With the 2025 season officially in the books, the Buffalo Bills find themselves at a familiar crossroads-one that’s becoming more urgent with each passing year of Josh Allen’s prime. As the franchise turns its attention to the 2026 NFL Draft, set to kick off April 23 in Pittsburgh, one need stands out above the rest: wide receiver.
Buffalo’s offense, while still potent, lacked a consistent outside threat in 2025. The rotation of Gabe Davis, Josh Palmer, and Brandin Cooks filled gaps, but none truly established themselves as a dominant 'X' receiver-the kind of player who can win one-on-one on the boundary, stretch the field, and give Allen a reliable go-to target in high-leverage moments. That’s where this year’s draft class comes into play.
The good news? The modern NFL draft is a wide receiver factory.
Year after year, we’re seeing deep, talented groups enter the league, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different. While consensus top prospects like Tyson, Tate, and Lemon are likely to be off the board before the Bills pick at No. 26, general manager Brandon Beane has never been afraid to get aggressive.
With the team’s Super Bowl window still open-but narrowing-don’t rule out a bold move up the board.
But if the Bills stay put at 26, there’s still a strong group of pass-catchers who could realistically be wearing red, white, and blue come spring. Let’s take a closer look at some of the names that could factor into Buffalo’s draft-day plans-and how they might fit into the offense.
Denzel Boston: The Prototype 'X'
Standing tall with a blend of size, athleticism, and physicality, Denzel Boston checks a lot of boxes for what the Bills have been missing. He profiles as a true 'X' receiver-someone who can line up on the outside, beat press coverage, and make contested catches downfield.
Boston would give Allen a big-bodied target who thrives on the perimeter, something the offense lacked last season. If the Bills are looking to add a physical mismatch who can win vertically and in tight windows, Boston fits the bill.
KC Concepcion: Speed, Shiftiness, and Versatility
Concepcion brings a different flavor to the receiver room. He’s not the biggest at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, but his tape shows a player who plays bigger than his frame.
At Texas A&M, he lined up both inside and outside, showing off impressive quickness, acceleration, and the ability to separate in tight spaces. He also offers value as a punt returner-something the Bills haven’t consistently had in the Beane/Allen era.
Concepcion would add a dynamic, shifty presence that could open up new layers in Ken Dorsey’s offense.
Malachi Fields: Rising Stock, Red-Zone Threat
Few receivers helped themselves more down the stretch than Malachi Fields. The Fighting Irish standout turned heads at the Senior Bowl, flashing a complete skill set that’s pushed him into first-round conversations.
At 6-foot-3 with strong hands and a knack for high-pointing the football, Fields brings a Tee Higgins-type vibe to the table. But what’s really intriguing is how much he’s improved as a route runner.
He’s not just a jump-ball guy-he’s becoming a polished receiver who can win at all three levels.
Zachariah Branch: Electric in Space
If the Bills want to inject pure playmaking juice into their offense, Zachariah Branch is their guy. At 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, Branch isn’t going to outmuscle defenders, but he doesn’t need to.
His quickness and agility are nightmare fuel for defenders in space. He’s the kind of player who turns a 5-yard slant into a 50-yard gain, and his ability to make people miss would add a new dimension to Buffalo’s attack.
Think gadget plays, screens, jet sweeps-Branch could be a creative weapon in the right hands.
Germie Bernard: The Swiss Army Knife
Bernard is one of the most versatile receivers in this class. He’s lined up everywhere-outside, inside, even in the backfield at times-and produced at every stop, including Michigan State, Washington, and Alabama.
What makes Bernard intriguing for the Bills is his ability to adapt. He’s the type of guy who could slide into multiple roles depending on the week’s game plan.
With his do-it-all profile, Bernard could become a valuable chess piece in an offense that’s always looking for matchup advantages.
Omar Cooper Jr.: Emerging 'Z' Receiver
The deeper Indiana went into the College Football Playoff, the more eyes were on Omar Cooper Jr.-and he delivered. Cooper brings solid size and route-running polish, making him an intriguing option as a 'Z' receiver who can line up opposite the 'X' and work both the boundary and slot.
He’s not a burner, but his consistency and feel for finding soft spots in coverage make him a reliable target. Cooper would complement what the Bills already have and bring some much-needed steadiness to the group.
Elijah Sarratt: High Floor, Steady Production
Sarratt may not have the ceiling of some of the flashier names in this class, but he’s proven he can show up when it matters. He made several clutch plays in big moments this past season, and that kind of reliability is something NFL teams value-especially playoff-caliber teams like Buffalo.
He’s more of a possession receiver, someone who can move the chains and make tough catches in traffic. If the Bills are looking for a dependable contributor who can step in right away, Sarratt makes a lot of sense.
Bottom Line: The Bills don’t just need a receiver-they need the right receiver. Whether that means trading up for a potential star or staying put and finding a high-upside fit, this draft offers plenty of options.
With Josh Allen still in his prime and the AFC only getting more competitive, the time to make a move is now. The right addition to this receiver room could be the difference between another playoff exit and a deep postseason run.