Bills Central

NFL expert lists five 'biggest needs' for Bills, hints at defense's issues

The Buffalo Bills have multiple defensive needs prior to the NFL Draft as they build the roster for 2025

Ralph Ventre

Oct 5, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter (6) during the third quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium.
Oct 5, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter (6) during the third quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Buffalo Bills are in good shape relatively speaking, but no NFL team can honestly claim its roster is Week 1 ready at this point in the offseason.

All teams have remaining needs that they will presumably try to satisfy through the NFL Draft as well as other means.

"In a perfect world, you would always love to stand up here and say, we can go play games right now. I'm not professing that, but we'll continue to work at it," said Bills' general manager Brandon Beane after the first main wave of free agency passed.

With the Bills and 31 other NFL teams seemingly in the same boat, NFL Media editor Dan Parr listed the "top five needs for all 32 teams following free agency frenzy."

Buffalo was deemed needy at cornerback, defensive line, wide receiver, edge rusher and safety.

Cooper Kupp (10) catches a 17-yard touchdown pass vs. Bills DBs
Dec 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a 17-yard touchdown pass against Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (9) and cornerback Rasul Douglas (31) in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"Depth at cornerback is still looking shaky with former first-round pick Kaiir Elam being dealt away. There are similar issues on the interior defensive line and at edge rusher with free-agent signings Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht facing six-game suspensions. Plus, Ogunjobi, DaQuan Jones, A.J. Epenesa and Joey Bosa are playing on deals that expire after the 2025 season," said Parr.

RELATED: Mock Draft: Bills gamble on injured safety, add WR in Round 2

The Bills are slated to make 10 selections over the first six rounds at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay from April 24-26. Buffalo's first selection is at No. 30 overall.

While the Bills may be best suited drafting a defensive tackle or cornerback late in Round 1, it's unknown if general manager Brandon Beane will prioritize need or the "best player available" approach.

Jahdae Barron (7) celebrates
Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) celebrates after a sack during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI  —

More Buffalo Bills News:

Published |Modified
Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20+ years of media experience to Buffalo Bills ON SI. Prior to focusing on the Bills, he spent two years covering the New York Jets. Ventre initially joined the ON SI family in 2021, providing NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.

Home/News