Buffalo’s sequence of trades saw them move from 26 to 28, then 28 to 31, and finally 31 to 35, all in an effort to close the gap between picks and add more draft capital that could be used to either select players or maneuver up for targets.
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. praised Bills general manager Brandon Beane for the strategy, noting that adding three back-down moves while entering with seven picks and finishing with nine represents smart board management in a draft that was viewed as top-heavy.
Buffalo now holds nine picks overall, with two selections on Day 2 and multiple picks in the later rounds: No. 35 (Round 2, from the Titans); No. 66 (Round 3, from the Titans); No. 101 (Round 4, from the Titans); No. 125 (Round 4, from the Patriots); No. 126 (Round 4); No. 167 (Round 5, from the Texans); No. 168 (Round 5); No. 182 (Round 6, from the Raiders); No. 220 (Round 7, from the Jets).
At 35th overall, Buffalo faced a slate of defensive and playmaking options, with names such as Kayden McDonald, CJ Allen, and Denzel Boston among those connected to the Bills in mock scenarios. One notable projection had McDonald landing with Buffalo at 35, followed by a potential selection of Chris Bell at 66.
Buffalo’s nine picks give the Bills substantial flexibility on Days 2 and 3, allowing them to target impact players on defense or other spots while continuing to shape a roster that can contend in 2026.
