For months now, the Buffalo Bills have been under criticism from their lack of bringing in safety help this offseason. They returned everyone they had last season with Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, Damar Hamlin, and Cam Lewis. While they did sign Darrick Forrest in hopes that he could provide value, he failed to make the final roster prior to Week 1.
The Bills were spoiled with having Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer in their prime for many seasons. Last season was the first season of not having them on the active roster. Hyde was on the practice squad while Poyer was with the Miami Dolphins. Now, Hyde is retired from the game while Poyer is on the practice squad.
Unless the Bills see some major consistent improvement from this safety room, don’t be surprised when they draft a safety in the first round next year. Rapp and Bishop have been inconsistent as starters and time is running out for them. Even though Bishop was just drafted in the second round last year, injuries and inconsistency could hurt his future with the Bills.
If he doesn’t show flashes of him being a part of their future for the long haul, he could easily see the Bills draft his replacement next April. The Bills have went heavy on secondary in the draft in recent memory, and there is a chance they may have to do it again.
Bills draft more secondary help in latest 2026 NFL mock draft
Sayre Bedinger from NFL Spin Zone recently put together a 2026 first round mock draft and Bedinger has the Bills taking Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Here’s what Bedinger said about this pick:
"The Buffalo Bills are a team that should be expected to be in plenty of shootouts. With how often and easily their offense scores, their defense simply has to be able to weather the storm and make plays when it matters most. That’s where you want to have playmakers in the secondary like Dillon Thieneman who has been a defensive quarterback at the college level. He’s got an outstanding feel for the game and would be a great value this late in round one. "Sayre Bedinger, NFL Spin Zone
Thieneman has played for Purdue and is now with the Ducks up in Oregon. He’s a physical safety who has solid field vision against the pass. Getting him late in the first round wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
If Buffalo continues to see the secondary be the weak link of this team throughout the season, they might have to spend another first round pick on the backend of the defense.