The Buffalo Bills made some serious waves during the 2026 NFL Draft—and not just because of the players they selected. General Manager Brandon Beane pulled off a flurry of trades that had fans buzzing, including moving back three times in Round 1 before ultimately trading out of the first round entirely. It was a bold strategy that left the Bills without a top-32 pick, but with a whole lot more ammunition for the later rounds.

By the time the three-day event wrapped up, Buffalo had selected 10 players, headlined by edge defender TJ Parker. But without a first-rounder, the Bills' draft class didn't exactly earn rave reviews from the national media. CBS Sports handed Buffalo a B-minus grade, which placed them below 12 other NFL teams in the post-draft rankings.

In the AFC East, the gap was even more glaring. The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins both snagged A grades—two of only three teams league-wide to earn that top mark. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots brought up the rear in the division with a C-minus.

So, who was the Bills' best pick according to CBS? That honor went to fourth-round wide receiver Skyler Bell. He may not be the biggest target on the field, but Bell knows how to create separation and should push for playing time as a rookie. The biggest knock? He's had some trouble with drops, but the upside is clear.

On the flip side, CBS noted that they would have preferred R Mason Thomas over TJ Parker in the second round, calling it a matter of fit. Still, the overall strategy earned praise: trading down, stockpiling picks, and addressing key needs. Parker fills a pass-rushing void, second-round corner Davison Igbinosun may not start right away but has the tools to develop into a starter, and Bell was a savvy addition in the fourth.

For Bills fans, this draft class might not have the flash of a first-round star, but it's built on depth, value, and long-term potential—exactly the kind of foundation that keeps a contender competitive for years to come.