BUFFALO — The Buffalo Bills face critical choices on defense heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Contracts for linebackers Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson expire after the 2025 season. Both players delivered key contributions during their Bills tenures. Milano anchored the middle for years before injuries sidelined him. Thompson, acquired in a midseason trade last year, added veteran presence. Yet free agency looms large. The team might pivot to youth.

CBS Sports’ latest mock draft slots Georgia’s CJ Allen to Buffalo at No. 26 overall. Allen stands 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. Scouts praise his sideline-to-sideline speed and tackling ferocity. NFL.com labels him a “green dot” defender — the on-field communicator who wears the defensive signal-caller helmet sticker.

The projection fits Buffalo’s needs. Terrel Bernard holds the green dot role now. He returns in 2025 after missing time with a knee injury. Bernard logged 118 tackles in 2023. Still, at 26 years old by draft time, the Bills seek long-term stability. Allen would slide in as an immediate run-stuffer, according to the CBS Sports analysis.

“It’s been a few years since the last one, but CJ Allen is the latest in the long line of Georgia LBs who are smart, can fly sideline to sideline and hit the crap out of you when they find you,” the mock draft states. “He’d be an immediate help to Buffalo’s run defense.”

Georgia’s linebacker tradition runs deep. Recent alumni include Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean — first-round picks who thrived early in the pros. Allen racked up 62 tackles and 4.5 sacks over two college seasons. He forced three fumbles last year alone. Pro Football Focus graded him elite in run defense.

Bills general manager Brandon Beane emphasized depth at linebacker during minicamp. “We’ve got good players, but we always look to add competition,” Beane said in June. Milano turns 31 before the 2025 season ends. Thompson hits 32. Age and injury histories raise questions. Milano missed 20 games over the past two years. Thompson battled nagging issues in Carolina.

Draft position remains fluid. Buffalo finished 13-4 last season but lost to Kansas City in the divisional round. They hold the 26th pick based on current standings. Trades could shift that. The Bills own seven total selections, per OverTheCap projections.

Allen thrived under Georgia coordinator Glenn Schumann. He called defensive signals in big games, including the Bulldogs’ 2024 SEC title run. His 4.65-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine would rank among top linebackers. Analysts project him as a top-40 talent.

Fans debate the fit online. Some push for offensive line help after losing tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown to free agency projections. Others back the defensive investment. Coach Sean McDermott prioritizes the front seven. Buffalo ranked 19th in run defense last year, allowing 112.8 yards per game.

The 2026 draft arrives April 24-26 in Pittsburgh. Mock drafts evolve weekly. CBS Sports updated its projection February 19 amid early offseason buzz.