With the NFL Draft just three weeks away, the Buffalo Bills should prioritize bolstering their defense with their early selections.
Holding the 30th overall pick in the first round, Buffalo is in a prime position to capitalize on talented defensive prospects who may slide down the board, as teams often prioritize offensive players.
One area of need is cornerback, especially after trading former first-round pick Kaiir Elam to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.
Additionally, the Bills could strengthen their defensive line by adding another interior lineman to complement Ed Oliver.
Bills Writer Urges Team To Draft Derrick Harmon
If the Bills want to be true contenders this season, they must generate more pressure from their defensive line. Sal Maiorana of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle believes Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon would be an excellent addition for Buffalo.
“Harmon understood that the best way to improve his chances of making it to the NFL was to step out of his comfort zone and challenge himself in a new setting,” Maiorana wrote. “The defensive tackle, who seems like a strong fit for the Bills, grew up in Detroit and initially stayed close to home, playing at Michigan State. He spent three seasons there, starting the last two, but felt he wasn’t developing as needed. To showcase his full potential and boost his 2025 NFL Draft stock, Harmon entered the transfer portal before the 2024 season and chose to play for powerhouse Oregon.”
Harmon played a key role in Oregon’s success last year. In their first season as a Big Ten program, the Ducks went undefeated in the regular season (13-0) and secured the conference championship.
Statistically, Harmon proved he could disrupt offenses, finishing the year with 11 tackles for loss and five sacks—demonstrating his ability to pressure quarterbacks and stuff the run.
Buffalo Needs Harmon to Contain Mahomes
If the Bills can improve their defensive line’s production, they could finally make a legitimate push for the Super Bowl.
Buffalo has consistently struggled to generate pressure against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the postseason. Acquiring a player like Harmon could help the Bills disrupt the Chiefs’ offensive line and create opportunities to slow Mahomes down.
The Philadelphia Eagles provided a blueprint for beating the Chiefs when they sacked Mahomes six times in Super Bowl LIX without blitzing. If Buffalo can generate pressure with just four pass rushers, it would give their secondary a better chance to force turnovers.
With the Chiefs standing in their way once again, the Bills should make strategic draft moves this offseason. Adding Harmon could be a key step toward achieving their playoff ambitions.