In their first year with Jim Leonhard in place as the defensive coordinator, there are sure to be changes to the Buffalo Bills’ defense, beginning with the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Bills could use their first-round selection to shore up their defense.
Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by offering thoughts and observations on the best edge rusher and defensive tackle prospects in the draft, including Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell (pictured below), who would bring speed and explosiveness to Buffalo’s defense.
Plenty of pass rushers, interior defensive linemen ready to make an impact
The edge rusher position has plenty of game-changing talents who should step in and contribute right away, while the interior defensive line group is one that has lots of potential but also a few prospects battling injury histories.
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Linked below: Breaking down the best edge rusher prospects in this year’s draft who could still be on the board when Buffalo picks at No. 26, a group that includes Howell, Clemson’s T.J. Parker, Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas, Central Florida’s Malachi Lawrence, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, Missouri’s Zion Young, and Michigan’s Derrick Moore.
As for the defensive tackles, that group of prospects who could still be available at the end of the first round includes Ohio State standout Kayden McDonald (pictured below), Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter, Clemson’s Peter Woods, and Georgia’s Christen Miller.
Even more Bills news
Brandon Beane discusses the team’s faith in wide receiver Keon Coleman and Greg Rousseau’s position for 2026. Plus, explaining why this year is the most important draft of Beane’s tenure in Buffalo; discussing whether Buffalo should draft Ryan Van Demark’s replacement; former Bills coach Sean McDermott opens up about life after being fired; and more!
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