Bills Aim to Bolster Defense Through 2026 NFL Draft

Buffalo could target linebacker and defensive tackle positions to improve Jim Leonhard's new 3-4 scheme.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:40pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a linebacker making a tackle or a defensive tackle stuffing the run, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange colors.The Bills' defense aims to take a more aggressive, disruptive approach under new coordinator Jim Leonhard, with the 2026 NFL Draft serving as a key opportunity to add talent at key positions.Green Bay Today

The Buffalo Bills are entering their first season under new head coach Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who is expected to implement a 3-4 defensive scheme. With needs at linebacker and defensive tackle, the Bills are eyeing the 2026 NFL Draft to help strengthen their defense, including potential targets like Georgia linebacker CJ Allen and Missouri's Josiah Trotter.

Why it matters

The Bills' defense struggled at times last season, and with Leonhard's preference for using two edge rushing outside linebackers, the team has a clear need to add talent at the linebacker position. Upgrading the defensive line with a run-stuffing tackle is also a priority as Buffalo looks to build a championship-caliber defense.

The details

The Bills currently have seven picks in the 2026 draft, including the 26th overall selection in the first round. They are expected to target linebacker and defensive tackle early, with prospects like CJ Allen, Josiah Trotter, and Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez potentially in the mix. The team is also doing its due diligence on top punting prospects, as that remains a glaring weakness on the roster.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026.

The players

CJ Allen

A linebacker prospect from the University of Georgia who is expected to be a top target for the Bills in the early rounds of the 2026 draft.

Josiah Trotter

A middle linebacker from the University of Missouri who could be a long-term solution for the Bills' defense.

Jacob Rodriguez

A tackling machine linebacker from Texas Tech who could be a fit in the Bills' 3-4 defensive scheme.

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What they’re saying

“Linebacker remains a priority position for the Bills in the draft, especially with Jim Leonhard's preference for using two edge rushing outside linebackers in his defenses.”

— Greg Cosell, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Bills will continue to evaluate linebacker and defensive tackle prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, with an eye on finding players who can immediately contribute to Jim Leonhard's new defensive scheme.

The takeaway

The Bills' defensive overhaul under new coordinator Jim Leonhard will be a key focus this offseason, and the team is expected to target the linebacker and defensive tackle positions early in the 2026 draft to help improve a unit that struggled at times last year.