Before the Seattle Seahawks celebrated their triumph over the New England Patriots for their second Super Bowl title, the Buffalo Bills were already strategizing for the 2026 NFL season. With a keen eye on free agency, the Bills are assessing their needs at receiver, edge rusher, and safety, while also addressing their in-house free agents.
General Manager Brandon Beane is gearing up for a pivotal offseason. It's crucial for him to excel in the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster the Bills' roster.
Beane’s Track Record with First Picks
Beane has navigated the draft waters skillfully, even without first-round picks due to trades. Since 2020, he hasn’t picked higher than 23rd overall, yet he’s made impactful choices.
Josh Allen in 2018 was a franchise-altering selection. Tremaine Edmunds was a solid starter who eventually moved on for a lucrative deal, and Ed Oliver, picked ninth in 2019, has been a standout.
Gregory Rousseau (30th in 2021) and Dalton Kincaid (25th in 2023) have also proven their worth.
While A.J. Epenesa (54th in 2020) showed promise, Maxwell Hairston (30th in 2025) is seen as a rising star.
However, Keon Coleman (33rd in 2024) and Kaiir Elam (23rd in 2022) fell short of expectations. For a team like the Bills, securing a first pick who can contribute immediately is vital.
Unearthing Hidden Gems
Beane has a knack for uncovering talent in later rounds. Taron Johnson (121st in 2018) boasts over 100 games and a second-team All-Pro selection.
Dawson Knox (96th in 2019) has developed into a well-rounded tight end. Spencer Brown (93rd in 2021) has become a cornerstone at right tackle, protecting Josh Allen.
Christian Benford (185th in 2022) has emerged as a top-tier corner.
His success extends to second-round picks too. While Coleman didn’t pan out, Beane struck gold with safety Cole Bishop shortly after. O’Cyrus Torrence (59th in 2023) has been a reliable starter, and James Cook (63rd in 2022) claimed a rushing title, establishing himself as an elite runner.
Contributors like Deon Walker (109th in 2025), Ray Davis (128th in 2024), Terrel Bernard, Khalil Shakir (89th and 148th in 2022), Damar Hamlin (212th in 2021), and Dane Jackson (239th in 2020) have added depth to the roster.
Consistency Challenges
Despite successes, missing on players like Elam in 2022 was a setback, though Cook, Bernard, Shakir, and Benford compensated for that. The miss on Coleman wasn't as easily offset, highlighting the need for Beane to refine his strategy.
With multiple roster gaps, missing on several picks can be detrimental. The 2026 Bills need significant reinforcement.
Draft Pressure in 2026
The likelihood of acquiring a star like Maxx Crosby is slim, putting pressure on Beane to find multiple starters in this draft class. It's crucial that he nails the first-round pick this time.
While Hairston has potential, his injuries leave questions. A draft class reminiscent of 2022 would alleviate doubts and keep the Bills in Super Bowl contention.
Beane’s ability to find the right talent will be crucial for the Bills' success in the upcoming season.