Some mock drafts think the Buffalo Bills should target defense while others have them going for a new wide receiver. Here's the latest mock draft roundup.
With the Buffalo Bills set to pick 26th in the 2026 NFL Draft, early mock drafts are starting to paint a picture of what those around the NFL think Buffalo should prioritize. And while there isn’t full agreement, there is a noticeable trend.
Wide receiver (WR) keeps coming up.
Multiple outlets have the Bills using their first-round pick to add another pass catcher for Josh Allen. USA Today's Jacob Camenker and ESPN’s Matt Miller both project Buffalo to take WR KC Concepcion out of Texas A&M.
Concepcion is viewed as a playmaker with speed, versatility, and the ability to create yards after the catch---something the Bills’ offense has lacked at times.
Fox Sports goes in a similar direction, but with a different name. Their mock sends WR Makai Lemon of USC to Buffalo. Lemon brings polish as a route runner and has the kind of production that usually translates well to the NFL, highlighted by the fact he won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award. If the Bills want someone who can contribute early, Lemon fits that description.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. offers yet another receiver option in Chris Brazzell II from Tennessee. Brazzell stands out for his size and catch radius. He’s the type of target who can win contested throws and give Allen a reliable option in tight coverage, especially in the red zone.
Despite a number of options at receive, the defensive side of the ball hasn’t been ignored, though.
Bleacher Report and NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah both have the Bills selecting linebacker CJ Allen from Georgia. Allen is one of the top defensive prospects in the class and would immediately bring speed and physicality to the middle of Buffalo’s defense. With the Bills often struggling to stop the run or cover underneath, this pick would make a lot of sense here.
Then there’s the wildcard.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projects Buffalo taking Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a safety from Toledo. It’s a less flashy pick, but one that reflects the Bills’ long-standing emphasis on versatile defensive backs who can do a little bit of everything. With the need for someone to, likely, play alongside Cole Bishop, a safety makes sense for the team.
Overall, the mocks suggest a familiar debate for fans.
Do the Bills double down on offense and give Josh Allen more help? Or do they use a first-round pick to reload a defense that’s shown cracks against top AFC competition?
Right now, the mock draft world slightly favors offense. But as always, that balance could shift quickly as the draft gets closer.
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