General manager Brandon Beane has done well to put the Buffalo Bills in an ideal position heading into the NFL Draft. He addressed issues of depth on the offensive line with veteran signings, now shifting his focus to other areas heading into the draft.
Though the Bills still do have other areas that they wish to address, defense will undoubtedly be the focus of their premium picks. Safety is a position that requires addressing for the long term, and the Bills should be eying a plethora of options.
The state of the Bills' safety position
The Bills have addressed depth at the position for the 2026 season. By signing Geno Stone and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the Bills have likely found a starter next to budding star Cole Bishop and a fairly reliable veteran backup.
Past the 2026 season, however, the options are thin. The great unknown is Jordan Hancock, who saw spot duty in 2025. He will likely earn a long look in camp and could change the outlook of the position if he is a viable option. Almost regardless, the Bills need to explore options in the draft.
The High-End Option: Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
The Bills definitely have pressing needs elsewhere, but it would be worth a long look if Thieneman is there when the Bills pick No.26 overall. Thieneman isn’t a Caleb Downs-level athlete, but he has legitimate ball skills and tackles with real violence.
The Bills could potentially have a star duo at safety between Bishop and Thieneman. The latter competes at a high level, is excellent as a downhill run defender, and has played all over the place. Using him as a matchup strength would be an excellent tool for this defense, as it makes major changes.
Mid-Round Option #1: Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
With a third- or fourth-round pick, Wheatley could potentially be the perfect option. Wheatley has shown excellent recovery speed and strong positioning while also lining up at virtually every position in the secondary.
Wheatley’s calling card is his run defense with excellent timing and decision-making. With the proper development, Wheatley has the tools to become an excellent safety capable of lining up in the box or even at slot in the new Bills defense.
Mid-Round Option #2: Isaac Smith, Mississippi State
Bishop showed the ability to be a ballhawk and playmaker in the secondary, so it makes sense to go for a stout run defender that can play in the box. In college, Smith showed a penchant for playing at the second level among the linebackers.
Smith has a reputation for being both a strong hitter and reliable tackler, the kind of mentality defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard could use. He could potentially refine his skills while playing a depth role, setting up the chance to step into a starting role in 2027.
Sleeper Option: VJ Payne, Kansas State
There is genuine intrigue to be had when looking at Payne. He has elite size at 6-foot-3 and the speed (4.40) that entices scouts. He also has serious alignment versatility, having lined up at free safety, in the slot, and in the box, looking comfortable at each.
Payne has improved his tackling steadily and shows quality ball skills that may actually be underrated. He might not have the physicality you desire from the position, but his ability to play anywhere in the secondary is something that the Bills put a lot of value in right now.
A Chance to Invest in the Future
Beane may still choose to use a draft pick on guard/center, but the focus will be on defense. Finding a potential long-term option at safety will be critical for 2027 and beyond. A chance to learn under several veterans would be ideal for whoever the Bills may select, potentially setting up a new starter opposite Bishop going forward.