The Buffalo Bills suffered familiar heartbreak on Sunday, losing 32-29 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. The Bills continue to struggle to get past their annual roadblock. General manager Brandon Beane will focus on rebuilding a roster that could beat the Chiefs in a meaningful postseason game this offseason.
The Bills own the No. 30 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a projected tight situation against the salary cap, the Bills must take advantage of their 10 total selections to build through the draft. We’ve conducted a seven-round mock draft that achieves that.
Round 1 (No. 30 overall): Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Starting corner Rasul Douglas is scheduled for free agency and the Kaiir Elam pick never panned out. The Bills must address cornerback ahead of another deep postseason run. Texas' Jahdae Barron was outstanding throughout the College Football Playoff, establishing himself as a potential first-round selection. Barron is instinctual and physical with click-and-close ability.
Round 2 (No. 56 overall): Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Chiefs rushed for three touchdowns and 135 yards on Sunday. Keeping Patrick Mahomes contained in the pocket is a difficult assignment. The Bills will continue adding difference-makers to their defensive line. Derrick Harmon is a stout run defender and intentional mover with three-down ability. Harmon would replace several interior defenders who are free agents, including Austin Johnson and Quinton Jefferson.
Round 2 (No. 62 overall): Savion Williams, WR, TCU
The Bills have invested significant capital in pass-catchers, but more resources are en route. The Amari Cooper midseason trade didn't pay maximum dividends, and he's slated for free agency. So is Mack Hollins, and Keon Coleman wasn't productive enough as a rookie to prevent Beane from drafting another receiver. Savion Williams is a towering prospect who combines size with explosiveness. He would complement Khalil Shakir nicely.
Round 4 (No. 107 overall): Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
Matt Milano is a superstar at off-ball linebacker, but more is needed opposite him. Terrel Bernard is a below-average starter who's a liability in coverage. Demetrius Knight Jr. has three-down potential, with athleticism, downfield trigger, and lateral agility. Expect Knight Jr. to be a riser in this class of linebackers.
Round 4 (No. 130 overall): Billy Bowman Jr., SAF, Oklahoma
Safety Damar Hamlin is the Bills' most notable free agent this summer. While he shouldn't be expensive to re-sign, the Bills could target a potential upgrade via the middle rounds. Billy Bowman Jr. is an experienced coverage defender with 11 career interceptions. Bowman Jr. would give the Bills multiple options at safety alongside Cole Bishop and Taylor Rapp.
Round 5 (No. 170 overall): Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant has been a routine standout at East-West Shrine practices. A projected nickel at the next level, Bryant would add depth and competition behind Taron Johnson. You can never have too many corners when trying to beat the Chiefs.
Round 5 (No. 174 overall): Jackson Slater, IOL, Sacramento State
All five of Buffalo's starting offensive linemen are under contract through next season, which is phenomenal for Beane. However, starting interior blockers David Edwards and Connor McGovern will be entering contract years in 2025. This selection is about planning for the future. Sacramento State's Jackson Slater is being underrated. Slater is at the Senior Bowl, where he'll display his versatility to play both guard and center.
Round 6 (No. 178 overall): Fadil Diggs, EDGE, Syracuse
Beane loves big-bodied defensive linemen. With Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa entering contract years, this selection is another of the think-ahead variety. Fadil Diggs has versatility and play speed and could play above 270 pounds at the next level.
Round 6 (No. 205 overall): Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
Sean McDermott loves rotating interior linemen. Nebraska's Ty Robinson possesses a skill set that will endear itself to Buffalo throughout this process. Robinson is physical and violent with first-step explosiveness.
Round 6 (No. 207 overall): Austin Brinkman, LS, West Virginia
Long-snapper Reid Ferguson is scheduled for free agency. The Bills could get younger and cheaper at the position by utilizing one of their 10 draft selections on the special teams-based position. Austin Brinkman may be the best snapper in the class.
