The Buffalo Bills currently have the No. 26 pick in this year’s NFL draft, and it will be interesting to see which position they choose to focus on with that selection.

Since Buffalo traded for Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore, it seems unlikely that it will go for a receiver at No. 26. Instead, the Bills should definitely focus on strengthening their defense with that pick.

Bills Urged to Add SEC Pass Rusher

The Bills should focus on either a pass rusher or a linebacker with the 26th pick, as there are several players available who could make an immediate impact. According to Alex Brasky of Sports Illustrated, Buffalo should consider targeting Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell.

“Howell is a special athlete with an impressive track record of harassing opposing passers,” Brasky wrote on Monday. “There are concerns regarding his ability to defend against the run, along with his short arm length of 30 1/4 inches. Still, the former Texas A&M defender is a great first-round fit for a Bills pass rush that lacks explosiveness off the edge.”

“Bradley Chubb was a nice free-agent addition. But this team needs more after 2025 third-round pick Landon Jackson was a bust before getting injured in his first professional season.”

Howell played five seasons of college football, three at Bowling Green, before moving on to Texas A&M for two seasons. The SEC pass rusher appeared in 56 games, recording 35.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks.

Would Drafting Howell in Round 1 be a Reach?

The only concern with the Bills selecting Howell is that they would need to take him in the first round unless they manage to trade back into the early second round.

It doesn’t appear that Howell is a first-round talent. In his draft guide “The Beast,” released on Wednesday, Dane Brugler ranked Howell as the ninth overall pass rusher and believes he should be selected in the second round.

“Howell needs to expand the consistency of his impact beyond winning as a high-side rusher, but his athletic twitch, play speed and violent demeanor make for the type of package you bet on at the position,” Brugler wrote. “At worst, he should be a designated pass rusher, with the ceiling of a versatile NFL starter (like Haason Reddick) who can be moved around the front.”

What if The Bills take a WR in The first round?

The Bills could consider trading back from the No. 26 pick. By doing so, they would acquire an early second-round pick and a few Day 3 selections, enabling them to draft Howell.

If there’s a slight possibility that the Bills will take a wide receiver with their first-round pick, Brasky believes Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston should be a target.

“Monstrous measurements are enough to make Boston jump off the page. The 6-foot-4, 212-pound target has been a red-hot name throughout the predraft process, with his ability to win contested catch opportunities presenting a prospective team with a clear red-zone winner in Round 1,” Brasky added.

“Bills fans may be hesitant to take a player many view as Keon Coleman 2.0, but Boston is a more complete receiver than Buffalo’s former second-round pick. He previously visited the Bills and would be a strong addition to the team’s wide receiver room.”

Boston would be a great addition to Buffalo’s offense and could form a strong connection with quarterback Josh Allen for years to come.