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NFL data analyst unveils what Bills' Round 1 draft big board 'might look like'

The Buffalo Bills' draft big board is likely heavy on defense when it comes to early-round targets at the NFL Draft
Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid after being selected by the Buffalo Bills twenty fifth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station
Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid after being selected by the Buffalo Bills twenty fifth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It's the top-secret information that never leaves the war room.

Only a privileged few know what the Buffalo Bills' first-round board looks like ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, but Next Gen Stats data analyst Mike Band has provided his best guess.

With assistance from the Draft IQ tool powered by Amazon QuickSight, Band projected "what each team’s first-round big board might look like, based on pre-draft reports, team needs, and organizational philosophies."

There are eight prospects listed as potential first-round targets for Buffalo, and all eight play on the defensive side of the ball.

The Bills are one of four teams who have "Trade Up" atop the Round 1 board along with the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.

Texas's Jahdae Barron and Ole Miss's Trey Amos are the two listed cornerback targets, and, should the Bills stand pat at No. 30 overall, Band has Amos landing in Orchard Park.

Trey Amos (9)
Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers tight end Mason Taylor (86) makes a first down against Mississippi Rebels cornerback Trey Amos (9) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Amos was one of 23 players who reportedly made an official "30" visit to Orchard Park. In addition to his ability to play man coverage, he is said to project as a top zone corner, which makes him a fit for the Bills' scheme.

Buffalo last selected a first-round cornerback in 2022 when Kaiir Elam was the pick. While Elam is no longer on the team, the Bills uncovered hidden gem Christian Benford in Round 6 that year.

The Bills, who have 10 total selections over the three-day event, likely won't make their Round 1 pick until after 11 p.m. ET on April 24.

Kenneth Grant jumps trying to block kick
Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant jumps trying to block the field goal attempt by Minnesota kicker Dragan Kesich during first-half action between Michigan and Minnesota at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. | Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Band's Bills Round 1 Big Board

DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan

DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon

CB Jahdae Barron, Texas

CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss

S Malaki Starks, Georgia

DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College

Malaki Starks (DB50)
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (DB50) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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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.