Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Bills Focus on Punting, Pass Rush Ahead of Draft

3/1/2026

39 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Bills prioritize punting and pass rush ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
They interviewed punters Jack Stonehouse of Syracuse and Ryan Eckley of Michigan State at NFL Combine to gauge replacements for Mitch Wishnowsky, a free agent.
The Bills are weighing drafting R Mason Thomas, a defensive lineman from Oklahoma, to bolster the pass rush.
Thomas could play a key role as the team shifts to a different scheme.

History

Historical Context

The 1983 NFL Draft marked a pivotal moment in football history, featuring future Hall of Famers like John Elway and Eric Dickerson. This draft followed the establishment of the NFL Scouting Combine in 1982, which centralized player evaluations. The Buffalo Bills' focus on specialized roles, including punters, reflected a strategic shift towards adapting to evolving game schemes, crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the league.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Bills prioritize punting and pass rush ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
They interviewed punters Jack Stonehouse of Syracuse and Ryan Eckley of Michigan State at NFL Combine to gauge replacements for Mitch Wishnowsky, a free agent.
The Bills are weighing drafting R Mason Thomas, a defensive lineman from Oklahoma, to bolster the pass rush.
Thomas could play a key role as the team shifts to a different scheme.

1 / 2