The Buffalo Bills are making waves early in the 2026 offseason, setting the stage for what could be another thrilling Super Bowl run. With Joe Brady stepping up as head coach and the acquisition of wide receiver DJ Moore from Chicago, the Bills are clearly in win-now mode.
But the next big step? Nailing their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Enter ESPN's draft guru, Mel Kiper Jr., who just released his updated mock draft. Kiper sees the Bills addressing a key need by selecting Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell. It's a strategic move considering Buffalo's recent losses in the secondary, including the departures of Taron Johnson and Tre'Davious White.
Buffalo's tight salary cap situation forced them to make some tough decisions, parting ways with Dane Jackson and trading Taron Johnson. With Christian Benford and 2025 first-rounder Maxwell Hairston already in place, the depth chart could use some bolstering. Terrell, known for his prowess in man coverage, broke up nine passes last season, showcasing his ability to stick to receivers even if the interceptions didn't come.
Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell, would likely find himself in a rotational role initially. This gives the Bills a chance to ease him into the lineup without the pressure of starting immediately.
Adding veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson on March 12th provides a solid presence at nickel cornerback, while the signing of Geno Stone from the Bengals strengthens the safety position. Together, these moves could make Buffalo's defense formidable.
Drafting Terrell could be the perfect fit for the Bills, allowing him to develop without the immediate pressure of a starting role, yet still contributing significantly during his rookie season. With these strategic upgrades, the Bills' defense is shaping up to be a force to reckon with.