players are usually a boost to a team’s belief in the player and how they’ll handle the job once drafted. Mickens would serve as a special teams piece early on while being the developmental depth

Offensive line

Caleb Rogers, T/G, Texas Tech (4th-5th)

Rogers played mostly tackle in college but projects best as an athletic guard, and he had some experience at guard last season. He has starting experience at every position other than center, which will be attractive to the Bills.

Bryce Cabeldue, G/T, Kansas (5th)

Cabeldue played right tackle throughout college but is viewed as a potential starter at guard, making him valuable at possibly three positions in the NFL. He has quick feet that can be used well when asked to pull or get to the second level.

Carson Vinson, T, Alabama A&M (5th)

Vinson, who has outstanding athleticism in a 6-foot-7, 314-pound package with an arm length of 34.5 inches and is a noted hard worker. Vinson spent his entire college career playing left tackle. He can learn from offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, and veteran left tackle Dion Dawkins before ever seeing the light of day as a full-time starter.

Edge rusher

Kyle Kennard, South Carolina (4th)

The deeper the draft goes without the Bills taking an edge rusher, the more unlikely it becomes that they take one at all. However, their pick in the early fourth round could be a spot to monitor for someone like Kennard. At 6-foot-4, 254 pounds and an arm length of 34 inches, he has prototypical size, and the way he wins as a pass rusher is something they don’t have. Kennard wins with speed, and while he’ll have a way to go before he’s a three-down player, having a baseline of speed off the edge is always a great place to start. 

Que Robinson, Alabama (5th-6th)

If the Bills strike out at edge rusher ahead of Day 3, Robinson could become an attractive target as someone with good enough measurables to fit their defense. More importantly, he is one of the best special teams players at his position in the late rounds. He would be a core-four player if he made the team.

Tight end

Jake Briningstool, Clemson (5th)

Brinningstool has good movement abilities and shows some potential as a blocker. The big question is if they see any special teams potential in him. If so, he’d be a solid fit.

CJ Dippre, Alabama (5th-6th)

With all of the Bills’ special teams turnover this offseason, Dippre would be a welcome addition as he totaled 529 career special teams snaps in his time at Maryland and then Alabama. On offense, he has workable traits as both a blocker and receiver, and likely best projects as an in-line tight end.

Gavin Bartholomew, Pittsburgh (6th)

Bartholomew doesn’t offer as much special teams experience as Dippre, but Pitt did use him on the punt coverage team. He’s at his best as an in-line tight end more in the mold of Knox, which is something they can turn to if Knox has to play a bigger role on offense. That, and the potential to add more special teams units could be enough to make Bartholomew a late-round pick to develop as their third tight end.

Running back

Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech (3rd-4th)

Besides his ridiculous speed and potential as a pass-catching option, Tuten was an outstanding kick returner in college. He averaged 23.8 yards per return and had two touchdowns. On offense, he would be a potential home run threat if developed correctly.

LeQuint Allen, Syracuse (4th-5th)

Allen had 64 receptions in his final year, and on top of that, boasts one of the best pass blocking skill sets available in this year’s class. He does have some special teams experience, though none recently.

Brashard Smith, SMU (4th-5th)

Smith’s background as a receiver will allow him to be a potential long-term committee back in the Bills system, with a higher ceiling for more, all while offering outstanding kickoff return abilities with his vision and explosive speed. He is also a potential long-term answer at punt returner.

Jaydon Blue, Texas (5th)

Another back, and another with a good receiving profile. Blue’s 42 receptions in 2024 and 14 total touchdowns is an impressive mark, showing some real big-play ability. The Bills need more of that in totality on offense. Blue played on kick coverage units in 2023, so there might be some more special teams ability to tap into.

Linebacker

Chris Paul Jr., MLB, Mississippi (3rd-4th)

Paul possesses outstanding instincts on defense and even though he’s shorter (6-feet) with a sub-30-inch arm length, he smartly gets around blockers en route to making stops. He is also a potential special teams star if given that role considering how he reads the play in front of him and his tackling ability. Paul projects as a long-term backup middle linebacker to Terrel Bernard.

Teddye Buchanan, MLB, Cal (5th)

Buchanan projects as a potential long-term backup middle linebacker who can become a core-four special teams player and raise the ceiling of the depth of the linebacker room. His plus instincts and tackling ability would make him a key piece to special teams throughout his rookie deal.

Quarterback

Kurtis Rourke, Indiana (6th)

With both Mitchell Trubisky and Mike White signed for the 2025 season, the Bills likely won’t be in a hurry to add a quarterback this year — especially since it’s a bit of a down year for the position. However, with a player like Rourke, who had surgery in January to repair a torn ACL, the Bills could add a quarterback and essentially stash him on an injured list for the upcoming season. If Rourke is available with one of the Bills’ final picks, he’s a name to remember.

Punter

James Burnip, Alabama

Jeremy Crawshaw, Florida

Alex Mastromanno, Florida State

Eddie Czaplicki, USC

Kai Kroeger, South Carolina

Luke Elzinga, Oklahoma

Brendan Hall, Montana State

You didn’t think I’d have a draft board without potential #Puntapalooza participants, did you? The Bills will have an open competition this summer between Jake Camarda and someone else. They signed Brad Robbins to a non-guaranteed deal in early April that they can get out of without any cap ramifications. A late-round punter is a real possibility this year.

The trio of Australian punters in Burnip, Crawshaw and Mastromanno are all legit contenders for that spot, and the Bills even met with Mastromanno in the pre-draft process.

(Top photo of Donovan Ezeiruaku: Jerome Miron / Imagn Images)