As the Buffalo Bills look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season, all eyes will be on the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which kicks off in Indianapolis on Monday. With the Bills holding the 12th overall pick in the upcoming draft, general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott will be closely evaluating the top prospects, hoping to find the next game-changing talent to bolster their roster.
A Crucial Offseason for the Bills
The Bills' 2025 campaign was a letdown, as they failed to make the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Quarterback Josh Allen struggled with injuries, and the team's defense took a step back, leading to an 8-8 finish. NBC Sports reports that the Bills have some key holes to fill this offseason, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary.
What this really means is that the Bills need to nail this draft if they want to return to the postseason in 2026. And that starts with their evaluation of prospects at the combine. As ESPN outlines, this year's event features a deep and talented pool of players, with several potential impact rookies that could be available when the Bills are on the clock.
Key Prospects to Watch
One of the most intriguing players the Bills will be keeping a close eye on is Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The 6'1" pass-catcher is projected as a potential top-10 pick after a dominant 2025 season, and he could be the perfect complement to Stefon Diggs in Buffalo's offense.
On the defensive side, the Bills will likely have their sights set on Clemson edge rusher Bryan Bresee. The 6'5", 290-pound prospect is a freak athlete who could give the Bills' pass rush a much-needed boost.
The Bigger Picture
The Bills' performance at the combine will set the tone for the rest of their offseason. If they can identify and select the right players in the draft, they have the potential to quickly bounce back and reclaim their spot atop the AFC East. However, as Sports Illustrated notes, the combine is just one piece of the puzzle, and teams will need to do their due diligence on medical evaluations, character concerns, and scheme fits to make the most of this year's class.