The Buffalo Bills took as many swing as they could at the 2026 NFL Draft after general manager Brandon Beane traded back multiple times, including three times early on. That lead to the team’s top pick not coming until Round 2.
Without a first-round selection and 10 total picks made, there is room for debate in Buffalo regarding which rookie could be the top performing first-year pro in 2026.
Sports Illustrated took a guess with a prediction for every team, including the Bills.
Buffalo’s top selection ended up being edge defender TJ Parker at No. 35 overall. However, Parker was not the prediction.
Instead, the fourth-round selection of receiver Skyler Bell was.
Having a potential pathway to playing time in an offense led by quarterback Josh Allen certainly helps there. Bell will still need to earn the opportunity this summer at training camp in order to see reps during the season… but if he does, it’s a fair projection.
Regarding S/I’s pick, the breakdown can be found below:
The Bills have a solid nucleus of talent in their receiving corps, but Bell is a baller. Buffalo’s fourth-round pick, Bell, ranked second in the FBS in several receiving categories last fall at UConn, and his route nuance, athleticism and instincts should help him find an early role at the next level. Bell can play inside and outside, and he’s made significant strides with his hands—once a weakness, he morphed into a reliable target for the Huskies. He’s tough and can create separation, both of which are huge assets.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Who could be the Bills’ best rookie from the 2026 NFL Draft?
Reporting by Nick Wojton, USA TODAY / Bills Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
