Bills Fans Worry About Potential First-Round Trade Up in 2026 NFL Draft

ESPN mock draft has Buffalo moving up to select Washington WR Denzel Boston, concerning the team's fanbase.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp planes of blue, red, and gold overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract scene.The Bills' potential first-round trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft has their fanbase on edge, with concerns about the team's long-term roster-building strategy.Buffalo Today

In the latest ESPN mock draft, the Buffalo Bills are projected to trade up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston. This hypothetical move has sparked concern among Bills Mafia, who feel the team should focus on adding depth and value rather than chasing a single high-profile prospect.

Why it matters

The Bills are in a position where they need to hit on multiple draft picks to fill out their roster, and trading up could come at the cost of sacrificing valuable draft capital. Fans are worried this would be an uncharacteristic move for GM Brandon Beane, who has typically prioritized flexibility and value over flashy trades.

The details

In the ESPN mock draft, analyst Benjamin Solak has the Bills trading up to select Boston, who is projected as the fourth-best wide receiver in the class. While Boston is an elite playmaker, he also has some question marks around his ability to separate at the NFL level. Bills fans have taken to social media to express their displeasure with the hypothetical trade-up, with some calling it an 'abhorrent' move.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just 7 days away.

The players

Brandon Beane

The general manager of the Buffalo Bills, known for his prudent approach to the draft and roster-building.

Denzel Boston

A wide receiver prospect from the University of Washington, projected as the fourth-best receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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