Overview
The Buffalo Bills entered the 2026 PML Draft with a clear goal — add speed, depth, and toughness. After an offseason focused on retaining core veterans and upgrading the offensive line, the front office used this draft to balance short-term playmakers with long-term developmental prospects.
Buffalo’s front office struck a smart balance between immediate contributors like WR Jordyn Tyson and defensive depth pieces such as LB Kyle Louis and CB Jeremiah Earby. Let’s break down the class pick by pick.
Round 1, Pick 9: WR Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) – Deep Threat
The Bills wasted no time finding a new weapon for their offense. Tyson brings elite speed and vertical separation that can stretch defenses and open lanes for the rest of the receiving corps. He’s a pure burner who should complement the Bills’ passing attack perfectly — think of him as a spark plug in the mold of a young Brandin Cooks.
Projection: Day 1 starter outside, especially in 3-WR sets. Expect big splash plays early.
Grade: A–
Round 2, Pick 9: SAM Kyle Louis (Pittsburgh) – Run Stopper
Louis fills an immediate need on the strong side of the defense. A physical, downhill linebacker who thrives in traffic, he should strengthen Buffalo’s run defense — an area that’s been hit-or-miss in recent years. His instincts and motor stand out, though his pass coverage may limit him to early downs initially.
Projection: Rotational SAM with starter potential by midseason.
Grade: B+
Round 4, Pick 9: CB Jeremiah Earby (Boise State) – Zone Corner
A fluid zone corner with great awareness, Earby has the traits the Bills love — length, ball skills, and discipline. He may not have elite man coverage ability yet, but his fit in Buffalo’s zone-heavy scheme makes him a strong Day 3 value.
Projection: Competing for CB4/CB5 role early, with long-term upside as a starter.
Grade: B
Round 5, Pick 9: LG Tomas Rimac (Virginia Tech) – Pass Protector
Rimac is a technician with solid anchor and hand placement, ideal for protecting the quarterback’s blind side in passing downs. He lacks elite athleticism but could develop into a reliable starter.
Projection: Developmental interior lineman, possible starter by 2027.
Grade: B–
Round 6, Pick 25: HB LJ Martin (BYU) – Elusive Back
Martin is a fun addition — a patient, shifty runner with strong vision and balance. While not a power back, his burst in open space makes him a great change-of-pace option behind the Bills’ primary RB.
Projection: RB3 with potential to take over 3rd-down duties.
Grade: B
Round 7, Pick 1: CB Will Lee III (Texas A&M) – Zone CB
A rangy, instinctive defender who thrives in zone looks. Lee’s tackling and awareness give him special teams and rotational value immediately.
Projection: Depth piece with ST value and developmental upside.
Grade: C+
Round 7, Pick 19: C Kolinu’u Faaiu (Texas A&M) – Power OL
Faaiu adds interior power and depth at center. He’s a mauler in the run game with raw mechanics in pass pro, but Buffalo’s coaching staff is known for developing interior linemen.
Projection: Backup C/G swing option.
Grade: C+
Round 7, Pick 27: WR Kyron Hudson (Penn State) – Slot WR
Hudson’s quickness and route precision make him a dark horse to contribute early in the slot. He could carve out a rotational role if he impresses in camp.
Projection: WR5/6 and special teams contributor.
Grade: B–
Undrafted Free Agents
- WR DT Sheffield (Rutgers) – Agile slot receiver with solid hands; could push Hudson for a roster spot.
- FB Alex Tecza (Navy) – A true throwback lead blocker who might help in goal-line sets.
- LT Jordan Davis (South Alabama) – Raw but toolsy tackle prospect; practice squad candidate.
- LG Josh Gesky (Illinois) – Fundamentally sound depth guard.
- LB Jaylin Carter (Liberty) – Thumper with special teams potential.
- QB Jake Retzlaff (Tulane) – Strong arm, developmental project for QB3 role.
UDFA Grade: B – Some intriguing developmental upside, especially with Sheffield and Retzlaff.
Overall Draft Grade: B+
The Bills addressed key needs with value picks throughout the draft. Tyson and Louis headline a class that could see multiple rookies contribute right away. While they didn’t find a surefire franchise-changing talent, the depth and fit make this one of the more complete classes in recent memory.
