Bills continue to build up defense in 2026 mock draft with rising edge rusher

Arkansas-Pine Bluff v Texas Tech
Arkansas-Pine Bluff v Texas Tech | John E. Moore III/GettyImages

If there is one up-and-down group that the Buffalo Bills have had to deal with for the last couple of seasons, it’s the pass rushers. They have invested a lot into this group in drafting and free agency. While they get sparks here and there, there is too much inconsistency.

The Bills have drafted players like A.J. Epenesa, Greg Rousseau, Boogie Basham, Javon Solomon, and Landon Jackson since 2020. They have also made big swings in free agency with players like Von Miller and Joey Bosa to add the extra power. However, along with inconsistency, they’ve also dealt with injuries.

There’s a very good chance that the Bills will be drafting another pass rusher in next year’s draft. Both Bosa and Epenesa are in contract years and unless the Bills plan on bringing them back, they are going to be getting some replacements.

Bills get rising pass rusher in latest 2026 NFL mock draft

Tarringo Basile-Vaughan from NFL Mocks put together a recent mock draft where the Bills selected David Bailey out of Texas Tech, who can play on the line and at linebacker. 

"The Bills use the No. 27 overall pick on Texas Tech’s Davis Bailey. A devastating pass rusher, Bailey will give the Bills that young defensive end they have been looking for. With already 3.5 sacks through 4 games in 2025, Bailey is a player rising up the board. If the Bills get him here, watch out AFC."
Tarringo Basile-Vaughan, NFL Mocks

Bailey is off to a fast start to his season with 3.5 sacks, which is already half of what he had last season with 7 sacks. He can line up off the edge and at linebacker, showing the type of versatility that Buffalo values. Not to mention, there is a good chance that Matt Milano won’t be back in Buffalo next season.

The Bills are expected to have a later first round pick because they are one of the best teams in the league. They may not get the most talented prospects, but they are able to add late round value and Bailey provides that for the Bills in this mock draft.

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