Bills Urged to Target Culture-Setting Cornerback in 2026 NFL Draft

With Taron Johnson gone, the Bills are being urged to find his replacement in the upcoming draft.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:18pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso depicting a football cornerback in motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, red, and white representing the Buffalo Bills' team colors.A cubist interpretation of a Bills cornerback's aggressive coverage technique captures the team's defensive identity and culture.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Bills are being urged by analysts to target a 'culture-setting' cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft to replace the departed Taron Johnson. ESPN's Ben Solak specifically recommends the Bills trade down from the 26th overall pick and select Indiana's All-American cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, who is praised for his versatility, instincts, and ability to make plays in big moments.

Why it matters

Taron Johnson was a key part of the Bills' defensive identity under coach Sean McDermott, and his departure leaves a void that the team needs to fill. Finding the right player to step into that leadership role and continue the team's defensive culture will be crucial for the Bills' continued success.

The details

With Taron Johnson leaving in free agency, the Bills have a hole at the nickel cornerback position that was so important to their defensive scheme. Analysts believe the team should target a player like Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds, who has the versatility to play both inside and outside, the physicality to contribute in run support, and the playmaking ability to make an impact in big games. Ponds is projected as a second or third-round pick, so the Bills may need to trade down from their 26th overall selection to acquire additional picks in order to land him.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching in the coming weeks.

The players

Taron Johnson

A former cornerback for the Buffalo Bills who was a key part of the team's defensive identity before leaving in free agency.

Sean McDermott

The head coach of the Buffalo Bills, known for building a strong defensive culture.

D'Angelo Ponds

An All-American cornerback from Indiana University who is projected as a second or third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Will they stay put or trade down from No. 26? I'm screaming trade down. This isn't a great draft for a few early picks, but rather many middle-rounds dart throws. The Bills' roster has endured some turnover and could easily absorb five-plus rookies ... CB3 behind Maxwell Hairston and Christian Benford is a huge question.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

“I'd love a corner with inside-out versatility to back up both spots (Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds sure feels like a culture setter similar to Taron Johnson).”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Bills will have to decide whether to stay at the 26th overall pick or trade down to acquire more selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. If they do trade down, they will likely target a cornerback like D'Angelo Ponds to fill the void left by Taron Johnson's departure.

The takeaway

The Bills need to find the right player to step into Taron Johnson's leadership role on defense, and analysts believe Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds could be that culture-setting cornerback. By trading down in the draft, the Bills may be able to acquire Ponds and add depth to their roster.