The Bills hold pick 35 in Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Here are five players Buffalo could target, with options at edge rusher, linebacker, and more.
The Buffalo Bills didn’t make a selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but they positioned themselves well for Day 2.
Now holding pick No. 35 to open the second round, Buffalo finds itself in a strong spot as the board resets. With several impact players still available after Thursday night, the Bills could go in multiple directions—whether that’s adding help at edge rusher, linebacker, or another key position.
So, who makes the most sense for Buffalo early in Round 2? Here are six players the Bills could target at pick 35 on Friday.
Buffalo Bills Round 2 Draft Targets
1. Cashius Howell - Edge - Texas A&M
The top edge rusher still available, Howell is coming off a season where he had 12 sacks for the Aggies. Howell has an explosive first step off the snap, and has a spin move that can beat most left tackles.
There are concerns about arm length and his tendency to get knocked off balance, but his upside as a pass rusher and against the run make him a strong option.
2. Jacob Rodriguez - Linebacker - Texas Tech
If there's a player that fits what the Bills need defensively the most, Rodriguez is it. He's an attacking linebacker who gets to the ball fast while being strong going sideline to sideline.
He's an elite run stopper who can also drop back in coverage when needed. He can get a bit reckless, leading to some missed tackles, but what he provides could be exactly what Buffalo needs.
3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - Safety - Toledo
The best safety on the board, McNeil-Warren was mocked in the first round by a lot of NFL Draft analysts. Why he fell out is anyone's guess, but one could point to the competition factor after playing in the MAC, as well as an average combine performance.
Still, the upside is there for a player who can come in and start at safety right away if needed. He's a big player at 6-4, knows how to attack the ball with nine career forced fumbles, and has solid zone coverage skills.
For the Bills, they wouldn't need him to start right away. They could give him packages, and then prepare him to take over the starting role in 2027.
4. Kayden McDonald - Defensive Tackle - Ohio State
Expected to be a first round pick by almost everyone, McDonald is still available entering Day 2. If both San Francisco and Arizona pass on him, it seems very likely that McDonald would be the pick here.
At 6-2, 326 pounds, McDonald is the perfect size to be a nose tackle in Jim Leonhard's 3-4 base scheme. He's strong and has impressive block-shedding ability, making him one of the best run defenders in this class.
As for why he fell out of the first, some might look at his limited pass rush ability and his shorter arms for someone his size. Still, he has the potential to be an anchor on a defensive line for years to come, and that's something the Bills have lacked for years.
5. Denzel Boston - Wide Receiver - Washington
If Buffalo is going to look at wide receiver in the 2nd round, Boston is the only logical target at 35. At 6-4, Boston brings size and vertical ability to make him that "go up and get it" receiver.
The reason he wasn't a first-round pick is that he's not a field stretcher. He won't run by outside corners, but he'll win battles with field position. He also has great ball-tracking ability and strong hands on contested catches.
In reality, he's a better version of what they thought they had in Keon Coleman. In fact, if Boston were to be the selection, it likely could signal the end of Coleman's time with the team.
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