The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, and with their second-round pick gone due to the D.J. Moore trade, the focus shifts to the later rounds.
Fortunately, General Manager Brandon Beane has a knack for finding gems in rounds three through seven. Let’s dive into three sleeper prospects the Bills might target to bolster their roster.
Transitioning from Sean McDermott’s 4-3 defense to Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 scheme means the Bills need to tweak their defensive personnel. Bigger bodies in the middle and more speed on the outside are essential, so the front seven will see some changes.
Players like Ed Oliver, T.J. Sanders, and Deone Walker will adjust to new roles in this formation. However, there’s room for another big presence up front, and that’s where Ole Miss interior defensive lineman Zxavian Harris comes into play.
Although Sanders was a second-round pick and Walker was chosen in the fourth, it was Walker who shone as a rookie. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 331 pounds, he showcased remarkable athleticism.
Enter Harris, a similar player at 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds, who moves with surprising agility. He’s capable of collapsing the pocket and disrupting the run game.
Pairing him with Walker could create a formidable interior duo.
While this raises questions about the roles of other high-profile defensive tackles, depth on the D-line is a strategic advantage in today’s NFL.
The Bills have previously struck gold close to home with “Buffalo” Joe Andreesen, an undrafted free agent who’s become a key player. In 2026, he might be a better fit for a middle linebacker spot than current options Terrel Bernard or Dorian Williams.
Adding another linebacker in the draft makes sense, and Red Murdock from UB could be that pick. While not the most athletic, the 6-foot-2, 232-pound linebacker is a downhill playmaker. With 39.5 tackles for loss and an NCAA record 17 forced fumbles over three years, he’s a disruptive force.
In Leonhard’s aggressive defense, Murdock’s style could wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
Even though the D.J. Moore trade doesn’t rule out drafting a wide receiver early, it’s likely Beane will look to upgrade the WR room later in the draft. In a weaker receiver class, the Bills need a high-upside pick.
Enter Jeff Caldwell, who began his career at FCS Lindenwood with a standout season before transferring to Cincinnati. While his numbers dipped, his knack for scoring was evident with six touchdowns from 32 catches.
Caldwell’s physical attributes are impressive. At 6-foot-5 and 216 pounds, he posted a 4.31-second 40-yard dash, a 42-inch vertical, and an 11-foot-2 broad jump at the combine.
His size and athleticism draw comparisons to stars like DK Metcalf and A.J. Brown, although his route running needs refinement.
Despite the learning curve, Caldwell’s potential as a red zone threat is enticing. For a Day 3 pick, the possibility of him developing into a top-tier receiver makes him a worthwhile gamble.