Sportsvival is full force into scouting for the 2026 NFL Draft, and Buffalo feels like one of the more interesting late first-round teams. The Bills have already made splash moves this offseason, but this still looks like a roster that can use one more young impact defender and another long-term playmaker piece as they try to keep the window wide open around Josh Allen.
Key offseason additions
Buffalo’s biggest offensive splash was trading for wide receiver DJ Moore, giving Josh Allen an instant-impact target. On defense, the Bills added Bradley Chubb, Dee Alford, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Geno Stone, while also bringing back Damar Hamlin. They also added Kyle Allen at quarterback, retained punter Mitch Wishnowsky, signed Lloyd Cushenberry, Austin Corbett, and Trent Sherfield, re-signed center Connor McGovern, and kept Dawson Knox under contract through 2028.
Notable departures
The biggest roster shakeups came in the secondary and in a few veteran depth spots. Buffalo traded Taron Johnson to the Raiders and also officially released Dane Jackson, Taron Johnson, Taylor Rapp, and Curtis Samuel. Beyond that, guard David Edwards moved to New Orleans, fullback Reggie Gilliam landed with New England, defensive back Cam Lewis signed with Chicago, and backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky signed with Tennessee.
Buffalo’s 3 biggest needs
1. Edge rusher
Even after adding Bradley Chubb, Buffalo still looks like a team that could use more long-term juice off the edge. Chubb helps right now, but the Bills still need another young disruptive piece to pair with Greg Rousseau and strengthen the future of the pass rush.
2. Linebacker
Linebacker stands out because it has not really been meaningfully addressed this offseason, and Buffalo still needs speed, range, and physicality in the middle of the defense. For a contender picking in the back half of Round 1, this is a clean spot to target a defender who can step into a major role quickly.
3. Wide receiver
DJ Moore was a major addition, but one move does not completely finish the room. Buffalo still could use another receiver for depth, versatility, and long-term security so the passing game is not too dependent on one new addition carrying the load.
Sportsvival’s pick at No. 26: LB C.J. Allen, Georgia
This feels like a very clean Buffalo pick. C.J. Allen is viewed as a productive, intelligent linebacker who plays bigger than his size, diagnoses quickly against the run, arrives violently as a tackler, and has enough movement ability to handle tight ends, backs, and zone-drop responsibilities. That kind of skill set fits a Bills defense that still needs a young centerpiece at linebacker.
With Moore already added at receiver and Chubb already brought in to help the edge group, Buffalo can use No. 26 on a true three-down linebacker instead of forcing another position. Allen gives the Bills instincts, toughness, and downhill playmaking, and he looks like the type of defender who can help now while still growing into a bigger role over time.