It may not be the biggest hole to fill right now, but the Buffalo Bills have a need at linebacker. Here are three linebacker prospects for the Bills during the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Buffalo Bills may not have linebacker as their most urgent need, but with a shift in defensive philosophy under Jim Leonhard, it’s still a position worth watching.
In a more aggressive, attack-style system, the Bills need linebackers who can get downhill, fly to the football, and create disruption. That’s something the current group has lacked at times, especially when it comes to consistency against the run and making impact plays.
If Buffalo looks to address the position in the draft, there are a few names that stand out more than others. Here are three linebacker prospects the Bills should look at in the 2026 NFL Draft.
1. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Rodriguez just feels like a perfect fit for what the Bills want to become defensively. He’s slightly undersized, but that doesn’t really matter when you watch how he plays.
He gets to the football fast, moves well sideline to sideline, and plays with the kind of aggression you want in the middle of your defense. He attacks everything.
That’s the biggest thing here. If Leonhard is serious about building a defense that attacks the football, Rodriguez embodies that as well as anyone outside of the first round. He’s an elite run-stopper who can also hold his own in coverage, which is something Buffalo has been missing.
He’s not perfect, though. He can get a little reckless at times with his tackling, and he’ll over-pursue, leading to missed tackles. But the upside and play style are exactly what the Bills need. If he’s sitting there late in the second round, this feels like the type of player you aggressively try to get.
Draft Projection: Late 2nd-Early 3rd
2. Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
Boettcher is a different kind of prospect, but one that fits the Bills’ identity. He’s got a very similar build to Rodriguez, but what stands out more is how he approaches the game.
This is a “first one in, last one out” type of player. Someone who lives and breathes football and consistently puts himself in the right position. He may not be the flashiest linebacker in the class, but he’s reliable and steady.
There’s enough athleticism there to work with, and while his ceiling might not be elite, his floor feels safe. If you’re drafting him on Day 3, you’re getting a player who can contribute, especially on special teams early, and grow into a dependable piece over time.
Draft Projection: 4th - 6th
3. Red Murdoch, Buffalo
Murdoch is a wildcard, and, honestly, one of the more fun prospects to talk about.
The production jumps off the page. Massive tackle numbers year after year, but more importantly, the forced fumbles. At some point, that’s not luck. It’s a skill. He has a knack for attacking the football, punching it out, and creating turnovers in a way very few players can.
Despite the ability to get to the ball, Murdoch definitely has his tradeoffs. He’s not the fastest, and coverage is a real concern. You’re not drafting him to come in and play a major defensive role right away. But what he does bring is physicality, effort, and a clear role early on special teams.
This is a Day 3 flyer, likely in the sixth or seventh round, but one that could pay off if developed properly. Keep him in the Buffalo area, let him contribute on special teams, and see if you can mold him into something more over time.
Draft Projection: 6th - 7th