NFL 2025: What Draft Day Looks Like for the Bills This Season

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The Buffalo Bills face a pivotal moment at the 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After a 13-4 season that earned them the 30th overall pick, they’re a team with Super Bowl potential—but also glaring roster gaps. 

The departure of Stefon Diggs and defensive shortcomings have left needs that must be addressed to keep pace in the AFC. With a stockpile of picks and General Manager Brandon Beane’s history of bold moves, the draft day promises to shape Buffalo’s future. 

Here’s a detailed look at what’s in store.

Draft Day Toolkit

Buffalo enters the draft loaded with options. They hold the 30th pick in the first round, two second-round selections, two in the fourth, and additional picks in the fifth and sixth rounds—10 total, a mix that offers firepower and flexibility. 

Brandon Beane, the Bills’ GM, is no stranger to draft-day action; he’s a tactician who’s traded up for stars like Josh Allen and down for depth in past years, always keeping rivals guessing. This time, he could stay at 30 to snag a high-value prospect, package picks to jump into the mid-20s for premium talent, or slide back to bolster the roster with multiple contributors. 

The extra second-round pick from the Diggs trade adds an intriguing layer of strategy for GM Brandon Beane. It gives him the flexibility to make a bold move or take a more measured approach—decisions that are already fueling buzz in the NFL draft betting markets, where fans can place wagers on what Buffalo might do next. Whatever Beane decides, it’s likely to be a calculated step aimed at maximizing the team’s Super Bowl window.

Who’s on the Radar?

The 2025 draft class offers a wealth of talent to address Buffalo’s roster gaps, from immediate starters to promising projects. Here’s a closer look at the standout prospects and why the Bills might covet them in the early rounds and later on.

Wide Receiver: Matthew Golden (Texas)

Matthew Golden emerges as a prime target for Buffalo’s wide receiver vacancy. This Texas star brings the tools to step into the WR1 role left vacant by Stefon Diggs. The Bills would want him to give Josh Allen a dependable deep threat, stretching defenses and opening up the field. His ability to turn short catches into significant gains aligns perfectly with Buffalo’s high-octane passing attack, making him a potential day-one difference-maker.

Defensive Tackle: Kenneth Grant (Michigan)

Michigan’s Kenneth Grant is a towering presence at 339 pounds for the defensive tackle spot and a PFF favorite. The Bills would eye him to anchor their interior line, a critical need for stopping the run and generating pressure up the middle. Grant’s knack for disrupting plays right from the snap could shore up a defense that’s faced brutal rushing attacks in key games. His size and strength make him an appealing fix for a unit looking to dominate the trenches and control the line of scrimmage.

Edge Rusher: Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College)

Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College catches attention with his relentless pass-rush skills, a fit for rounds one or two. The Bills would pursue him to inject youth and aggression into their front seven, especially as their current edge rushers age or hit free agency. His motor and ability to chase down quarterbacks could complement Buffalo’s defensive scheme, adding a fresh spark to a pass rush that needs to keep pace with AFC heavyweights. Ezeiruaku’s hustle makes him a tempting option to bolster the rotation.

Edge Rusher: Mike Green (Marshall)

Another edge prospect, Mike Green from Marshall, offers similar allure with his pass-rushing tenacity. The Bills might target him to deepen their edge rotation and boost sack production, a priority against mobile quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes. Available in the first or second round, Green’s aggressive style and quick first step could give Buffalo an extra weapon to disrupt opposing game plans, ensuring their defense stays unpredictable and potent.

Cornerback: Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina)

Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina stands out at cornerback despite recovering from an ACL injury. His elite potential has already piqued Buffalo’s interest, confirmed by pre-draft visits. The Bills would want him to lock down the secondary, a pressing need against the AFC’s top passing offenses. Revel’s ball skills and coverage instincts could make him a shutdown corner, helping Buffalo match up with speedy receivers and tight ends in playoff scenarios. He’s a gamble with a high reward for a defense aiming to tighten the screws.

Later-Round Options: Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) and Luther Burden III (Missouri)

Beyond the early rounds, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Missouri’s Luther Burden III shine as wide receiver prospects with big-play flair. The Bills would consider them to add depth behind a potential WR1 like Golden or to groom as future starters. McMillan’s size and catch radius offer a red-zone threat, while Burden’s explosiveness could stretch the field on gadget plays—both qualities that enhance Buffalo’s offensive versatility. Their upside makes them valuable picks in a draft with 10 opportunities.

Later-Round Option: James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee)

Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher with raw athleticism, could be a steal if he lasts to the mid or late rounds. The Bills might grab him to develop a high-ceiling talent behind their starters, addressing long-term needs on the edge. His speed and potential to refine his technique could turn him into a rotational contributor or more, giving Buffalo a cost-effective way to keep their pass rush fresh. Pearce represents the kind of upside Beane loves to bet on in later selections.

Mock Draft Scenarios

Draft Day offers the Bills multiple routes, each shaping 2025. Staying at 30, per Buffalo Bills Mock Draft Watch, nets Kenneth Grant—a 339-pound defensive tackle to anchor the line and dominate physical games. PFF predicts a trade to 24 for Shavon Revel Jr., a shutdown corner to neutralize receivers and sway playoff matchups. The Athletic slots Matthew Golden at 30, a speedy fit to boost Josh Allen’s passing attack. NFL.com sees a trade up for Mike Green, an edge rusher to pair with talent and disrupt quarterbacks.

Beane’s wildcard looms—past moves like trading for Tremaine Edmunds hint at surprises. He might leap for a falling star, trade back for picks like James Pearce Jr., or grab an under-the-radar gem. The war room will buzz with strategy; one pick could redefine the season. For deeper insights into how these choices might play out, check FanDuel’s Analysis of NFL Matchups, breaking down key battles ahead.

Draft Day Outlook

The Bills face a defining moment on April 24-26, 2025, with a draft day set to address pressing needs—a receiver to spark Josh Allen, a lineman to bolster the defense, or a corner to counter AFC threats. Brandon Beane’s picks and bold instincts could make Green Bay the launchpad for a breakout season—or a stumble in their Super Bowl quest. Which move will push Buffalo over the top?

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