The Buffalo Bills' 2026 draft class contains a lot of future contributors, but not all of them have a real shot right off the bat. From a few confusing selections to good players in tough spots, it was a mixed bag from the Buffalo Bills. Half the Bills rookies seem to have little likelihood of getting on the field in 2026.
Round (Pick) | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
2 (3) | TJ Parker | EDGE |
2 (30) | Davison Igbinosun | CB |
4 (2) | Jude Bowry | OT |
4 (25) | Skyler Bell | WR |
4 (26) | Kaleb Elarms-Orr | LB |
5 (27) | Jalon Kilgore | S |
5 (41) | Zane Durant | DT |
7 (4) | Toriano Pride Jr. | CB |
7 (23) | Tommy Doman Jr. | P |
7 (25) | Ar'maj Reed-Adams | G |
Which Bills draft picks are the least impactful?
5) Zane Durant - DT
At DT, the Bills had a need for a true nose tackle. They didn't get it, but they got Zane Durant out of Penn State. He's Ed Oliver lite, something the franchise is clearly interested in.
The effective puss-rusher has the flexibility to work inside or out, and his fleshed-out game makes him a lock for the 53-man roster. Durant would have the makings of a starter were it not for the mass of players around him; Ed Oliver himself, Deone Walker, T.J. Sanders, and even DeWayne Carter returning alongside Zion Logue and Phidarian Mathis. Durant will play, but not enough to top this list.
4) Ar'maj Reed-Adams - G
The Bills desperately needed both talent and depth at guard this draft. They did not get it. Throwing a 7th-round pick on Ar'maj Reed-Adams is an addition, but not a significant one. Still, Buffalo's call for players going unanswered gives Reed-Adams a shot at winning a job.
It's slim, with O'Cyrus Torrence locking down one starting role, but there's room for drama with Alec Anderson playing extra on a one-year contract. There aren't other major competitors for the spot- Even if Ar'maj doesn't win the starting job, he's on the 53-man roster anyway.
3) Jalon Kilgore - S
Jalon Kilgore is a notable addition, but joins a tough group. He has no chance at unseating Cole Bishop, the lone established safety on the roster. That leaves one spot open between Kilgore, CJ Gardner-Johnson, Geno Stone, Damar Hamlin, Jordan Hancock, Sam Franklin Jr, and Wande Owens.
It's not a knock against Kilgore to say he likely doesn't play significant snaps this season, barring an injury or two ahead of him. Though we argue he's a lock to make the final 53, he will do so on special teams.
2) Jude Bowry - OT
The lone head-scratcher of the Bills' draft class, Jude Bowry was an unnecessary scoop at OT to begin the 4th round. The team needed neither an OT nor immediate depth. Still, Bowry is an improvement on the backup trio of Travis Clayton, Chase Lundt, and Tylan Grable. He'll make the roster, but shouldn't see the field very much.
1) Toriano Pride Jr. - CB
As the distant second cornerback of the Bills draft class, Toriano Pride Jr. is fighting less for an impact and more to earn a jersey at all. He's a talented young player, but getting on the field will be tough in the Bills cornerback room- Even more so for a 7th-round pick sitting behind a proven starter and two competitive youngsters. If Pride is on the roster for 2026, he's done well.
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