Bills Fill Major Roster Needs in 3-Round Mock Draft

Buffalo targets pass rush, wide receiver, and linebacker in post-free agency draft plan

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:21pm

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The Buffalo Bills have been busy this offseason, bringing in several key free agents like EDGE Bradely Chubb, WR DJ Moore, and S C.J. Gardner-Johnson. However, they still have some pressing team needs, especially at linebacker, that they'll look to address in the upcoming NFL Draft. This 3-round mock draft shows how the Bills can fill those major roster holes.

Why it matters

The Bills are aiming to build on their success from last season and make a deep playoff run. Addressing key positions of need through the draft will be crucial to their continued improvement and competitiveness in the AFC.

The details

In the first round, the Bills select EDGE Akheem Mesidor from West Virginia. Mesidor is a versatile and relentless pass rusher who would immediately boost Buffalo's defensive line. In the third round, the Bills land WR Ted Hurst from Georgia State, a tall receiver with elite athleticism and contested-catch ability. Finally, in the fourth round, the Bills pick LB Deontae Lawson from Alabama, a highly athletic linebacker with experience as a defensive signal-caller.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29, 2023.

The players

Akheem Mesidor

A 6-3, 280-pound EDGE rusher from West Virginia who has recorded 145 tackles, 45 tackles for loss, and 23 sacks over his college career.

Ted Hurst

A tall, athletic wide receiver from Georgia State who finished his college career ranked in the top 5 in several receiving categories for the program.

Deontae Lawson

A linebacker from Alabama who was a multi-year team captain and defensive signal-caller for the Crimson Tide, recording 76 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 2 sacks in 2025 before a season-ending injury.

Bradely Chubb

An EDGE rusher the Bills signed in free agency to bolster their pass rush.

DJ Moore

A wide receiver the Bills signed in free agency to upgrade their receiving corps.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

A safety the Bills signed in free agency to strengthen their secondary.

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What’s next

The Bills will look to build on their active free agency period by addressing remaining roster needs through the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 27-29.

The takeaway

The Bills have been aggressive in free agency, but still have work to do to fill key positions of need. This 3-round mock draft shows how they can leverage the draft to further strengthen their roster and continue their push for a Super Bowl championship.