Draft meter! Our writers rate the Bills' prospective top draft picks

Draft meter! Our writers rate the Bills' likeliest draft picks

Jay Skurski and Katherine Fitzgerald issue their meter reading on their preferences for 12 prospects who could be on the board when the Buffalo Bills make their pick at No. 26.

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News Bills writers Jay Skurski and Katherine Fitzgerald issue their meter reading on their preferences for 12 prospects who could be on the board when the Buffalo Bills make their first pick at No. 26 overall in the NFL draft Thursday night in Pittsburgh. A couple of potential second-round picks are included. The higher the number, the more Jay and Katherine like the player as a fit for the Bills.


Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell runs onto Kyle Field as part of senior day before the
Aggies' game against Samford on Nov. 22, 2025, in College Station, Texas. Sam Craft, Associated Press

Cashius Howell​

Edge, Texas A&M
Jay: Will the Bills overlook Howell’s lack of desired measurables? The production is there, but I’m skeptical. His wingspan and arm length are well below what’s considered average for an edge rusher. 6/10

Katherine: What Howell lacks in measurables, he aims to make up for with agility and burst. His 11½ sacks last season show he can overcome his smaller size and length. 7/10


Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion waits for the start of a game
against Samford on Nov. 22, 2025, in College Station, Texas. Sam Craft, Associated Press

KC Concepcion​

WR, Texas A&M
Jay: If the Bills go the receiver route in the first round, Concepcion is my favorite idea. He would bring an explosiveness to the group that has been lacking. I doubt that’s the direction they go, however. 5/10

Katherine: A versatile receiver with a Rochester tie? Sign me up. Even storylines aside, Concepcion could be a huge boost to Joe Brady’s offensive with his ability to allow creative options. 9/10


Central Florida defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine Feb. 26 in Indianapolis,
Julio Cortez, Associated Press

Malachi Lawrence​

Edge, Central Florida
Jay: A steady riser in the pre-draft process whose production got better each year at Central Florida, Lawrence checks the measurables boxes. He feels like a real possibility. 8/10

Katherine: Lawrence was my pick in our simulated draft from earlier this week. His 19½ sacks over the last three seasons showcase his ability to get through to the quarterback. 10/10


Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald looks out at the field during warmups before of a game against Washington on Sept. 27, 2025, in Seattle.
John Froschauer, Associated Press

Kayden McDonald​

DT, Ohio State
Jay: The Bills want to get better at defending the run. McDonald is perhaps the most talented interior defensive line run defender in the class. A pretty easy pairing to imagine. 8/10

Katherine: The Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year is stronger against the run. His need to improve his pass rush could make him still available at No. 26 for the Bills. 7/10


Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez attends the Red Raiders' pro day March 26 in Lubbock, Texas.
Annie Rice, Associated Press

Jacob Rodriguez​

LB, Texas Tech
Jay: Described as a tackle-for-loss machine. Won multiple major awards. Would instantly upgrade the run defense. Can you trade down a few spots and get him? If so, sign me up. 9/10

Katherine: Listeners of the PlayAction Podcast will know I’m high on Rodriguez. The decorated linebacker’s ability to generate takeaways could be of major use for this Bills defense. 8/10


Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk speaks during the NFL combine Feb. 25 in Indianapolis.
Michael Conroy, Associated Press

Keldric Faulk​

Edge, Auburn

Jay: The intangibles are great, as are Faulk’s measurables. The production is not, especially with sacks. He’s young, though, not turning 21 until September. He’ll need some development. 7/10

Katherine: Faulk is young, versatile, and he backs up his physical traits. But his production dipped last season, and his drop from seven to two sacks is worth investigating. 5/10


Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. celebrates a win over Penn State on Nov. 8, 2025, in State College, Pa.
Barry Reeger, Associated Press

Omar Cooper Jr.​

WR, Indiana
Jay: Drafting a receiver in the first round would mean investing his top two picks at the position. I can’t see Brandon Beane doing that. Cooper operates best out of the slot, where the Bills have Khalil Shakir. 4/10

Katherine: A reigning national champion, Cooper ranked up 937 yards and 13 touchdowns on 69 receptions. He’s reliable, but more in the short game than as a deep-field threat. 5/10


Georgia linebacker CJ Allen smiles during pregame warmups before kickoff against Charlotte on Nov. 22, 2025, in Athens, Ga.
Colin Hubbard, Associated Press

CJ Allen​

LB, Georgia
Jay: A future team captain at the NFL level, Allen should be a productive player. Will he be a star, though? That’s what you’re hoping for in the first round. 5/10

Katherine: He has leadership qualities and a love for chicken wings that Buffalo can respect. As a playmaker, his instincts are there, but he does sometimes play stiff. 6/10


Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods walks to the stadium wearing Prada glasses before a game against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 16, 2023, in Clemson, S.C.
Jacob Kupferman, Associated Press

Peter Woods​

DT, Clemson

Jay: He doesn’t have real long arms and lacked consistency at times in college. At 298 pounds, he’s not a true nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme. Not sure the fit is there. 4/10

Katherine: The horseback-riding Woods made his name known at Clemson, but he still has some room to develop. His ability to line up at multiple spots is intriguing for Buffalo. 6/10


Missouri defensive end Zion Young laughs with teammates during the school's pro day March 20 in Columbia, Mo.
L.G. Patterson, Associated Press

Zion Young​

Edge, Missouri
Jay: Would add some nastiness to the Bills’ defense, which I’m convinced new coach Joe Brady is all for. Developing as a pass rusher, but is stout against the run. 9/10

Katherine: A team captain at Missouri after transferring from Michigan State, Young still needs to add to his pass-rush repertoire. Concerns are more about his ceiling than his floor. 4/10


Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks walks off the field after a game against Texas on Oct. 4, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.
Gary McCullough, Associated Press

Caleb Banks​

DT, Florida

Jay: Played in just three games last year because of a foot injury, but the size and physical traits are all there. Will need to become better conditioned, but I like the potential. 6/10

Katherine: The injury history and lack of tape on Banks worry me. The way he moves at his size is intriguing, but there are too many unknowns for this spot in the draft. 3/10


Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston speaks during a news conference at the NFL combine on Feb. 27 in Indianapolis.
Julio Cortez, Associated Press

Denzel Boston​

WR, Washington
Jay: He’s not the style of receiver the Bills need – especially with Keon Coleman still on the roster and the team continuing to talk him up. 2/10

Katherine: Boston is physical, but could use more separation. His ability to play as a return specialist could secure his early role in the big leagues on special teams. 7/10