The Buffalo Bills own the 26th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving their options to the whim of the draft board. The team has done good work this offseason, adding D.J. Moore to bolter their WR core, and OLB Bradley Chubb to upgrade the pass rush. Still, the work is unfinished.
Outside linebacker and edge defense are still two major needs for the Buffalo Bills. In a 3-4 defense, like the one Jim Leonhard is expected to install, those needs are often one and the same. As the Bills search for the right player to fit that role, they'll need to be ambitious. These names should be amongst the favourites.
EDGE prospects Bills fans should keep a close eye on in NFL Draft
T.J. Parker - Clemson
Height: 6'4 Weight: 263lbs
If Clemson's T.J. Parker isn't on the Bills minds at the end of Round 1, they're not paying attention. This physical monster offers elite measurables for the role Buffalo needs to fill- He brings aggression and power to a defensive line that needs it.
Consistently bringing down running backs and quarterbacks through contact, he's a natural tackler and rangy threat. Parker's pass-rush moveset is deep, and his comfort in coverage is essential. With active hands in contact and coverage, he's always in danger of forcing a turnover.
The big flaws in his game are mostly physical ones, like a lack of bend due to mass or speed concerns. He plays too high, which is coachable but tough, and often struggles to disengage from blockers. Some outlets have compared T.J. Parker to Bradley Chubb already, and the shoe fits.
Cashius Howell - Texas A&M
Height: 6'2.5 Weight: 253lbs
One of the more balanced prospects on this list, Cashius Howell offers a different skillset to Parker. He's a great open-field player, comfortable with zone or man coverage roles. Good mobility and excellent in pursuit, Howell is an efficient runner who gets after the ball constantly.
As a pass-rusher, his bag of tricks is well-developed, and he offers the bend needed to win reps quickly. His pad level is amongst the group's best- He combines it with great hands and physicality to dominate passing downs.
There is a cost to having great pad level- Cashius Howell's limited length can get him stuck on longer blockers. He can fail to commit to his role, losing focus and playing hero ball. Though very speedy, he doesn't always get the burst needed to blow past defenders.
R Mason Thomas - Oklahoma
Height: 6'4 Weight: 241lbs
The lightest of this group, R Mason Thomas offers some spectacular speed. He has a great motor on longer downs, and moves like a running back when pursuing the ball. His pad level is elite, giving him leverage to beat linemen quickly.
Much like Howell, Mason Thomas has shorter arms which get him stuck on OTs at times. His hands technique leaves much to be desired too, but working on it would open up his game. Harder to fix is his lack of anchor- He loses position often against power run, and can't power through his legs without space to build up speed. Still, R Mason Thomas is a versatile competitor who fits the mould the Bills need.
Derrick Moore - Michigan
Height: 6'4 Weight: 255lbs
If the Buffalo Bills want to focus on the pass-rush, they have plenty of options- If they want to focus on coverage, they need Derrick Moore. His comfort in either man or zone outstrips his competitors, and makes him an early-round contender at the spot. He converts speed to power effortlessly, and he has plenty of speed to use.
Moore uses his hands naturally, and offers the agility needed to keep the defense versatile and fluid without switching personnel. His footwork and pad level are excellent, aided by a motor that won't quit.
The issue with Derrick Moore is the lack of length and flexibility. He has great measurables, but not the raw power and length to win up close with OTs. His lack of anchor makes him less effective against the run, unless he plays off the line of scrimmage.