The Buffalo Bills were woefully inactive at the 2025 NFL trade deadline. Instead of making a splashy move to add another star to the roster, they sat tight and let the rest of the league take over the news feeds. Whether general manager Brandon Beane is still haunted by last season's Amari Cooper trade or not, he was clearly hesitant to make any big changes to his team at the deadline.
Still, there are plenty of weaknesses on this roster. The defense, despite an encouraging performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, could use an injection of talent at all three levels. On offense, the Bills are somehow still lacking a top wide receiver.
With the trade deadline in the rear-view mirror, we put together a seven-round 2026 mock draft to fix the remaining holes on the Bills' roster.
Bills 2026 mock draft after the trade deadline
Round 1, pick 25: Denzel Boston, Washington WR
The Bills sat and watched as impactful receivers like Jakobi Meyers and Rashid Shaheed found new homes at the trade deadline. Now, they may have to wait until 2026 to fix their pass-catching issues. Luckily, the upcoming draft class has a few players capable of becoming top wideouts. Washington's Denzel Boston is a big-bodied, ball-winning receiver with an impressive ability to create separation. He could quickly become what fans have been hoping to get from Keon Coleman.
Round 2, pick 57: A.J. Haulcy, LSU S
Yes, Cole Bishop is improving as the season progresses. Still, the Bills need more help at safety. LSU prospect A.J. Haulcy is usually deployed as a ball-hawking deep safety, using his excellent anticipation skills to shut down deep passes.
Round 3, pick 89: Dani Dennis-Dutton, Penn State EDGE
Dani Dennis-Sutton has the size and traits to become a three-down edge defender. He hasn't developed into the superstar that many thought he could become at Penn State, but he could immediately provide value for the Bills in the third round as a rotational player.
Round 4, pick125: Austin Romaine, Kansas State LB
With Matt Milano's consistent struggles to stay healthy, Buffalo desperately needs more help at linebacker. Kansas State's Austin Romaine can provide some depth and versatility at the position, though he may not be ready for a starting role.
Round 5, pick 164: Nyck Harbor, South Carolina WR
In the later rounds, teams often focus on traits and potential rather than immediate impact. South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor is full of potential. He's a 6'5", 239-pound wideout with blazing speed. While he hasn't been able to put it all together yet, it's hard to pass up on a prospect like that in the fifth round.
Round 7, pick 216: Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State G
With the first of their three seventh-round picks, we have the Bills taking Ohio State guard Ethan Onianwa. This is primarily a depth pick, as Onianwa could serve as a backup at both guard spots.
Round 7, pick 227: Raion Strader, Auburn CB
The Bills missed out on a chance to take a starting-caliber cornerback earlier in this mock draft, but they get some depth at the position here. Raion Strader is a lean defender who thrives in man coverage.
Round 7, pick 238: James Smith, Alabama IDL
Alabama interior defensive lineman James Smith rounds out this mock draft. He's been less productive this season than he was in 2024, but the defender still shows the potential to stick in the NFL.