Fernando Schmude goes no-holds barred for 1st 2026 Bills mock draft

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 26: UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) looks on during a game between the BYU Cougars and the UCF Knights on October 26, 2024 at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Ricky Bowden/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The 2026 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, Bills Mafia. President of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane will have another opportunity to add talent to Buffalo’s 2026 roster, this time trying to help new head coach Joe Brady and new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard build a new identity in Orchard Park, NY.

For this exercise, I used the Stick to the Model tool to put myself in Beane’s shoes and bring some talent to the squad in several positions where the team may count on them becoming huge contributors early on, and even starters from the get-go. I climbed and slid through five separate trades to maximize value, and I walked away with an A- grade (based on pick value and team needs). Starting from Buffalo’s original 26th-overall slot, I swapped picks with the Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, and others — netting premium Day 2 capital while preserving future assets.

The current draft class is tailor-made for Brady’s vision, and for Leonhard’s (predicted) aggressive 3-4 scheme. Every pick directly addresses a roster need without sacrificing the “Best Player Available” mindset, while fitting the new defensive philosophy that emphasizes length, athleticism, and gap discipline up front. Without further ado, here’s my first Bills’ seven-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

Round 1, pick 26: Trade! Las Vegas sends picks 2. 36, 3.