Believe it or not, the Buffalo Bills are heading into this week’s NFL Draft in great shape. Like any other team, they have some needs that they need to address but there is a reason why they are picking near the end of the first round instead at the beginning. They aren’t a mess like some other teams, especially in the AFC East…
There’s no denying that the Bills still need to get a cornerback for the future as Tre’Davious White is on the backend of his career and certainly not the player he once was early on in his career. In addition, Buffalo could also benefit from getting themselves another defensive tackle, whether it’s an immediate starter or someone who can develop behind Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones to potentially start full-time in 2026.
Either way, as long as Buffalo goes with defense in the first round it will be a good start for them. NFL Insider Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated listed three prospects that Bills fans should be keeping an eye on as Thursday approaches. These three players play at the positions that the Bills need to address.
3 prospects that Albert Breer believes could be great fits for Bills
DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Derrick Harmon is an interesting prospect, as he is considered the second best defensive tackle in this draft after Mason Graham (who is projected to be a top-ten pick).
"Harmon would be a fit to play next to Ed Oliver, if the Oregon star is there at No. 30."Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated
I firmly believe Walter Nolen from Ole Miss or Kenneth Grant from Michigan is more of a realistic pick for defensive tackle for the Bills. However, if Harmon is falling down the draft board to the point where the Bills could realistically trade up for him, then it would be a great big swing for Brandon Beane.
CB Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Even though Tre’Davious White is back in Buffalo, the Bills still need a solid CB2 for the future to pair with Christian Benford. They have done their work on a lot of cornerbacks and it’s more likely that their first round pick will be used on a corner. Azareye’h Thomas from Florida State is a name that has been mentioned as a good fit for the Bills. He’s a physical corner who can provide run-support for the defense.
However, as Breer mentions, there might be a concern about the lack of speed from Thomas (who only ran a 4.6 40-yard dash at the combine).
"Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas is considered a strong-tackling fit for Sean McDermott’s defense—though his 4.6 40-yard dash may give them some pause as they look to get faster on that side of the ball."Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated
It never hurts to have speed in the secondary, but all that the Bills should be worried about is if Thomas has the ability to be an overall playmaker. Benford is already a lockdown corner and while it would be nice to have another run, adding Thomas’ ability to stop the run could be very beneficial.
CB Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
The Bills might be able to add a dynamite player in CB Shavon Revel Jr. out of East Carolina, but a torn ACL at the start of last season is something to be concerned about. Obviously he has the chance to overcome that injury as he is young and can work his way back to the player he once was.
"East Carolina’s Shavon Revel Jr. is intriguing, too, as a guy they could gamble on coming off a torn ACL (he likely won’t be ready until deep into training camp)."Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated
Revel is a lengthy corner who does a great job at playing lockdown. Utilizing him in Buffalo’s defense gives the Bills a taller corner who can take on bigger receivers. The only concern is whether or not Brandon Beane wants to take a first-round chance on him due to the torn ACL less than a year ago.