As of January 28, 2025, the Buffalo Bills are strategically positioned for the upcoming NFL Draft, holding a total of nine selections. This includes their standard seven picks, along with two additional compensatory picks awarded due to key player departures in free agency.
Current Draft Picks:
- First Round: The Bills retain their original first-round pick.
- Second Round: Buffalo holds their own second-round selection.
- Third Round: The team’s original third-round pick was traded to the Cleveland Browns in October 2024 as part of the deal to acquire wide receiver Amari Cooper. In exchange, the Bills received Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick. citeturn0news11
- Fourth Round: The Bills possess their own fourth-round pick and are projected to receive an additional fourth-round compensatory pick due to the offseason departure of wide receiver Gabriel Davis. citeturn0search0
- Fifth Round: Buffalo’s original fifth-round pick was traded to the Houston Texans in April 2024 as part of the package to acquire wide receiver Stefon Diggs. However, they are projected to receive a fifth-round compensatory pick following the departure of defensive end Leonard Floyd. citeturn0search0
- Sixth Round: The Bills hold their own sixth-round pick, an additional sixth-round pick acquired from the New York Giants in exchange for linebacker Carlos “Boogie” Basham Jr., and another sixth-round pick obtained from the Cleveland Browns as part of the Amari Cooper trade. citeturn0search1
- Seventh Round: Buffalo’s original seventh-round pick was included in the trade with the Giants for Basham. citeturn0search1
Compensatory Picks:
The NFL awards compensatory picks to teams that experience a net loss of certain quality unrestricted free agents, based on a formula considering salary, playing time, and postseason honors. For the 2025 draft, the Bills are projected to receive two compensatory picks:
- Fourth Round: Compensating for the loss of wide receiver Gabriel Davis, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars during free agency. citeturn0search0
- Fifth Round: Compensating for the departure of defensive end Leonard Floyd, who joined the San Francisco 49ers. citeturn0search0
Strategic Implications:
General Manager Brandon Beane has adeptly navigated trades and free agency to bolster the team’s roster while maintaining valuable draft capital. The acquisition of Amari Cooper addresses the immediate need for a veteran wide receiver, especially after the departure of Stefon Diggs. Despite trading away their third-round pick in the Cooper deal, the Bills have managed to secure additional selections through compensatory picks and strategic trades.
The projected compensatory picks not only replenish the draft capital spent in trades but also provide flexibility for the Bills to maneuver during the draft. This flexibility could be pivotal in addressing remaining roster needs or in capitalizing on opportunities to select high-value prospects who may fall unexpectedly.
In summary, the Buffalo Bills are well-prepared for the 2025 NFL Draft, with a total of nine picks, including two compensatory selections. This positions them to continue building a competitive roster capable of contending in the upcoming season.
