Analyst reveals Bills' ideal draft selection

Auburn's Keldric Faulk could be a boom-or-bust pick for Buffalo in the first round.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:21am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, red, and white representing the Buffalo Bills' colors and style of play.A cubist interpretation of a Bills defensive lineman showcases the team's potential to disrupt offenses with a high-impact draft selection.Buffalo Today

According to Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano, the Buffalo Bills' ideal draft selection in the upcoming NFL Draft is Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk. Manzano believes Faulk could provide a dominant presence on the Bills' defensive line, which could be key to the team finally winning a Super Bowl with star quarterback Josh Allen.

Why it matters

The Bills have been relatively quiet this offseason, but the upcoming draft is crucial as they look to bolster their roster and take the next step towards a championship. Faulk's potential upside could make him a game-changing addition, but he also carries significant risk as a 'boom-or-bust' prospect.

The details

The Bills, who pick late in the first round, will see many top defensive talents off the board before their selection. However, Manzano believes Faulk, a 6'6", 274-pound defensive lineman from Auburn, could be available and would be an ideal fit for Buffalo. Faulk is described as a player with immense potential who could give the Bills' defense a much-needed boost, especially after the team lost defensive coordinator Sean McDermott in the offseason.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Keldric Faulk

A defensive lineman from Auburn University who is considered a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Josh Allen

The star quarterback of the Buffalo Bills who is looking to lead the team to a Super Bowl championship.

Jim Leonhard

The new defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, taking over after the departure of Sean McDermott.

Sean McDermott

The former defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, who left the team this offseason.

Bradley Chubb

A defensive end who was signed by the Buffalo Bills in free agency to bolster their pass rush.

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What they’re saying

“Faulk might be the biggest boom-or-bust prospect in this draft, so there's a chance he's available for the Bills at pick No. 26. Buffalo should bet on the upside of the imposing 6'6", 274-pound Auburn product to possibly give itself a dominant front, especially after the free-agent addition of Bradley Chubb.”

— Gilberto Manzano, Sports Illustrated Writer

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, and all eyes will be on the Buffalo Bills to see if they select Keldric Faulk or another player to help them reach the Super Bowl.

The takeaway

The Bills are in a prime position to add a game-changing talent in the first round of the draft, and Keldric Faulk's potential upside could make him the ideal selection. However, his 'boom-or-bust' nature means the Bills would be taking a significant risk in choosing him, which could ultimately determine the trajectory of their Super Bowl aspirations.