Summary
The Buffalo Bills lost key defensive player Taron Johnson before the 2026 NFL season. Experts suggest the team should trade down in the draft to get more picks and select a defensive back like Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds, who could fill the leadership and versatile coverage role Johnson had.
Key Facts
- Taron Johnson, an important defensive player for the Bills, left before the 2026 season.
- Johnson was known for covering multiple positions and being a key team leader.
- ESPN analyst Ben Solak recommends the Bills trade down from their first-round pick (#26) to gain more draft picks.
- The Bills’ next pick after #26 is at #91, which leaves a large gap in adding new players.
- D'Angelo Ponds, a defensive back from Indiana, is praised for his versatility and leadership, similar to Johnson.
- Ponds helped Indiana win a national championship and earned several top player honors.
- Ponds’ athletic skills include a fast 40-yard dash and a high vertical jump.
- He is expected to be drafted in the second or third round, so trading down could help the Bills pick him.
