The NFL Draft is the next major event on the NFL schedule, and the Buffalo Bills have some work to do. Though they have made some significant signings, it is pivotal that they unearth a few gems to bolster the current lineup.
The Bills likely have other plans for their first-round pick, though they have a couple of areas that need to be addressed. Boundary corner may have its starters in place, but the team could use another addition, either through free agency or the draft.
Bills' boundary corner duo is (sort of) set
As stated, boundary corner seems like the starters may be set. Christian Benford is back and is one of the best corners in football. He will lock down one side, no questions asked. Maxwell Hairston, the team’s 2025 first-round pick, will likely have every chance to win the starting job on the other side after an injury-plagued rookie season.
Past that, there isn’t much. Dorian Strong’s future is uncertain, and Daryl Porter Jr. is likely a special teams player, at best. The team signed Dee Alford during free agency, but he is more than likely the nickel starter. That means general manager Brandon Beane needs to find potential competition at the boundary in the draft.
It feels highly unlikely that the team will take a corner in the first round, especially with other areas requiring work. That said, there are a handful of draft prospects that could make sense beginning with their third-round pick.
Malik Muhammad, Texas
Muhammad is one of the more polished mid-round options, a significant contributor for the Longhorns going back to 2023. Decent size at 6-foot, but really showed off at the combine with excellent transitions and burst that allow him to make up for any missteps. Playing against a high level of competition in the SEC is also a major plus.
His tackling is a bit weak, but most boundary corners aren’t known for their tackling. He’s a bit light at 180 pounds, and he doesn’t have the kind of production that you would expect out of a corner of his caliber. The flaws are somewhat minimal overall, and Muhammad could be an excellent mid-round option that becomes solid if unspectacular.
Devon Moore, Florida
Moore has excellent size at 6-foot-3 and runs a very respectable 4.50 forty. Injuries marred much of his time in Gainesville, so it feels like he’s got a lot to prove. Good playmaking ability and showed strong prowess in both man and zone. Physical, willing to tackle, and showed improvement over his career in every area.
The one full season as a starter is an orange flag at best; injuries are a concern. His speed is merely average, and he can be a bit stiff and upright. Moore is interesting because he has the tools to be a solid boundary corner, but he could also flip to safety in the Bills’ new scheme.
Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
Igbinosun has good size at 6-foot-2 and has the length needed to jam and reroute receivers. Does well in taking away back shoulder throws and reacts well against quick-game throws like screens. His willingness to be active in run support definitely can’t be overlooked, either.
The biggest red flag is how often he was penalized in college. It is hard to ignore 30 career penalties, and grabbing is his worst habit, especially when he gets beaten off the line. A bit stiff and mechanical; not the best athlete in the draft, especially when it comes to flipping and running with quicker receivers. Still, his size and physicality could be assets as he learns under better, more polished corners like Benford and Alford.
Tacario Davis, Washington
Davis has shot up draft boards rapidly after a fantastic combine. A 6-foot-4 corner who runs a 4.41 forty is hard to ignore, after all. Has shown the ability to be very good in man coverage, something the Bills will likely play more of going forward. Enticing ball skills and is a legitimate run defender, especially with his size.
Though he has good straight-line speed, his transition quickness is a concern. Twitchy receivers can beat him off the line because it takes time for him to get up to speed. Needs to become more refined against more developed route trees. His size and physical abilities are enticing, not to mention his fit in man coverage. This could be an enticing choice if he’s still there in the sixth or seventh round.
A Depth Piece Would Be Nice
The Bills are banking on Hairston to build on the flashes he showed as a rookie in 2025 to lock down the other boundary spot. The goal for Beane, if he doesn’t sign a veteran, is to find someone with the skills to flash moments of potential while learning as a backup. That could lead to better competition in 2027, especially if they stick with finding players capable of playing multiple secondary positions.