The Buffalo Bills have long been a powerhouse in the AFC, clinching the AFC East title five straight times and racking up at least 10 wins every season since 2019. But despite their dominance, they’ve hit a wall when it comes to breaking through to the Super Bowl. This season, that wall has a name: a glaring lack of a true WR1. The wide receiver position has left too much pressure on quarterback Josh Allen and running back James Cook, exposing a vulnerability that’s kept them from the ultimate prize.
Enter Jacob Infante’s latest 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Network, where the Bills don’t just patch up their weaknesses—they obliterate them. With savvy selections across offense and defense, Buffalo emerges as an even more formidable contender, sending shockwaves through the rest of the AFC. Let’s break down how this mock draft transforms the Bills into a potential juggernaut.
Round 1, Pick 21: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Bills strike gold right out of the gate by snagging Makai Lemon, the standout wide receiver from USC who’s been tearing up the Big Ten in 2025. Lemon isn’t just productive—he’s dominant, leading the conference in receptions (79), yards (1,156), and touchdowns (11), earning him the triple crown among a stacked field of talent. As a sure-handed slot receiver with lightning-quick acceleration after the catch, Lemon excels at getting open against both man and zone coverage, thanks to his sharp route breaks and savvy leverage.
This pick directly erases Buffalo’s primary offensive flaw, giving Allen a reliable weapon who can stretch the field and create mismatches. While questions linger about Lemon’s effectiveness on the outside—given the Bills’ existing slot options like Khalil Shakir—Infante sees him as the versatile playmaker who could elevate the entire unit. If Lemon translates his college explosiveness to the pros, the Bills’ offense becomes unstoppable.
Round 2, Pick 55: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
Shifting to defense, the Bills bolster their pass rush with Joshua Josephs, an edge rusher from Tennessee who’s evolved from a rotational player in 2024 to a disruptive force this year. Though a bit undersized for the position, Josephs compensates with elite acceleration, bendy flexibility, and a relentless motor that keeps quarterbacks on their toes.
This selection addresses a key defensive need, adding depth and dynamism to a unit that’s already solid but could use more consistent pressure. Josephs has the tools to develop into a starter, potentially forming a nightmare tandem with existing edges like Von Miller or Gregory Rousseau. In a league where sacking the QB wins games, this pick keeps opposing offenses guessing.
Round 3, Pick 86: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
Rounding out the draft, Buffalo invests in their linebacker corps with Deontae Lawson from Alabama, a physical specimen with the size, tackling prowess, and closing speed to thrive against the run. Lawson’s pursuit skills and hard-hitting style make him a long-term asset, capable of stepping into a starting role and shoring up the middle of the defense.
With Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard already anchoring the position, Lawson adds valuable depth and future-proofing. He’s the kind of player who could plug gaps in run defense while contributing on special teams early on. This pick underscores the Bills’ balanced approach: fix the offense first, then fortify the defense.
In this mock draft, the Bills don’t just address needs—they build a roster primed for a deep playoff run. Lemon erases the WR void, while Josephs and Lawson inject youth and athleticism into a defense that’s been reliable but aging in spots. Josh Allen with a true WR1? A pass rush that never quits? Linebackers who stuff the run? The rest of the AFC—think Chiefs, Ravens, and Bengals—should be on high alert. If this blueprint comes to life in April 2026, Buffalo might finally hoist that Lombardi Trophy.