2026 NFL Draft: Final Bills Wire staff mock predictions
· Yahoo Sports
With the 2026 NFL Draft nearly here, the staff at Bills Wire has put together our final predictions for the event in a mock.
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Our mock predictions are for the Buffalo' picks that are in the first two days of this year's draft. On those days, we'll see Rounds 1-3 unfold and in that area the Bills have two selections at Nos. 26 and 91.
Making mock projections for each of those picks will be Bills Wire editor Nick Wojton and contributing writer Justin DiLoro.
Bills Wire's full final 2026 mock draft can be found below:
Round 1, pick No. 26
Wojton's pick: ED Cashius Howell, Texas Tech.
Howell was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and put up numbers to earn it. He had 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 13 games played last season in 2025. Howell's stock isn't higher because of measurables, specifically arm length. Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane might like to trade back here but if Howell is there, Beane has not been shy about taking a bit of a project pass rusher early on at the draft.
DiLoro's pick: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State.
If there's any way that KC Concepcion makes it No 26, he's the pick. However, too many simulations have him being taken earlier in the round, and I think the lack of draft capital makes it a bit challenging for the Bills to move up in the draft. In addition, the Bills traded a second-round pick for veteran wideout DJ Moore, so selecting a wide receiver here would feel like Buffalo dedicated their first two draft picks to the wide receiver position.
Buffalo moved on from Sean McDermott to revamp this defense. The Bills need a massive figure who can eat up blocks and allow the remainder of the front seven to have some space to cause havoc. Thus, Buffalo makes a smart pick in bringing McDonald to Western New York. McDonald is dominant against the run, an element of the Bills defense that needs to improve. His presence will give a player like Ed Oliver more room to operate. In addition, with questions pending at the inside linebacker spot, it will be prudent for Buffalo to have a nose tackle that can disrupt the run game and let a linebacker like Terrel Bernard fill the gap
Round 3, pick No. 91
Wojton's pick: CB Malik Muhammad, Texas.
Muhammed is a prospect the Bills have had a top-30 visit with prior to the draft. As Buffalo rebuilds their scheme under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, the secondary is an area worth addressing. Muhammed does not have the biggest NFL frame but is a solid cover corner that is versatile. In 11 games last season, Muhammed had 30 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, a sack, four passes defended and two interceptions.
DiLoro's pick: OL Jalen Farmer, Kentucky.
The Bills continue to add depth within the trenches with the selection of Farmer. Farmer is a solid prospect who, with some refinement, could be a starter on day one. He's a mauler in the run game, and he stands up well to interior linemen in the pass game.
Farmer has a few minor technique issues that need to be cleaned up at the next level (e.g., consistent pad level). However, there's a ton to like with how he plays. The Kentucky product started 24 games at right tackle over the past two years. With O'Cyrus Torrence's contract status a bit murky beyond this season, it might be smart for the Bills to look beyond this season in case a spot opens up in the future. At worst, he can fill out the line and help the Bills establish long-term stability on the offensive line.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Final Bills Wire staff mock predictions