ClutchPoints
The Buffalo Bills experienced their worst nightmare on Saturday night. Buffalo lost an overtime thriller with Denver, losing 33-30 and seeing their Super Bowl hopes dashed yet again. That loss is especially painful because Buffalo’s boogeymen, Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow, did not make the playoffs this year.
The table was set for Buffalo to waltz into the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994. But sadly it all faded away during overtime.
Now the Bills have to pick themselves up and figure out how to improve before the 2026 season. That puts a lot of pressure on Buffalo to nail their picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
But which players should the Bills target? And will it be enough to give them a shot at the Super Bowl next season?
Below we will explore a very early three-round Bills mock draft from the PFF mock draft simulator.
Let’s start with a brief note on why this is the 26th overall pick.
Buffalo will either have the 25th over 26th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, depending on the result of Sunday’s matchup between Chicago and Los Angeles. PFF projects that Chicago will lose, which gives Buffalo the 26th overall pick.
Mauigoa could be a steal at the end of the first round. He is a powerful tackle who could benefit the Bills at several different positions on the offensive line.
Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report wrote a scouting report of Mauigoa back in October. Thorn noted that Mauigoa’s strengths in run blocking, and adequate pass protection skills, could make a transition to guard a smart move in the NFL.
If the Bills did move Mauigoa to guard, he could be an upgrade over either David Andrews or O’Cyrus Torrence.
Meanwhile, veteran left tackle Dion Dawkins will turn 32 years old this offseason and only has two years left on his current contract. That at least makes it possible that Buffalo grooms Mauigoa to become their left tackle of the future.
Mauigoa would be a great addition to Buffalo’s offense, regardless of where he fits into their future plans.
This is an excellent pick towards the end of the first round. PFF agrees, with their simulator giving this pick an A- grade.
The Bills started their youth movement in the secondary by adding safety Cole Bishop and cornerback Maxwell Hairston over the past two offseasons.
Buffalo would be wise to keep that strategy alive this offseason too.
Veteran Tre’Davious White is getting long in the tooth and it is beginning to cost the Bills. White’s huge pass interference penalty on Saturday was one big factor that contributed to that crushing loss.
Buffalo could also use more bodies as Taron Johnson nears 30 years old too.
That’s where Rivers comes in.
Rivers is an all-around solid cornerback prospect who especially excels in zone coverage. He does not have great size...
