Armed with the 1st overall pick following a 2–15 season, the Buffalo Bills entered the 2027 Draft with a clear mandate: secure elite talent and build a sustainable foundation for the future. Buffalo delivered one of the most intentional draft classes in the league, addressing explosive playmaking, defensive stability, and long-term depth.
Draft Picks Breakdown
Round 1, Pick 01
Jeremiah Smith – WR – Ohio State
Buffalo made a statement at the top of the draft by selecting Jeremiah Smith, an elite wide receiver with game-breaking ability. Smith immediately becomes the most dynamic weapon in the offense, pairing with an already productive passing attack.
Impact:
- True No. 1 receiver potential
- Immediate mismatch creator
- Elevates the entire offensive unit
This pick gives the Bills a centerpiece to build around offensively for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 01
AJ Harris – CB – Penn State
After struggling defensively in 2026, Buffalo addressed the secondary early with AJ Harris. A physical, disciplined corner, Harris brings much-needed stability and competitiveness to the defensive backfield.
Impact:
- Day-one contributor potential
- Improves man coverage and tackling
- Long-term starter upside
Round 3, Pick 01
Tony Rojas – WILL – Penn State
Continuing the defensive overhaul, Buffalo selected Tony Rojas, a rangy WILL linebacker built for speed and pursuit. Rojas fits perfectly into a defense that needed better sideline-to-sideline play.
Impact:
- Athletic second-level defender
- Improves run defense and coverage versatility
- High-motor presence
Round 5, Pick 01
Joe Brunner – RG – Wisconsin
With Dion Dawkins’ retirement reshaping the offensive line, Buffalo added Joe Brunner, a technically sound guard known for physicality and consistency.
Impact:
- Reinforces interior line play
- Strong run-blocking upside
- Developmental starter potential
Round 6, Pick 01
Jordan Hall – MIKE – Michigan State
Buffalo doubled down on linebacker depth with Jordan Hall, a classic MIKE linebacker with strong instincts and leadership traits.
Impact:
- Core special teams contributor
- Developmental defensive leader
- Insurance at a thin position group
Round 7, Pick 01
TJ Dottery – MIKE – Ole Miss
Late in the draft, the Bills added TJ Dottery, another MIKE linebacker who adds toughness, depth, and competition to the linebacker room.
Impact:
- Depth and physicality
- Special teams value
- Low-risk, high-effort selection
Undrafted Free Agent Signings
Buffalo was aggressive following the draft, adding multiple UDFAs with intriguing upside:
- Dawson Pendergrass – HB – Arizona State
Physical runner who adds competition and depth to the backfield. - Jalen Slappy – LG – Ohio State
Versatile lineman with pedigree and developmental upside. - Rocco Becht – QB – Alabama
Smart, system-friendly quarterback with long-term backup potential. - Gunner Stickton – QB – Georgia
Developmental passer with arm talent and practice squad upside.
Draft Class Themes
Offensive Explosion:
Jeremiah Smith transforms the offense and immediately raises the ceiling of the passing game.
Defensive Reset:
Multiple linebacker selections and a top-tier corner address the most glaring issues from 2026.
Trench Awareness:
Brunner and Slappy signal a commitment to rebuilding the offensive line post-Dawkins.
Depth & Competition:
Buffalo emphasized competition across multiple position groups, particularly on defense.
Overall Draft Grade: A-
This draft won’t solve everything overnight—but it gives Buffalo direction, identity, and momentum.
- ⭐ Franchise WR secured
- ⭐ Defensive speed and coverage improved
- ⭐ Smart depth across the roster
The Bills leave the 2027 Draft positioned not just to improve—but to redefine who they are moving forward.
