With the 2026 NFL Draft drawing near, the Buffalo Bills are actively engaged in evaluating potential draftees. This report compiles a comprehensive list of prospects the Bills have interacted with through various channels, including top-30 visits, private workout sessions, and meetings at the NFL Scouting Combine. The team's general manager, Brandon Beane, is strategically assessing talent to address key areas, particularly defensive line and wide receiver, while maintaining flexibility for potential trades.
Buffalo Bills Intensify Scouting Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
As the 2026 NFL Draft date of Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh, PA, looms closer, the Buffalo Bills, holding the 26th overall pick, are deep into their scouting process. General Manager Brandon Beane, known for his strategic moves, might consider trading up or down, or even out of the first round, eyeing a draft class reportedly rich in second and third-round talent. The team's proactive acquisition of wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears prior to free agency showcased their intent to bolster the offensive lineup efficiently.
However, the focus extends beyond offense. Discussions among analysts and fans point to a critical need for improvement in the defensive trenches and at outside linebacker, especially with the impending shift to defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's 3-4 base system. Despite these defensive priorities, a segment of fans and experts also advocates for adding another impactful wide receiver to complement the existing roster.
To shed light on the Bills' intentions, a detailed tracker of prospect meetings has been compiled. This list, current as of 5 p.m. EDT on March 24, 2026, categorizes players by position and notes the nature of their interactions with the team. So far, six known top-30 visits have taken place, offering a glimpse into the team's strategic considerations.
Key Prospect Engagements:
Top-30 Visits:
- Cornerback: Andre Fuller (Toledo) - Projected Round 7.
- Defensive Tackle: Gracen Halton (Oklahoma) - Projected late Round 3.
- Linebacker: Josiah Trotter (Missouri) - Projected mid-Round 2; Kaleb Elarms-Orr (TCU) - Projected Round 4.
- Safety: A.J. Haulcy (LSU) - Projected late Round 2.
- Wide Receiver: Chris Bell (Louisville) - Projected mid-Round 2.
Multiple Interactions (Top 30, Private Workout, Pro Day, Zoom):
- Malik Benson (WR, Oregon) - Projected Round 7.
- Denzel Boston (WR, Washington) - Projected late Round 1.
- Gracen Halton (DL, Oklahoma) - Projected late Round 3.
- Andre Fuller (DB/CB, Toledo) - Projected Round 7.
Private Workouts:
- Andre Fuller (DB/CB, Toledo) - Projected Round 7.
- Malik Benson (WR, Oregon) - Projected Round 7.
- Denzel Boston (WR, Washington) - Projected late Round 1.
Zoom Meetings:
- Gracen Halton (DT, Oklahoma) - Projected late Round 3.
- Malik Muhammad (CB, Texas) - Projected late Round 3.
Pro Day Visits:
- Malik Benson (WR, Oregon) - Projected Round 7.
- Jarod Washington (CB, South Carolina State) - Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) projection.
- Xavian Sorey Jr. (LB, Arkansas) - UDFA projection.
NFL Scouting Combine Meetings:
- Defensive Tackles: Brandon Cleveland (NC State), Bobby Jamison-Travis (Auburn), Christen Miller (Georgia).
- Safeties: Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), Robert Spears-Jennings (Oklahoma), Jakobe Thomas (Miami), Jalon Kilgore (South Carolina), Kamari Ramsey (USC).
- Wide Receivers: Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana), KC Concepcion (Texas A&M), Denzel Boston (Washington), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Antonio Williams (Clemson), Germie Bernard (Alabama), Skyler Bell (UConn).
- DE/EDGE/OLBs: Jaishawn Barham (Michigan), Malachi Lawrence (UCF).
- Punters: Jack Stonehouse (Syracuse), Ryan Eckley (Michigan State).
- Cornerbacks: Daylen Everette (Georgia).
The extensive list of prospect interactions underscores the Buffalo Bills' diligent approach to the upcoming draft. Their strategy appears to be a blend of strengthening immediate needs, particularly in the defensive front and edge rushing, while also exploring options to further enhance their receiving corps. The diverse range of positions and projection rounds for the visited players suggests a comprehensive evaluation process. Ultimately, the success of these pre-draft engagements will be revealed when the Bills make their selections, aiming to build a more formidable and competitive roster for the seasons to come.
