Bills Boost Defensive Line With 'Attack-Oriented' EDGE in Latest Mock Draft

Missouri's Zion Young could be the right fit for Buffalo's pass rush needs at pick No. 26.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:58pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in the act of rushing the passer, with sharp planes of navy blue, red, and white representing the Buffalo Bills' defensive line.A cubist interpretation of a Bills defensive end disrupting the pocket, reflecting the team's need to add more pass-rushing firepower.Today in Miami

The Buffalo Bills are looking to add more firepower to their defensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft, and one analyst has projected them to select Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young with the 26th overall pick. Young is a rising prospect known for his power, consistency, and ability to impact both the run and pass game from the EDGE position.

Why it matters

The Bills struggled against the run last season, tying the Dallas Cowboys for the most rushing touchdowns allowed. Adding a versatile and disruptive EDGE defender like Young could help shore up their defensive front and provide a spark for new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's unit.

The details

Young, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 262 pounds, is coming off a standout 2025 season in which he recorded 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. He's known for his strong run defense and pass-rushing ability, which he says comes from his serious preparation and consistent effort. The Bills already have a strong starting duo of Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb, but they need additional depth and options off the edge to take their defense to the next level.

  • Young declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after his junior season at Missouri.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Zion Young

A 22-year-old defensive end who played for the Missouri Tigers and is projected to be selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Greg Rousseau

The Bills' starting defensive end who is locked up to a long-term deal.

Bradley Chubb

The veteran pass rusher who was recently acquired by the Bills to bolster their defensive line.

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What they’re saying

“'Leading pass rusher Greg Rousseau is locked up to a long-term deal, and the addition of Bradley Chubb will help. But depth at the position remains an issue, and the Bills should still consider dipping into this deep class of pass rushers.'”

— Ryan McCrystal, Analyst, Sharp Football Analysis

“'I've got better every year, I've worked on something every offseason. First off, in order to play the pass, you've got to play the run first. You've got to make a guy respect the run game. And you have a privilege to rush the passer.'”

— Zion Young

“'My power. Me stopping the run. Like I said, having the privilege to rush the passer is second. But my power and my energy, my consistency, I'm very serious during practice, and it translates to the game. My preparation is very serious.'”

— Zion Young

What’s next

The Bills will have the opportunity to select Zion Young with the 26th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place on April 24-26.

The takeaway

The addition of Zion Young to the Bills' defensive line could provide a significant boost to their pass rush and run defense, helping to address a key weakness from the 2025 season. Young's power, consistency, and versatility make him an attractive option for a Bills team looking to take the next step on defense.