Full Breakdown
Bills Trade Out of First Round, Stockpile Picks Ahead of Day 2
4/24/2026, 1:25:26 PM
Trade Maneuvering and New Draft Capital
On Thursday night the Buffalo Bills executed three rapid trades that moved them out of the first round. The sequence began with a swap of the No. 26 overall pick for No. 28, adding No. 69 and No. 167 while sending No. 91 to the Houston Texans. A second deal sent No. 28 to the New England Patriots for No. 31 and the No. 125 fourth-rounder. The final trade with the Tennessee Titans exchanged No. 31, No. 69 and No. 165 for No. 35 (early second round), No. 66 (early third round) and No. 101 (early fourth round). After the three moves the Bills own picks at No. 35, 66, 101, 125, 126, 167, 168, 182 and 220.
Background: Defensive Needs Under New Coach
Head coach Joe Brady, hired after the 2025 season, has emphasized stopping the run as a priority. The Bills entered 2025 with a porous run defense, ranking 28th in yards per game (136.2) and 30th in yards per play (5.14). Injuries to interior linemen Ed Oliver and aging depth at defensive tackle left the unit “not well equipped,” according to local analysts. Brady’s scheme shift to a hybrid 3-4 defense increases the demand for a true nose-tackle who can absorb double teams.
Data Snapshot: Defensive Metrics and Draft Assets
- Run defense: 28th (136.2 yd/game), 30th (5.14 yd/play).
- Pre-trade, Bills held three of the first 126 selections; post-trade they hold six.
- Defensive line depth: Ed Oliver missed most of 2025; DaQuan Jones showed age-related decline; Jordan Phillips, Zion Logue, Phidarian Mathis and Larry Ogunjobi logged the majority of snaps.
Official Statements & Responses
General manager Brandon Beane told reporters he “will always listen” to trade ideas and that the team “will see what’s there” after moving out of the first round. Coach Brady reiterated that “if we stop the run, we’ll give Josh Allen the ball a few more times,” linking run defense to offensive efficiency. The organization’s press release confirmed the trade details and highlighted the acquisition of additional mid-round capital to address multiple roster needs.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts from *Sports Illustrated* argue the Bills “tried to outsmart everyone by trading back and stockpiling picks,” suggesting the strategy sacrifices premium talent. Critics note missed opportunities to select players such as wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (selected 30th overall) and defensive tackle Peter Woods (29th overall). The concern is that the Bills may lack elite talent that typically appears in the top-30 slots.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Don’t have the two, so yeah, we’ll see. We’ll see what’s there.” — Brandon Beane, Bills president/GM
- “If we stop the run, we’ll give Josh Allen the ball a few more times.” — Joe Brady, Bills head coach
- “He tried to outsmart everyone by trading back and stockpiling picks.” — Randy Gurzi, *Sports Illustrated*
- “I absolutely agree the Bills could use another playmaking wideout.” — Capaccio, WGR550
- “McDonald won't offer much right away as a pass rusher, but he just needs some refining in that area and can eventually develop that part of his game.” — Capaccio, WGR550
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact composition of the post-trade pick set. *Buffalo Rumblings* lists picks at 35, 66, 101, 125, 126, 167, 168, 182, 220, while *Sports Illustrated* adds a No. 69 and No. 165 that were sent to Tennessee. The precise status of the original third-rounder (No. 91) is reported as moved to No. 66 by some outlets and as a separate asset by others. No public statements have clarified the final tally.
Why It Matters
The accumulation of mid-round selections gives Buffalo flexibility to address its run-stop deficit while preserving cap space. Securing a true interior defensive tackle at No. 35 could immediately improve the defensive front, allowing edge rushers Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb to operate more effectively. Simultaneously, adding a versatile linebacker such as Jacob Rodriguez would bolster coverage and tackling, directly supporting Brady’s 3-4 scheme.
What’s Next: Day-2 Targets
With the No. 35 pick the Bills can select from several highly rated prospects:
- Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech linebacker (led FBS with seven forced fumbles in 2025).
- Kayden McDonald, Ohio State defensive tackle (325 lb, 65 tackles, 9 for loss).
- Cashius Howell, Texas A&M edge rusher (30¼-inch arm, 1.58-second 10-yard split).
- Denzel Boston, Washington wide receiver (speed and route-running).
Later picks at No. 66 and No. 101 provide additional opportunities to add depth at interior line, linebacker and receiver positions, completing the Bills’ strategy of building a balanced, run-focused roster for the 2026 season.
