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Bills Trade 26th Pick, Acquire 35, 66, 101

4/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 24, 2026, the Buffalo Bills traded three times after holding the 26th overall pick to secure the No. 35 second-round selection and additional picks No. 66 and No. 101, exiting the first round.
General manager Brandon Beane said the moves target the Bills’ run defense, which finished 28th last season.
Analysts noted Ohio State produced four top-11 selections in the first round, the most from any school.

History

Historical Context

The NFL Draft, established in 1936 to promote competitive balance, allows teams to select players based on their previous season's performance. In 2021, the Miami Dolphins exemplified strategic trading by acquiring three first-round picks, while the Buffalo Bills aimed to improve their 28th-ranked run defense through trades. This reflects a broader trend of teams prioritizing draft strategies to build competitive rosters.

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Story summary

On April 24, 2026, the Buffalo Bills traded three times after holding the 26th overall pick to secure the No. 35 second-round selection and additional picks No. 66 and No. 101, exiting the first round.
General manager Brandon Beane said the moves target the Bills’ run defense, which finished 28th last season.
Analysts noted Ohio State produced four top-11 selections in the first round, the most from any school.

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