EXCLUSIVE: Mel Kiper Hits Home Run For The Bills In His Latest Mock Draft
The Buffalo Bills should prioritize strengthening their defensive line and cornerback positions in the NFL Draft. Last season, their struggles in pressuring quarterbacks and defending the pass were evident.
Although the Bills signed defensive end Joey Bosa from the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason, his addition alone won’t solve their defensive issues. Bosa is on a one-year deal, meaning he may not be with the team in 2026. To remain competitive both this season and in the long term, the Bills must continue to build depth on defense.
Mel Kiper Chooses Kenneth Grant
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper projects the Buffalo Bills selecting Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant with the 30th overall pick.
Kiper notes that Buffalo should target cornerbacks, especially if free agent Rasul Douglas doesn’t return. However, with Jahdae Barron, Azareye’h Thomas, and Maxwell Hairston already off the board, the Bills may have to adjust. Kiper suggests they could consider Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III to give Josh Allen another dynamic playmaker but ultimately picks Grant, a 6-foot-4, 331-pound run-stopper who would complement Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones on the defensive line. Grant also provides pass-rushing upside, recording three sacks and 17 pressures in 2024.
If Grant falls to Buffalo late in the first round, he would be a strong addition. While adding another defensive end would be beneficial, the draft appears deep at that position. Pairing Grant with Oliver could significantly improve Buffalo’s run defense, making life difficult for opposing offenses.
Still, cornerback remains a more pressing need, but with six already selected in Kiper’s mock before Buffalo’s pick, addressing that position early may not be an option.
The Bills Could Pass On A Corner
The Bills would be wise to avoid reaching for the seventh-best cornerback in the class when they have the opportunity to draft one of the top interior defensive linemen.
A dominant defensive front can disrupt the run game and pressure the quarterback, ultimately making life easier for the secondary. The less time a quarterback has to throw, the better chance the defensive backs have to make plays. If six cornerbacks are off the board by pick No. 30, selecting Kenneth Grant would be the best-case scenario for Buffalo.
The good news is that the Bills hold two second-round picks, allowing them to target a cornerback and possibly a wide receiver to support Josh Allen.
General manager Brandon Beane must nail this year’s first-round pick, especially given the underwhelming results of his last two selections. In 2022, Buffalo drafted Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam, who is now with the Dallas Cowboys. In 2023, they selected Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has yet to establish himself as a top player at his position.
A strong first-round selection could be the key to finally ending Buffalo’s Super Bowl drought, making this a crucial draft for Beane and the franchise.