Bills’ Joe Brady signals strategic shift at NFL Combine: What Buffalo wants in the draft
Bills coach Joe Brady shed light on the team’s personnel priorities at the NFL Combine, giving fans a first look at their draft strategy heading into 2026.
As scouts measure shuttle times and record 40‑yard splits at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, some of the most revealing moments aren’t happening on the field, but in the press room.
Joe Brady on personnel evaluation
On Wednesday, Bills new head coach Joe Brady offered one of the league’s early glimpses into a team’s draft and roster priorities, laying out how Buffalo plans to evaluate prospects and how new coaching additions are shaping the process.
“We’re obviously here to get a deeper look at the guys, not just their physical ability but their ability to process, understand, and compete,” Brady said. “The Combine gives us that window into who can pick up concepts, who can thrive in a competitive environment, and who can help us win now.”
One of the Bills’ biggest offseason needs is wide receiver
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) February 25, 2026
Joe Brady explained what he’s looking for from players at the position while at the NFL Combine. Says he will be interested more in players’ personality and what they’ve put on tape than how they test this week pic.twitter.com/wxaAi0VhQH
Brady made a point of stressing that the Bills’ evaluation process isn’t driven by measurables alone.
“We’re not just checking boxes on times and weights,” he explained. “We want guys that fit our culture, that fit our system, that are going to make this team better in Year One.”
Buffalo is among the many NFL teams looking beyond “Combine highlights” and toward football instincts, intelligence, and adaptability, traits often revealed in interviews, drills, and position meetings rather than just on the turf.
This year’s the Bills staff includes several new additions that Brady says are already influencing Buffalo’s approach.
“With a few fresh eyes in the building, we’re seeing players through a different lens, and that’s healthy,” Brady said. “These guys are helping us refine what we’re really looking for.”
While he didn’t name specific prospects, he made it clear that Buffalo’s draft board is evolving, and the coaching staff believes the Combine process will help shape it further.
What the Bills might target
Based on Brady’s remarks and current team needs, several areas could be in focus:
- Secondary help: Big‑bodied corners with instincts
- Edge pass rush: A clear priority if available at value
- Linebacker versatility: Players who can cover and tackle
- Skill‑position depth: Explosive playmakers who fit Brady’s offensive concepts
Of course, teams often pivot between Combine week and draft night, but when a head coach speaks this candidly, it’s worth listening. For now, the Bills are focused on drafting players who carry both physical talent and football IQ.
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