The Buffalo Bills enter the 2026 NFL season with a new head coach, Joe Brady, and new offensive and defensive schemes, led by offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. While they didn't go all in on Myles Garrett, general manager Brandon Beane is confident they are all in on the changes to both the offense and the defense.
The Bills retained some of the players they've had from their past scheme, led by Sean McDermott. The coaches believe that their new schemes may bring out the best in them than in previous years.
The Bills should feel the most change on the defensive side of the ball, as they decided to adopt Leonhard's aggressive 3-4 multiple scheme with man coverage, which will change the narrative about the type of players they have.
Let's take a look at four Bills who are looking ahead to becoming top-notch players in 2026.
4 Bills who are ready to show they are the best they can be for 2026 NFL season
1.) DT Ed Oliver
Oliver has shown he can be a very good defensive tackle in McDermott's 4-3 scheme when healthy. But recent injuries have held him back from reaching his full potential.
Leonhard believes that the previous scheme may have held Oliver back and that his new scheme will allow him to be free and get out there to play. That may be true, as in a conventional 4-3 scheme, he is an interior defensive tackle who's very quick to get into the backfield, but he is undersized at 6-foot-1, 287 pounds.
In this new scheme, Oliver would be a bigger 1-tech defensive end, able to use more power moves to get to the quarterback thanks to his size and great motor.
2.) S Cole Bishop
Last year, Bishop blossomed onto the scene as a dependable starter at safety in only his second year in the league. 2024 saw early promise, but injuries in the preseason and in games really hampered immediate impact in his rookie year.
Now in his third year, he hasn't even hit his peak yet, but that could begin this year if he continues to progress in this new defensive scheme.
3.) WR D.J. Moore
While he hasn't performed with the Bills yet, it looks like a good trade on paper. DJ Moore gets to reunite with his former offensive coordinator from the Carolina Panthers in Joe Brady. He will look to regain his form as a true No. 1 receiver after being overshadowed by Rome Oduzne and Colston Loveland with the Chicago Bears.
Moore is a big, physical wideout at 6-feet, 213 pounds who has that "clutch" gene, dating back to his game-winning overtime catch against the Green Bay Packers in December, 2025.
4.) DT/OL Travis Clayton
Starting from humble beginnings as an International Pathway player, Clayton's story will inspire NFL fans, showing that dedication and hard work can lead to success. The 6-foot-7, 303-pound defensive tackle ran a 4.79 forty-yard dash, but had never played American football as he was an English rugby player, which is perfect for the "Tush Push" play.
Clayton was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft to play offensive tackle. Still, Leonhard wanted to test his athleticism with his big frame by potentially switching him over to defensive tackle, which was seen recently at OTAs per Sal Capaccio.
So far, Clayton looks mean, tough, and really quick in the bag drills, and will have to translate that to one-on-one drills heading into training camp. He could be an upgrade in this defense by rushing the passer and having enough power to stop the run.
In this defense, he could play either a 1- or 5-tech defensive end, or even rotate with Landon Jackson as a 4i-tech defensive tackle. Clayton could end up being the story of the NFL if this all pans out, and if it doesn't, it was worth the try.
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