“Pick Six” For 2026 NFL Draft

Six Players Per 2026 NFL Draft Pick for Buffalo Bills -November Edition

Below is a list of six players for each of the Bills’ projected 2026 draft picks, focusing Brandon Beane’s early picks on these identified needs: Versatile Safety (S), Wide Receiver With Separation (WR), Hard-Tackling Linebacker (LB), Backup Running Back (RB), Cornerback (CB), and Left Guard/Center (LG<->OC). I might add that LT and QB are sneaky needs, based on where the scout eyeballs seem to be directed.

The Bills, picking late in the first three rounds (#22-32, then #57-64 and #88-96), need to prioritize high-impact players at positions of need who can start or compete early. This Pick-6 focuses on elite talent with strong program ties, character, and is populated with players with considerable Bills scouting interest. What positions are those, according to the Bills scouts?

Of all of the players ranked from RD1#1 to RD4#132 on my BuffaloFAMBase Big Board, these positions have had more than one scout visit as of Veteran’s Day:
QB (9, with 4 hailing from the SEC, 3 from the BIG10, and 2 ACC);
EDGE (8 players, 2 each at RD1-4);
LB (8 players, a mix of OLB and ILB);
CB (7, all of whom are excellent 85+ in zone coverage on EASports);
DT (8, most weighing in the 315-330 range and mostly interchangeable 1T-3Ts);
WR (6 players, none slower than a 4.5 forty);
SAF (6 players, all coming from 4-2-5 teams);
LT (6, all weighing 309-315 lbs except Proctor);
RB (5, all strong tacklebreakers);
LGs with OT upside round out the crop (2). They match the OL archetype, which is 6-4 or 6-5, 308-320 lbs (McGovern= 6-5, 308, 5.19).

Conference seems to matter, too: 29 are BIG10, 26 are SEC, 13 are ACC, and only 2 are BIG12. No other conference has had over 1 credentialed scout visit. This is a change from, say, the 2023 and 2024 drafts.

If I sift a little further, and only count players who’ve been scouted in more than 2 games, and disregard players bound to go in the Top 20, there are roughly 3 players at every position.

Don’t draw too many conclusions about the names and rounds listed below. First of all, we’re 163 days away from the real thing as of this writing. Another “fly in the ointment” is that sometimes Beane eschews the conference-leading teams until later in the season. For example, unscouted Texas A&M is 9-0 with no Bills scout visits. Another example is Chris Brazzell II, a Tennessee WR, has not been presently scouted, and the Vols are 6-3.

Let’s Pick Six! I have listed them in my order of preference.

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ROUND 1:

• A.J. Harris (CB <-> FS, Penn State) – Harris made the crucial INT in the fourth quarter in a scouted game vs Illinois to ice the game for PSU. He has experience and capability playing the CB, S, Star, and even the Taron Johnson role. Top 3 in body size, and has had the most eyeballs of the Bills over the last 2 years. A route-jumper that possesses an ideal size/speed combo.
• Dillon Thieneman (FS <-> SS, Oregon) – A center fielder with exceptional instincts, fluid hips, and leadership in positioning teammates. Featured on the Big Board with a career average of 6 solo tackles per game, the highest in the draft (for comparison, Top-7 Safety Caleb Downs made 3.93).
• Jalon Kilgore (SS <-> FS, South Carolina) – Tied for SEC lead with 5 interceptions last season; noted for keen football radar and this best of position interview grade on the Big Board.
• Sonny Styles (WLB <-> CB <-> SS, Ohio State) – Styles made 2 solos, 3 assists in the 2025 scouted win vs Texas, and was second to Ransom (Panthers RD4) in the 2024 scouted game in tackles. This is another chameleon-type backfielder who is adept at multiple positions.
• C.J. Allen (OLB, Georgia) – 5 solos, 3 assists in 2025 scouted game vs Bama, Allen is a Roquan Smith clone: densely built, sideline-to-sideline range, and ouchy hit power. He sorts through traffic better than almost all of the backers. I admire his great vision/processing, his fantastic recognition, pursuit, and play strength.
• Vega Ioane (LG <-> OC, Penn State) – SEC’s top offensive player per PFF, Ioane’s arguably the best run-blocking IOL in the draft, a starter with elite grades (Pass 92 / Run 88). Ioane would fit the LG-OC depth need and is Bills’ physical archetype for interior linemen. Depending on how you feel about the Bills’ depth on the O-Line –as well as its health– this is the sneaky first-round pick.

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ROUND 2:

In the second round, the Bills target players with high upside who address key needs, often from scouted programs, and can contribute as depth or eventual starters.

• Keon Sabb (SS <-> FS, Alabama) – The archetypal Interchangeable FS/SS with 3.75 solo tackles per game, noted for a pick-six in his first 2025 scouted game; Alabama’s high ScoutScore makes him a very attractive Bills fit.
• Dani Dennis-Sutton EDGE Penn State – Sutton’s been on the radar a while now, and he wins in big games: 3 solos, 4 asst vs Oregon; 2 solos 1 asst vs UCLA, and generating a pressure on 14.6% of his snaps over Penn State’s 3 playoff games last season. Pronounced “Duh-NIGH”, DD-S can “deny” the run, but also win pass rush reps with speed and power . An October ’24 leg injury drops him a bit, but this is a quick learner. Plus, Manny Diaz was DD-S’s LB coach in 2022-2023. You’ll like the great body control, quick feet and change of direction, his balance through contact to win at the point, his physicality and violence as a run defender, and his great backside pursuit.
• Nyck Harbor (WR ‘X’, South Carolina) – The downfield speed and sheer size of Harbor is worth considering if he makes it to late RD2. He reeled off three deep-ball catches for 99 yards (33.0 ypr) vs VaTech, then 3 for 45 (15.0) vs Mizzou. I want a Keon with more size and world-class speed, and that’s Nyck. He’s the only player to be ranked No. 1 on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks List” two years in a row, and he’s brains and brawn: 2024 CSC Academic All-District, 2023-24 SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll. Harbor was invited to the 2024 USA track & field Olympic trials, but did not compete in the 2025 indoor season to focus on football. I have him as the high-ceiling receiver in the top 100, as HArbor continues to learn the position and gain experience. He is already one of the best blockers in the WR class.
• Elijah Sarratt (WR ‘X’, Indiana) – Sarratt, pronounced “suh-RAT,” put up a gaudy 6 for 132 (22.0 ypr) stat line, and scored the winning TD in a 2025 scouted game vs Iowa. Sarratt boasts six career 100-yard receiving games, the majority of those achieved during his time at JMU. Adam Henry, the Bills’ WR Coach, was Co-Offensive Coordinator & WR Coach at Indiana (2022), but Sarratt was still at St. Francis (PA) then.
• Ja’Kobi Lane (WR ‘X’, USC) – When Bills lead scouts Terrence Gray and Brian Fisher attend a game, you watch it. Lane dominated the passing lanes, catching 6 passes for a whopping 111 yards (18.5 ypr), and scoring 1TD. I have yet to watch the full USC-Illinois game where he put up a less-gaudy 4-39 (9.8 ypr) in scouted 2025 loss to Illinois. Lane finished the 2024 season ranked No. 5 in the nation (and No. 2 in the Big Ten) in receiving TDs. Lane was named Las Vegas Bowl MVP and was selected to the AP All-Bowl Team for his performance at the 2024 Las Vegas Bowl. Lane possesses more prototypical size and traits than his bookend teammate Makai Lemon, but is still an option with high ceiling as he grows his route tree. I was impressed with his 6 TD on 12 contested catches last year! Watch This.
• Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State) – Another impressive corner who’s unafraid to stick his nose in the fan: 4 solos, 6 asst, 1 PBU vs Texas, he has the highest solos per game over his career. Moreover, the Bills seem to have a lot of attention focused on Ohio State (#2 among Clemson, Michigan, and the Buckeyes). Igbinosun is a physical cornerback who started all 13 games for the Buckeyes way back in 2023. He’s had 1 PBU in each of 3 scouted games –Mich, Purdue, and Marshall. Watch Igbinosun this year on the PI penalties; he had a lot of them in 2024.

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ROUND 3:

Third-round picks tend to focus on players with starter potential or immediate special teams value, often coming from programs with strong Bills scouting history.

• Malachi Fields (WR ‘X’, Notre Dame) – Fields put up a field-stretcher, a 44-yard TD, in a scouted game. Against Clemson, likely against the likes of Avieon Terrell, Fields caught 3 passes for 65 (21.7) and 1 TD. Fields is strong in the YPC (15.3 against AP-ranked) and YAC departments and fits the WR need at ‘X’. Fields was less noticeable vs USC (and Kamari Ramsey) for 2 Bills scouts, Terrence Gray and Brian Fisher, catching only 1 pass for 9 yards (9.0). Bills WRs need to block in the run game, and Malachi’s one of the best blockers in the WR class.
• Harold Perkins (OLB-EDGE, LSU) – Perkins is another player who impressed at his 2025 scouted games: 3 solos, asst, and a sack vs Clemson and then 1 solo, 7 assists, and .5 TFL vs USC, blowing up the Trojans’ initial drive. Perkins is the draft’s third-fastest linebacker, although he’s among the 10 smallest. Initially an EDGE, Perkins has transitioned to the LB role. Known for his exceptional coverage skills, Perkins has also averaged 3.31 solo tackles per game over his career, marking him as one of the best all-round LBs in the draft. At 6-1 225 4.45, he has to add some meat on that skeleton; but for comparison, Nick Morrow was 216 lbs and Terrel Bernard is 224. Is the former EDGE being shoehorned into the LB role due to lack of mass? We find out this year.
• Jaishawn Barham (ILB, Michigan) – Barham’s the tackling machine with 2.52 solo tackles per game. While he fits the LB need just a bit less than Weeks, Lawson or Perkins, Barham put up 3 tackles, 3 assists in 2025 scouted game vs Oklahoma, playing just the second half (Barham had been ejected from the previous game against New Mexico for a targeting call on a sack). In 2024 alone, Barham put up 5 solo tackles and 4 assists against USC, 6 solo tackles in the Oregon game, then 5 solos against Indiana –and all had a Bills scout in the press box.
• Whit Weeks (ILB-OLB, LSU) – Leader of the LSU defense. First-Team All-SEC with 125 tackles, fits LB need with significant ScoutScore connections. In one scouted game vs USC this season, Weeks made 6 tackles, 1.5 of them for losses vs. USC. In the other scouted game, Weeks made 3 assisted tackles vs Florida. His personality dovetails with the Bills culture. I felt the same way about Dalton Kincaid.
• Deontae Lawson (ILB, Alabama) – Lawson had 3 solos, 1 asst in the 2025 scouted game vs Georgia. Before his injury in his scouted game vs LSU, Lawson was ranked among the top 5 linebackers. He’ll go to a zone team. Deontae’s awareness and recognition skills allowing him to click ‘n’ close in zone are among the best in the class. He’s productive: Lawson led the Tide’s defense with11 tackles and 4 pressures, including a sack and TFL, against Tennessee this year. Known for his lion-heart necklace, Lawson’s determination and grit are evident, especially considering he was out only 2 weeks post-injury. Availability is an ability, especially for Buffalo.
• Zakee Wheatley (FS, Penn State -Wheatley’s uber-productive game of 10 tackles (5 solos, 5 assists) was scouted by the Bills vs Oregon. What you see are insane open-field tackles, great recovery speed, and monster production (5 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles thus far), and his personal-best 16 tackles in the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame (1/9/25), scouted, which ties Wheatley for the most ever recorded by a Penn State player in a bowl/CFP game since Lance Mehl in 1979 (Jets’ 1980 RD3).
• Austin Siereveld (LG <-> LT, Ohio State) – One of PFF’s consistently highest-rated players in the Buckeyes’ scouted games…”SAIR-uh-veld” will likely be a swing guard in the pros. Strength, power, and finesse in blocking are his trademark strengths. Siereveld has been free from injury since becoming a starter, and practiced at LG, LT, RG, and RT in spring drills. He helped Ohio State’s offense rank 7th nationally in fewest TFLs allowed per game (3.75) and 10th in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.0), despite having played No. 7 Tennessee, No. 1 Oregon, No. 3 Texas and No. 5 Notre Dame. You’re looking at two 2026 free agents on the interior of the Bills’ line; even if you keep one of David Edwards or Connor McGovern, current heirs to their thrones have been dinged up (SVP, Anderson).

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ROUND 4:

Fourth-round selections and beyond prioritize versatility and depth, often targeting players with elite interviews or raw tools who can develop behind starters.

• Emmett Johnson (RB <-> KR <-> WR, Nebraska) – Watch Nebraska’s historic 100-yard rushing and receiving game vs UCLA, scouted by the Bills. In that exciting game, Johnson rushed 28 times for 129 yards (4.6 ypc) and added an obscene 103 receiving yards on 3 receptions, including a pair of TD catches of 56 and 40 yards –totaling 232 yards from scrimmage. A James Cook-like receiver, Johnson increased his career receptions total to 82. Johnson was the first FBS player this season to hit 100+ in both. In the other scouted game of 2025, Johnson 25-108-4.3 against Cincinnati. His elusiveness and footwork will also remind you of Cook. As of this writing, Emmett has 1,131 rushing yards and 11 TDs.
• Bray Hubbard (SS <-> FS <-> CB <-> CBN, Alabama) – Interchangeable Swiss army Safety (who added 31% of snaps at Nickel/Box, 38% at CB ) played in a Bills-like 4-2-5 scheme. Versatility is Hubbard’s calling-card. He fits the “versatile”chameleon DB” need more than Taaffe, my final pick in this round. Bama was PFF’s 2nd-Ranked Secondary in College Football as of this writing. I see Hubbard as a successor to Cam Lewis or Taron Johnson, but with all of the injuries in the secondary, maybe you need a Jack-of-all-trades.
• Jadarian Price (RB, Notre Dame) – Price reeled off 6 carries for 45 yards (7.5) as a co-starter with Love in 2025 scouted game vs Miami’s stout DL. Named Paul Hornung Award National Player of the Week vs USC, with 209 all-purpose yards (100-yard KR touchdown), Price had previously rattled off a huge 47-yard rushing TD in 2024, a scouted win vs TEXAS A&M (8/31).
• Drew Shelton (LT, Penn State) – Along with Vega Ioane, Shelton was stout in the scouted loss against UCLA. A Philly native, Shelton stepped up as a true freshman to fill in for the injured Olu Fashanu back in 2023. Shelton showcased resilience and skill, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors. Fashanu, the eleventh pick in 2024, stated, “If everything goes right, [Drew] should be a lot better than I ever was.” Shelton closed out the season starting every game in November, including the Rose Bowl against Utah, and is now fully cleared from injury, and has been the fixture at the LT position this season.
• Deion Burks (WRS <->KR, Oklahoma) – Deion Burks transferred from Purdue after three years and made an immediate impact in 2024, recording 26 catches for 201 yards and three touchdowns in his first three games. His significant improvement from catch rate of 51% at Purdue to over 70% in 2024 shows he responds to good quarterbacks. While he isn’t an elite deep threat (see Burks’ low average depth of target), Burks excels as a short-range target and a blocker out of the slot. He benefits from the attention drawn by Nic Anderson. In 2025 scouted games, he’s put up 7 for 101 (14.4) and a TD vs Michigan, 3 for 36 (12.0) vs Temple, and 4 for 32 (8.0) vs Ole Miss. With 278 career kick return yards, Burks also brings added value on special teams.
• Michael Taaffe (FS, Texas) – Taafe is an impressive pattern-matching safety with an acceptable-but-not-elite 1.88 solo tackle rate. He does fit the FS need opposite SS Cole Bishop. He made 2 solo tackles with 7 assists in the first scouted game vs Ohio State. Taafe adds special teams production, and has played in 43 games with 26 starts, although he’s out of commission right now (thumb).

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ROUND 5:

Beane’s fifth-round picks often focus on developmental players with special teams potential, prioritizing Bills’ needs and local or scouted program ties.

• Kyle Louis (OLB <-> SS, Pittsburgh) – I really like Kyle Louis. He’s the versatile OLB/SS type (like Matt Milano, if you recall). He fits the Bills’ need for LB/S depth and has that Pitt scouting pipeline. His most impressive game was 4 solos, 4 asst, 0.5 TFL, 1 PBU, and 1 INT in the 2025 scouted loss to WVU, but I’d also watch 2024’s dazzling 59-yard interception return for a TD against Syracuse, also a scouted game. If you still aren’t convinced, watch Louis’s career-high 3.5 TFLs among 7 tackles and two sacks against Clemson, also scouted. Kyle was named a First Team All-American by The Sporting News, Pitt’s first sophomore defensive player with that honor since the legendary Hugh Green in 1978. He finished third in ACC Defensive Player of the Year balloting and was the only non-senior among the top-five vote getters.
• Lander Barton (LB, Utah) – Think of a linebacker with Tremaine-like size at 6-4, 242 with Milano’s speed, 4.64. One who fits the Bills’ LB archetype and who has Utah ties with Cole Bishop.In 2023, Barton led the LB room at Utah for the first 7 games at before sustaining a season-ending injury, and had 34 tackles (0.5 TFL) at the time of his injury, still ranking third on the team. Beane wants LBs who can handle pass catchers up the seam like Barton. He had 3 tackles and 6 tackles in the scouted games vs OK State and Arizona, respectively.
• DeMonte Capehart (DT1T<->DT3T, Clemson) – For most of last year, Clemson was the most-often-scouted school by the Bills. Capehart had 3 solos each vs GA and VA in 2024 scouted games, and 2 solos vs Louisville, also scouted. A 1-tech defensive tackle for Clemson, Capehart has drawn continued attention this year. Bills scouts attended both the Georgia and NC State games in 2025, with Bills’ General Manager Brandon Beane present at the latter. A redshirt Senior, Capehart has played in 45 games over five years at Clemson, although starting in just 6 of them. His collegiate career has been marred by off-field issues, including charges for “carrying or displaying firearms on school property” and “failure to exercise due care while operating a motor vehicle.” Capehart rejoined the team after these charges were dismissed following a pre-trial intervention program. Capehart would be one of the strongest on the defensive line.
• Amare Campbell (LB, Penn State) – Talk about production in scouted games! Campbell made 8 solos with 7 assists vs Oregon and logged 10 tackles and a sack against UCLA, both scouted. He’s a transfer who spent 2 years at UNC before arriving at PSU. Campbell’s averaged 4.56 solo tackles per game over his career, and sure-tackling linebackers are needed in the Buffalo corral. In his sophomore season, 2024, Campbell recorded a seven tackles and one and a half tackles for loss in the scouted home-opener against Charlotte, and put up a sack, four tackles, and a forced fumble of his career in the scouted season-opener at Minnesota.
• Boubacar Traore (EDGE, Notre Dame) – “BOBE-a-car tray-OR-ee” had 2 solos, 1 asst, 1 sack, 1 TFL vs USC, in a game scouted by higher-ups Terrence Gray and Brian Fisher. Traore had already notched 3 solos and a sack in the first scouted game vs Miami, so he didn’t disappoint in either. An Oct 2024 knee injury will need vetting, as injuries along the Bills’ DL are already vexing.
• Logan Jones (OC <-> OG, Iowa) – In the first 2025 scouted game, Rutgers, the Hawkeyes pounded out 346 total yards with a balanced attack (186 passing, 160 rushing), and Iowa’s QB, Gronowski, ran for 55 yards and 3 TD. This was just one of Logan Jones’s 39 career starts. Jones helped pave the way for an offense rushing for 200+ yards in eight games, the most since 2015. Iowa’s 197.2 rushing yards per game ranked third in the Big Ten. The permanent captain of the Hawkeyes is part of offensive line that was recognized as a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award. Logan Jones won back-to-back Hayden Fry “Extra Heartbeat” Awards in 2023 and 24.

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ROUND 7A:

Late seventh-round picks target high-upside developmental players or special teams contributors, often from scouted programs or with unique traits.

• J.Michael Sturdivant (WR ‘X’, USC) – Sturdivant is an ideal developmental ‘X’ receiver for WR depth. J. Michael is known for his impressive combination of size and speed. His athleticism is remarkable for his stature, showcasing excellent ball tracking, body control, and suddenness. With a 62% blocking efficiency, Sturdivant effortlessly stacks defensive backs, making him a reliable target in UCLA’s up-tempo spread offense, a scheme NFL teams don’t typically run as their base, but more readily transferable for WRs (see Ja’Marr Chase, Puka Nacua). Sturdivant steps up against the ranked teams –15.8 yards per catch against AP-ranked teams last year and 16.4 yards so far this year.
• Red Murdock (LB, Buffalo) – The successs of Buffalo Joe Andreesen makes Brandon Beane intent on finding his next locally-grown product. It’s Red Murdock. He’s the next All-MAC linebacker with 156 tackles (2nd nationally). Even more impressive, Murdock just made his NCAA-record 17th career forced fumble, supplanting former Bull Khalil Mack. In fact, Red’s given name is Khalil. Draftnik Adam Breneman gushes, “Red Murdock is a heat-seeking missile. He flies to the football. He hits like a truck….[He] is one of the most electric playmakers in college football. More people need to know his name.” There’s already a scout connection –Doug Majeski, Bills Coordinator of College Scouting, was a College Coach at Buffalo.
• Mark Fletcher Jr. (RB, Miami) – Need a thunder back with a power-running style to complement James Cook? How about Mark Fletcher, a RB with Miami connections (Manny Diaz, Jahmile Addae). Fletcher brings a physical, punishing style to the table that’s becoming increasingly sought after as the antidote in today’s spread-heavy NFL. Watch him as he posts 24 carries for 116 yards (4.8 YPC) and 1 TD in the 2025 scouted win vs Florida.
• Rasheem Biles (OLB <-> SS, Pittsburgh) – Biles is a versatile OLB with two-way (receiver/ballcarrier) potential. He marries the Bills need for OLB-SS depth with the Pitt scouting history you had in Kyle Louis, your RD5 pick above. “Rasheem The Dream” was active against West Virginia, with 3 solos, 11 assists in the scouted game, then matched his output against Louisville, with 6 solos, 6 assists, 1 sack and a pick-6 for 75 yards. Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles are the best LB duo in the country. Biles made PFF’s “Top 10 Returning Linebackers for the 2025 Season” –at #10. I was tempted to put Indiana Safety Louis Moore in here, too –he has 5 INTs this year. Hoosier Daddy.
• Bear Alexander (DT1T<->DT3T, Oregon) – I like some of my interior defensive linemen to be versatile 1-tech/3-tech guys. Add in “get home” ability with lots of sacks/TFLs to add to constant pressures. Beane’s DT3T archetype seems to be in the 296-320 lb range, and that’s Bear. Alexander was active in the 2025 whiteout 2-OT scouted win over PSU with 2 solos and 3 assists. He had a fumble recovery in the Oregon State game, also scouted, and 3 solos/1 assist in the Rutgers game. Alexander has traveled around, previously for the Georgia Bulldogs and the USC Trojans. I expect we’ll see at least one DT hear his name called in April 2026.
• J.C. Davis (LT, Illinois) -With a PFF grade of 75.1 on 65 snaps vs scouted USC, J.C. Davis was referred to by Bielema as “one of the MVPs” in the upset win. He’s on the Outland Trophy watch list, and an iron man with 44 starts on his sheepskin. He made the AP All-Bowl Team after zero pressures allowed in Illinois’ win over #14 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl (12/31/24), and was named the No. 7-pass-blocking tackle in the country during the postseason, again according to PFF (87.6 grade).

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ROUND 7B:

Another late seventh-round pick focuses on niche roles, special teams, or developmental upside, often from programs with Bills scouting attention.

• Kam Robinson (ILB, Virginia) – Robinson led the Cavalier draftables vs California, offering up 6 tackles, 1 solo, 0.5 sack, 1 TFL, and 1 pick-six TD. He wa also instrumental in Virginia’s 2OT upset of FSU, with 10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL. Kam is smart (3.57 GPA), experienced, explosive, violent in his playstyle, and athletic (plays basketball and baseball). You get versatility and production from a three-phase performer with snaps on both sides of the ball and in the return game.
• Wade Woodaz (ILB, Clemson) – Woodaz is a defensive weapon whose versatility has led to his usage at both linebacker and safety. Said Head Coach Dabo Swinney, “He’s a baller. He’s a fun guy to coach and a fun guy to watch play because he plays the way you want everybody to play.” He logged 6 solos, 2 assists in the 2025 scouted loss to Georgia Tech, after notching 5 solos and an assist in the Bills’ first scouted game of scouted game of 2025 vs LSU. He enters 2025 credited with 140 tackles (21.5 for loss), 8.5 sacks, nine pass breakups, three interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a blocked punt in 1,244 snaps from scrimmage over 39 games (18 starts) since 2022.
• Bryce Boettcher (ILB, Oregon) – I expect Boettcher to vault way up as the season rolls on. He was particularly effective in the 2024 Illinois game scouted by 2 Bills scouts, putting up 8 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, and a TFL. He was also top tackler in the scouted Oregon State game (2 solos, 8 assists). Pronounced “BETCH-er”, as in “You bet-cher bottom dollar the Bills will be watching Oregon” His production is endless: 3 solos, 9 asst in the 2025 2-OT scouted over PSU; top tackler in the 2025 scouted Oregon State game (2 solos, 8 assists). Even in 2024, two Bills scouts witnessed 8 tackles (3 solo), 1 sacks, and 1 TFL in the Illinois game. Bryce initially joined Oregon on a baseball scholarship and might eschew football to join the MLB, possibly playing center field for the Houston Astros (drafted No. 403 overall). A Gold Glove-winner, Boettcher completed the baseball season with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, committing zero errors in 54 games. But don’t forget his upswing In football. The redshirt senior’s solo tackles per game average has nearly tripled over last year. Boettcher’s increasing love for football’s physicality has been evident throughout his transition and performance on the field. More on Boettcher here.
• Bud Clark (FS, TCU) – Clark popped on the radar with 4 solos, an assist, and a pick-six TD in TCU’s first outing of 2025, a scouted 48-14 win over UNC, and as of Veterans Day, Clark had amassed 50 tackles and 4 INTs over 9 games on the season. Bud has 3+ INTs every year he started –4 years’ worth. Clark is personable, and I’d watch the TCU and WVU games from this year to gauge his fit on the field.
• Monroe Mills (RT, Texas Tech) – This injured RT has a HS wrestling background with Kromer measurables preferences, and offers developmental LG-OC depth. Mills tore his ACL in April 2025, and is out for the season, so he’s not likely to declare, but he’s well worth monitoring. He was named as the top offensive tackle in the transfer portal, according to On3Sports. Mills has played 2,335 collegiate snaps in 35 collegiate games including a combined 32 starts at both left and right tackle.
• Jeadyn Lukus (CB, Clemson) – Lukus has been on the Bills’ radar for years. The Bills scouts went to 6 Clemson games in 2024, and had already hit 3 Clemson games this season by Veteran’s Day. Now, what with Wood, Parker, Terrell, Klubnik, Antonio Williams, et al, they could’ve been there for any of the Tigers, but don’t discount CB depth as another reason. Lukus will drop because of a surging sophomore passing him on the depth chart (Branden Strozier), but in 2024, Lukus posted a career-high seven tackles (0.5 for loss) vs. No. 1 Georgia (scouted) and added two tackles vs. NC State (scouted). He added four tackles and a pass breakup vs. Virginia, and 6 tackles (one for loss) and a PBU vs. Louisville (scouted).

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PFA:

The Bills typically target long-term developmental prospects or high-character players with special teams value, focusing on depth, BPA, and connections.

• J.Michael Sturdivant (WR ‘X’, USC) – Repeated for speed and elite interview, noted on Big Board; developmental WR depth. 1 recep for 5 yds in only 2025 scouted game vs Miami…J. Michael Sturdivant is a standout ‘X’ receiver for UCLA, known for his impressive combination of size and speed. His athleticism is remarkable for his stature, showcasing excellent ball tracking, body control, and suddenness. With a 59% usage rate and a 62% blocking efficiency, Sturdivant effortlessly stacks defensive backs, making him a reliable target in an up-tempo spread offense, a scheme NFL teams don’t typically run as their base. Sturdivant’s production, which includes averaging 15.8 yards per catch against AP-ranked teams last year and 6 catches for 12.7 yards so far this year, surpasses that of the slightly-bigger Brenden Rice (RD7, Chargers).
• Charles Jagusah (RG <-> RT, Notre Dame) – Fits LG-OC depth. “JAGG-uh-saw” suffered a broken left humerus in a UTV accident on July 5, 2025, which required surgery. He was a wrestler in HS 41-0 record and won state title as a junior…. SOPHOMORE (2024): vs GEORGIA (1/2): Returned from pre-season injury to make season debut… competed on special teams for the Irish, vs PENN STATE (1/9): Saw action on both offense and special teams in the win, vs OHIO STATE (1/20): Started on the offensive line and played all 63 offensive snaps of the game along with two special teams snaps…. First true freshman to start on the offensive line since Joe Alt, and at left tackle.
• Vincent Anthony Jr. (EDGE, Duke) – He’s a strong-side DE. In the first 2024 Bills-scouted game vs Elon, Vincent Anthony made 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 TFLs. In the scouted game in 2025 vs NCState, though, he became invisible, making only 1 assist. Now at Duke, 6’6″ 250 lb Vincent Anthony Jr. is making waves as a returning Strong-Side Defensive End, having participated in 33 career games with 26 starts, 66 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, six QB pressures, and 5 pass breakups…McDermott’s “inner circle” includesVincent’s HC, Manny Diaz, so a late-round LB –again– would be no surprise. He’s 6-5 250 4.77. For comparison, Tremaine Edmunds was 6′ 5″, 250 lbs. and ran a 4.54 at the Combine.
• Cade Uluave (LB, California) – Played with Teddye Buchanan. Uluave led his team with a career-best 15 tackles in the 2024 scouted game against Miami, adding a pair of QB hurries. He also had 8 tackles and one interception in Cal’s scouted home opener in 2024 against UC Davis. A Bills scout watched a practice that week, too.
• D.Q. Smith FS <-> CB South Carolina – 6 tackles, 5 of them solo, in 2025 scouted game vs VaTech….Senior Free Safety played with Maxwell Hairston….2024—- Rex Enright Defensive Player of the Spring…2024 & 2023…. Jim Carlen Special Teams Player of the Spring… one of the leaders on the defensive side of the ball… has played both nickel and safety… has appeared in 37 career…has appeared in 37 career games…Loves bowling (190+ average).
• Ashton Stamps (CB, LSU) – Repeated for scouted SEC performance, noted on Big Board with LSU ties; fits CB depth. 3 solos, assist, and 2 PBU in 2025 scouted game vs #23 USC… Stamps leads all returning SEC cornerbacks with six pass breakups in man coverage last year…Enters second year with the Tigers in 2024 after appearing in 11 games with 4 starts as a true freshman…Just missed having Bills DB Coach Addae as his coach… Thrust into action as a true freshman due to injuries in the LSU secondary … Held his own as he developed into a consistent cornerback for the Tigers … Recorded 23 tackles and a pair of pass breakups as a rookie … His brother Christian is an offensive lineman for the Tigers … Majoring in marketing … Is skilled in playing both the piano and drums.

Editor’s babble: Big time thanks to Dean Kindig for his many contributions to our blog. You can also find Dean on Xwitter @TCBILLS_Astro.