Here's Why Each Buffalo Bills Rookie Could Start, And Why They Won't

The Buffalo Bills are expecting the 10 rookies within their 2026 draft class to step in and deliver meaningful contributions in their first professional season, but few have a realistic opportunity to earn a starting job.

With that said, a select number should compete for a first-team role come training camp, including cornerback Davison Igbinosun, who has burst onto the scene early in his Bills’ career. Igbinosun recorded an interception during a Bills OTA practice and could be trending toward a stiff competition with 2025 first-round pick Maxwell Hairston.

Before the draft, it appeared Hairston, the 30th overall pick in last year’s draft, was a shoo-in to take on a position opposite Christian Benford in the starting lineup. However, after Buffalo made Igbinosun its third cornerback selected in the first two rounds in the past five years, they may give him a reasonable opportunity to beat out Hairston for the job.

There are a few reasons why he, and the Bills’ other nine selections, may find themselves finishing as starters. But for the most part, evidence suggests this year’s crop of first-year talent will begin their careers in a reserve role.

T.J. Parker, edge rusher

Why he could start: This would only happen if there was an injury to one of the Bills’ top two options: Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb, who was acquired via a three-year free-agent deal worth $43.5 million.

Why he won’t: As a rookie, he is lower on the pecking order than Rousseau and Chubb and could have a bit of work to do as a pass rusher, as his five sacks in his final collegiate season were a career low.

Davison Igbinosun, cornerback

Why he could start: As mentioned previously, Igbinosun may beat out former first-round pick Maxwell Hairston, who allowed 15 receptions for 203 yards and three touchdowns, equating to an opposing passer rating of 94.3 when targeted 24 times in coverage a season ago.

Why he won’t: Igbinosun struggled with penalties during his collegiate career, as he was called for 30 penalties during his four-year college career.

Jude Bowry, offensive line

Why he could start: In case of an injury to starting tackles Spencer Brown or Dion Dawkins, he may get a chance to fill in as a swing tackle.

Why he won’t: The only starting spot along the Bills’ offensive line entering the season is left guard, but Buffalo has two prime candidates—Alec Anderson and Austin Corbett—to replace David Edwards, who departed for a free-agent deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Skyler Bell, wide receiver

Why he could start: The Bills are hoping for a third-year leap from 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman, but if he flounders, Bell should be next in line behind Khalil Shakir and DJ Moore for meaningful snaps.

Why he won’t: If Joshua Palmer can get healthy and become the player the Bills signed to a three-year $29 million deal last offseason, that would push Bell down in the pecking order.

Kaleb Elarms-Orr, linebacker

Why he could start: Terrel Bernard dealt with an injury-plagued 2025 season, missing five games due to elbow and calf injuries, and if he struggles to remain on the field during training camp, Elarms-Orr would be a nice option to take over as a starter.

Why he won’t: It seems the Bills are high on fourth-year pro Dorian Williams, who new defensive coordinator Jim Leonard is expecting to play a significant role defensively, which could leave Elarms-Orr on the outside looking in.

Jalon Kilgore, safety

Why he could start: He likely won’t earn a starting job defensively, but he could take over as the team’s top punt returner, as he has a bit of experience doing so in college and high school.

Why he won’t: This is a long shot, as the Bills brought in C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone while re-signing Damar Hamlin in free agency.

Zane Durant, defensive tackle

Why he could start: If the Bills are besieged by injuries to starter Ed Oliver and 2025 second-round pick T.J. Sanders, Durant may need to step in and fill the void.

Why he won’t: Buffalo has a number of other pass-rush-first interior defensive linemen, including the aforementioned Oliver and Sanders.

Toriano Pride Jr., cornerback

Why he could start: Former sixth-round pick Christian Benford surprised many when he leapfrogged first-round pick Kaiir Elam in 2022, and perhaps Pride Jr. could do the same.

Why he won’t: With Hairston and Igbinosun ahead of him in the pecking order as it stands today, it would take a near-miracle for Pride Jr. to earn a starting role anywhere but special teams.

Tommy Doman Jr., punter

Why he could start: There is expected to be a full blown competition between Doman Jr. and incumbent starter Mitch Wishnowsky at training camp.

Why he won’t: If Wishnowsky can repeat the success he found for the Bills a season ago, when he landed 18 punts inside the 20-yard line, he should be able to fend off Doman Jr. for the starting role.

Ar’maj Reed-Adams, offensive lineman

Why he could start: There is absolutely no chance of this happening.

Why he won’t: He was the team’s final pick in the seventh round and is likely bound for the practice squad.

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