With the NFL draft looming large, the Buffalo Bills are standing at a critical juncture. Their offseason activities have set up multiple avenues in the draft, and one thing’s certain: this draft is pivotal for the Bills.
As a knowledgeable buddy in the stands might tell you, Buffalo’s fans have a lot riding on nailing these picks. Here’s a dive into where the Bills should make their first five selections in the 2025 NFL Draft:
Round 1 (30): CB Trey Amos
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bills have some noticeable gaps, with cornerback sitting at the top of the list.
Enter Trey Amos, a prospect who fits the Bills’ defensive scheme like a glove. With his impressive stature at 6’1” and 195 pounds, plus a speedy 4.43 in the 40-yard dash, Amos is poised to challenge for the CB2 slot alongside Christian Benford from day one.
His physical press coverage skills are exactly what’s been missing in Buffalo’s arsenal. With Amos, the Bills can experiment with more aggressive looks next season, providing a boost to their secondary that has long needed a jolt of physicality and versatility.
Round 2 (56): S Xavier Watts
Adding more talent to the secondary, their first pick in the second round introduces Xavier Watts. Formerly a wide receiver, Watts burst into prominence as a safety, earning him two-time All-American accolades as the quintessential ball hawk.
Watts has racked up 13 interceptions over the last two seasons, and let’s not forget that electrifying 100-yard pick-six against USC. While his knack for being around the ball is top-tier, Watts will need to refine his tackling—a 12.6% missed tackle rate says there’s room for growth—and enhance his man coverage effectiveness.
Round 2 (62): WR Isaiah Bond
Isaiah Bond, a receiver the Bills have had an eye on, could be the deep-threat option that Buffalo’s aerial attack is yearning for. While his stats at Texas may not scream superstar, his game tape paints a picture of a player ready to stretch defenses and open up the field for Josh Allen’s cannon of an arm.
Buffalo’s current receiving corps lacks that je ne sais quoi—that player capable of breaking open the deep zones. Bond, with his route-running prowess and speed (even if not quite as pitched), promises to inject some excitement downfield.
Round 4 (109): DE Kyle Kennard
In the fourth round, the Bills might just hit a homerun with Kyle Kennard.
Seen by many as a potential steal, Kennard’s credentials speak for themselves. He became a household name last year, capturing the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player, a first for any player from South Carolina.
Kennard capped his stellar season with 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and consensus All-American honors. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 248 pounds, his addition could significantly elevate the Bills’ pass rush—a project that’s been underway since Brandon Beane took over.
Round 4 (132): DT Jordan Phillips
Rounding off with a high-upside project player, we have Jordan Phillips, whose history as a high school wrestler and raw athletic ability have intrigued many, including Bills’ head coach Sean McDermott. A Maryland standout, Phillips’ blend of size and youth makes him an enticing prospect.
Only 20 years old, Phillips already draws comparisons to Daron Payne, albeit he might require some developmental time. His physicality is underscored by the fact that he can squat 665 pounds, hinting at the raw power he brings to the table.
As the draft approaches and even unfolds, plans are likely to evolve. However, these selections appear primed to satisfy immediate needs while injecting promising talent into critical areas. Bills Mafia, buckle up; the next step in the Super Bowl quest could be taking shape before your very eyes.
