Experts weigh in on the Buffalo Bills' 2026 draft class, debating whether they nailed it or missed the mark. Discover the official grades and analyses.
It's been a few days since the 2026 NFL Draft wrapped up, and national experts can't figure out whether the Buffalo Bills hit a home run or left people scratching their heads.
The real answer is probably somewhere in the middle. After all, in the latest episode of the Bills Roundtable Podcast (watch above), both Anthony Moeglin and I gave the Bills draft around a B grade--Moeglin with a B, while I gave the team a C+/B-.
2026 NFL Draft: Every Bills Draft Pick
But what about the national experts? A quick search online gives insight into what some think. Below are the grades for the Bills' 2026 Draft Class from ESPN, CBS Sports, and more.
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: A
The Bills traded down three times in Round 1 to gain additional mid-round selections and still found a much-needed physical pass rush presence on the edge in Parker. Igbinosun possesses the size and physicality to start on the outside, especially if he continues reducing his pass-interference penalties. Buffalo's original second-round pick was wisely used to acquire receiver DJ Moore and a fifth-round selection from Chicago.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com: B-
Salary cap cuts opened some holes on defense this offseason, so Buffalo needed starters. The Bills turned their first two picks into T.J. Parker and Davison Igbinosun. I had higher-rated edges at No. 35 and higher-rated corners at No. 62. However, both players should play big roles for the Bills.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: B-
The Bills traded down a few times -- out of the first even -- and added extra picks. I like the strategy. Taking Parker fills a pass-rushing need, and second-round corner Davison Igbinosun won't start right away, but he eventually will. Bell was also a good pick.
Nate Davis, USA Today: B+
For a team that’s admittedly in Super Bowl or bust mode for the remainder of QB Josh Allen’s tenure in Western New York, the Bills did a nice job of addressing needs – especially in Round 2 with CB Davison Igbinosun and OLB T.J. Parker, who could be a steal here as he goes to work opposite Bradley Chubb.
And don’t forget that that Buffalo invested the 60th pick last month to pry WR DJ Moore out of Chicago. New Highmark Stadium, which opens later this year, could be rocking right through the AFC championship game.
Charles McDonald, Yahoo! Sports: C+
This was a solid haul and a clean process for the Bills in this draft class, trading out of the first round and using their first pick on rugged Clemson edge defender T.J. Parker to continue shoring up their front seven for new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.
Davison Igbinosun felt like a bit of a reach at the bottom of the second round, but this team needed to continue adding depth and talent to its cornerback room and Igbinosun has some developable traits for the future. There might not be many stars coming from this class, but the Bills should have a handful of capable players for years to come.
Rob Rang, FOX Sports: A
While Parker will understandably get most of the attention, I thought GM Brandon Beane found quality value and stylistic fits throughout the draft. Cornerback Davison Igbinosun and offensive tackle Jude Bowry were two of my favorite "second-tier" prospects at their respective positions. Wideout Skyler Bell and safeties Jalon Kilgore and Zane Durant also have the athleticism that suggests they could be future NFL starters.
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: B+
The Bills were smart to get Parker and Igbinosun right away as GM Brandon Beane attacked key pieces for the defensive change without Sean McDermott. Bowry was a good third pick for the offensive line retooling.
Bills Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Bills. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.