With the 2026 NFL combine in the history books following its conclusion last week, one of ESPN’s top draft analysts released a two-round mock projection for this year’s upcoming event.
In that area of the draft, the Buffalo Bills currently hold two selections in 2026. With those, ESPN’s Jordan Reid projects the Bills land two prospects that might make instant impacts on both offense and defense.
In the first round, Buffalo adds Georgia linebacker CJ Allen. With a transition to a 3-4 defensive front coming to the team under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, Allen could have a clear path to playing time in Year 1. Adding to that is the uncertainty around the futures of veterans Shaq Thompson and Matt Milano, who are both pending free agents.
Brazzell’s potential to Buffalo in Round 2 needs little explanation with the underwhelming playmakers on offense last year. A 6-foot-5 receiver from Tennessee, Brazzell had a career-best season in 2026 with 52 catches, 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns.
More on both mock draft picks for the Bills can be found below:
Round 1, pick 26: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Reid’s breakdown on Allen to the Bills:
With the switch to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, the Bills need to have an active presence up the middle of their defense. Because of that, I thought about going nose tackle (another massive need) at this spot, but instead I’m giving Buffalo an instinctive second-level defender. Allen has the potential to transform the Bills’ defense with his physical, tone-setting play, as he is a seek-and-destroy linebacker with excellent range.
Round 2, pick 60: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Reid’s breakdown on Brazzell to the Bills:
The Bills need someone who can separate on the outside, and Brazzell is an “X” receiver who can be a deep vertical threat. He can also sink his weight and run a true route tree, making him a good fit with quarterback Josh Allen.
This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: ESPN post-combine NFL mock draft: Bills add impacts for offense, defense
Reporting by Nick Wojton, USA TODAY / Aberdeen News
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