Bills' NFL mock draft round-up features new weapons for Josh Allen

A look at who experts are mocking to the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

We are just weeks away from the 2025 NFL Draft and mocks are coming fast and furiously as one of the most important events on the league calendar draws near.

When it comes to the Buffalo Bills, there are a slew of avenues the team could go with its first-round pick this year. Buffalo has made some additions in free agency, but holes remain on both sides of the ball.

In our latest Bills mock draft round-up, experts are mostly picking defensive players for Buffalo, but two separate projections have the Bills adding a new weapon for quarterback Josh Allen.

Bills mock draft round-up

Mel Kiper, ESPN: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky

Kiper: "Teams were able to throw against Buffalo last season, completing 68.5% of their passes into coverage. That was fifth worst in the league, and worst among playoff teams. Rasul Douglas is unsigned, and his outside corner spot opposite Christian Benford is currently held by new addition Dane Jackson. More depth is needed.Hairston can fly. He ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine, the fastest time at the event this year. And he has the hands to make plays, with six picks over the past two seasons."

Maxwell Hairston TD surrendered
Missouri Tigers wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. pulls down this touchdown reception over Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Maxwell Hairston (31) to put the Tigers up 17-14 over the Wildcats. Oct. 14, 2023. / Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall

Iyer: "The Bills need to believe that Green's off-field past isn't an issue to make this pick, but otherwise, he can be very productive in their pass-rush scheme."

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri

Wilson: "The numbers don't blow you away (66 catches, 771 yards) but don't be fooled; Burden is a first-round talent and game-changer with the ball in his hands. The QB play at Mizzou was inconsistent in 2024 because Brady Cook was injured for much of the season, but there's a reason he had 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine TDs in 2023."

Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan

Baumgardner: "Grant’s talent (at 6-4, 331) is undeniable, but almost nothing about his game is consistent. He also did not test anywhere near where scouts anticipated he would. Still, he’s an explosive, powerful presence with high-end potential as a nose and/or a big 3-tech. There’s enough raw ability here to bet on."

Kenneth Grant (78) celebrates
Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) celebrates after Ohio State misses a field goal during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network: S Malaki Starks, Georgia

Sanchez: "The Bills have had to make some tough decisions over the years to stay under the salary cap, which has led to the departure of some key veteran defensive pieces. The only way to replace them cost-effectively is through the draft. Safety is one of the positions the Bills have lost via free agency. With this pick, the Bills go with safety Malaki Starks. Starks has shown that he can be a sideline-to-sideline ball-hawk and will immediately improve the backend of this defense, helping them get closer to the Super Bowl."

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: WR Matthew Golden, Texas

Reuter: "Buffalo could really use a downfield playmaker in this draft, so either Golden or Texas teammate Isaiah Bond should be on its radar. The Bills swap a fourth-round selection for a sixth-round pick to move up three spots."

Matthew Golden sprints
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas wideout Matthew Golden (WO16) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Mike Moraitis
MIKE MORAITIS

Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who has covered the NFL for major outlets such as Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News. He has previously written for USA TODAY Sports Media Group and FanSided, and got his start in sports media at Bleacher Report.