Buffalo Bills
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Bills predicted to draft speedy receiver.
The Buffalo Bills could look to add more speed to the offense through the draft.
Buffalo traded for DJ Moore this offseason to be the team’s No. 1 receiver, and the team could look to draft another receiver or two. Although the Bills have been heavily linked to drafting multiple defensive players early, they could use early Day 3 picks on receivers.
Ahead of the NFL Draft, Bills analyst Ryan Talbot of NJ.com shared his seven-round mock draft and had Buffalo drafting only one receiver in the fifth round. Talbot had the Bills selecting Malik Benson out of Oregon.
“Finally, an offensive player! Bills fans may riot if Brandon Beane waits until the fifth round of the draft to add an offensive player, but that’s just how the board fell in this mock draft,” Talbot wrote. “Malik Benson has been selected in both of our mock drafts to date. Benson would bring a speed element to Buffalo’s offense (4.37 40-yard dash). The team reportedly dined and held a private workout with the receiver during the pre-draft process.
“Benson is more than just speed, though. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com notes that the receiver has “a plus catch radius and rare toughness for a speed demon.” In addition to playing receiver, Benson can return punts for Buffalo.”
The Bills haven’t had a true dynamic punt returner for a while, so along with adding a speedy receiver, he can make an impact on special teams.
Benson recorded 43 receptions for 719 yards and 6 touchdowns in his lone year at Oregon. He also played one season at Florida State and one season at Alabama.
Malik Benson Scouting Report
Benson is expected to be a Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as there are some holes in his game.
However, Benson would be an intriguing receiver for the Bills, as he would add a deep ball threat and some speed to the offense. Zierlein, meanwhile, believes his track-caliber speed is the biggest strength of his game, but his route running needs improvment.
“Benson, formerly the No. 1 JUCO prospect, made his mark with Oregon in 2025 after less productive stints at Alabama (2023) and Florida State (2024),” Zierlein wrote. “He combines electric, track-caliber speed with above-average ball skills to create a real deep threat on every snap. He needs to diversify his releases and his route-running won’t impress. But his speed forces open easy hitches/slants underneath.
“He has a plus catch radius and rare toughness for a speed demon. He’s unflinching working into the middle. Benson can turn slants and over routes into long scores against certain looks but isn’t a natural on manufactured touches. Shell coverages could limit his value, but his ability to create explosives is undeniable.”
The Bills have struggled with the deep ball, even though the team has Josh Allen at quarterback. So, Benson could be that for the team, providing the offense with another threat.
What Are Bills Looking for at WR?
Buffalo made a bold trade to acquire Moore, but the team isn’t ruling out more additions.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane confirmed the team has met with some receivers, and he revealed what they are looking for.
“Like any quarterback, (Allen) wants ’em to be where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be, and he wants ’em dependable,” Beane said. “Obviously, he wants them to catch the ball. But Josh is usually ‘give me what you got, and I’ll make the most of it.’ And so, I think it’s my job and our job to find as many versatile skill sets at receiver as we can.”
It does seem likely that the Bills will select a receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft.