The Buffalo Bills are making waves in the NFL offseason chatter, even if it’s just in the realm of mock drafts. As the team licks its wounds from a devastating 13-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 of the 2025 season, analysts are already projecting big moves to shore up their roster. In a surprising twist, a recent 2026 NFL mock draft from Nick Merriam of College Football HQ has the Bills pivoting away from their offensive woes and bolstering their defense with a game-changing pass rusher at the 24th overall pick.
The Pick: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
In Merriam’s latest projection, the Bills select Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell, a towering 6-foot-4 prospect expected to tip the scales at over 250 pounds at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. This move comes as several top wide receivers fly off the board early, leaving Buffalo to address a different need: injecting speed and ferocity into their pass rush.
Merriam explains the rationale: “In a similar vein to Detroit’s selection, Buffalo has long favored bigger defensive linemen and lacks speed on the edge. Howell would give this front seven a third-down threat after the team added young interior pieces in 2025.”
Howell’s addition could transform the Bills’ defensive line, which already saw reinforcements in the 2025 draft, including standout fourth-round pick Deone Walker. Originally from Bowling Green, Howell transferred to Texas A&M in 2024 and exploded onto the scene this past season with 11.5 sacks, showcasing his explosive athleticism and relentless motor.
(Image: Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell in action, rushing the line against opponents – a glimpse of the raw power he could bring to Buffalo.)
Why the Bills Need This ‘Bombshell’ Move
The Eagles loss exposed glaring weaknesses on both sides of the ball for Buffalo. Josh Allen was under siege, sacked five times by Philadelphia’s dominant defensive front, highlighting the offensive line’s struggles and the lack of reliable weapons at wide receiver. While many mocks have pegged the Bills to grab a pass-catcher in the first round to ease Allen’s burden, Merriam’s scenario flips the script by prioritizing defense.
Buffalo’s defense has been solid but unspectacular in 2025, lacking that elite edge rusher who can consistently disrupt quarterbacks. Greg Rousseau leads the team with seven sacks, while veteran Joey Bosa has chipped in five. Adding Howell – a player with the potential for double-digit sacks annually – could elevate the unit to championship caliber, creating more opportunities for the secondary and forcing turnovers on crucial third downs.
This “third-round threat” label (a nod to his prowess on passing downs) fits perfectly with Buffalo’s physical, aggressive defensive identity. Howell’s size and speed make him an ideal complement to the existing young talent on the interior, potentially forming a formidable front that rivals the league’s best.
Looking Ahead: Impact on the 2026 Season
If this mock holds any water, the Bills could be positioning themselves for a deep playoff run in 2026. With Allen still in his prime and a defense capable of carrying the load on off days, Buffalo might finally overcome their recent postseason heartbreaks. Of course, the actual draft is months away, and free agency could shake things up further. But for now, this projection has Bills fans buzzing about a potential defensive renaissance.
Stay tuned as more mocks roll in – could Howell be the missing piece that propels Buffalo back to Super Bowl contention?
