It feels like the loss in the AFC championship game is going to last forever for the Buffalo Bills. With time though, eventually it will go away and the Bills can turn their attention to the 2025 offseason to make some improvements to make another run at the Super Bowl next season. While the main picture looks negative for the Bills right now, there is a lot to look forward to.
We know that Josh Allen doesn’t need a true number-one receiver. The salary cap situation won’t be nearly as bad as it was last year. Finally, the coaching continuity continues now that Joe Brady has elected to stay in Buffalo for atleast one more season.
Once the Super Bowl game clock hits 0:00 on Super Bowl Sunday (assuming it doesn’t go into overtime again), the offseason officially kicks off. The NFL combine rapidly approaches and then we get the free agency frenzy and limitless draft coverage.
Focusing in on the NFL draft, the Bills currently have eight draft picks, but should be able to receive two extra compensatory picks. There is one goal in mind that Brandon Beane needs to accomplish in the draft; fix this defense.
Buffalo Bills 4-round NFL mock draft
Round 1, No. 30: DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
If the Bills do not address their first round pick with a defensive lineman, it will be a massive mistake. Ed Oliver was a disappointment compared to 2023. DaQuan Jones wasn’t the run-stuffer that he was brought in to do. Then DeWayne Carter suffered a wrist injury in the middle of his rookie season and didn’t play much down the stretch. It’s time to address the defensive line with Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams.
Williams has the ability to take on double teams to take away a blocker. That scheme can allow someone like Oliver to bull rush past one blocker to create interior pressure. Not to mention, Williams also has a motor himself for creating pressure on the quarterback.
Round 2, No. 56 (from MIN): LB Barrett Carter, Clemson
The Bills have some big questions coming up at the linebacker spot. Terrel Bernard is heading into a contract year and Matt Milano has not been able to stay healthy the past two seasons. There is a world where Dorian Williams could become a full-time starter for the Bills (which isn’t the worst thing).
Barrett Carter is a three-year started from Clemson who always finds his way to make a play on the ball. Not only does he have an eye for the ball, but he can play coverage on tight ends which should always catch Sean McDermott’s attention.
Round 2, No. 62: WR Isaiah Bond, Texas
Mack Hollins and Amari Cooper are pending free agents for Buffalo and Khalil Shakir is heading into a contract year in 2025. The Bills drafted Keon Coleman but he didn’t produce once he came back from his wrist injury in the middle of the season. Brandon Beane needs to give Joe Brady and Josh Allen a speedy weapon in Isaiah Bond out of Texas.
Bond transferred to Texas from Alabama in 2024 and he was solid for the Longhorns. Adding him to the mixture of the Bills’ receiving core adds another young receiver that can grow with Allen and Coleman.
Round 4, No. 108 (from CHI): CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
Buffalo’s secondary needs major help. Rasul Douglas is set to hit free agency and Kaiir Elam has been nothing but a bust for the Bills. Christian Benford has been their best corner but he is set to hit a contract year in 2025 as well. Typically, Buffalo drafts a defensive back as Sean McDermott was one himself and he can usually coach them up well.
Davison Igbinosun from Ohio State is a bigger corner who has a good eye for the ball when it’s up in the air. He had nine pass deflections last season with the Buckeyes as well as two interceptions.
Round 4, No. 131: S Malachi Moore, Alabama
Back-to-back defensive back picks for the Bills here with selecting safety Malachi Moore from Alabama. He’s a ball-hawking safety who isn’t afraid of contact either.
Cole Bishop showed flashes here and there last season and Taylor Rapp is still under contract. In addition, Damar Hamlin is set to hit free agency so if Hamlin does leave Buffalo, bringing in Moore provides depth and a potential future starter.