By sliding back two spots, Buffalo avoided an up-move for Concepcion and instead added a later choice, keeping their options open as the draft unfolded.
GM Brandon Beane did not pursue a move up the board; he opted to trade back two spots, sending the Bills’ No. 26 pick to Houston in exchange for the No. 28 selection.
Heading into the draft, Buffalo faced several roster needs, particularly on defense, as head coach changes brought Joe Brady to the team and Jim Leonhard took over as defensive coordinator in a broader schematic overhaul.
The Bills also retooled their secondary, cutting safety Taylor Rapp and cornerback Dane Jackson and trading nickel cornerback Taron Johnson, signaling a broader plan to address defensive back depth through the draft.
Edge rushing was viewed as a priority, especially after the team allowed veteran pass rushers to depart in free agency, and Buffalo remained focused on improving the wide receiver corps as part of its ongoing rebuild, with Curtis Samuel’s departure and a trade that brought DJ Moore to Buffalo shaping that outlook.
Overall, Buffalo’s decision to trade back to 28 reflected a strategy to evaluate deeper into the class while targeting defense and offensive upgrades in a reshaped roster.
