Buffalo Bills Select Cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. in 2026 NFL Draft
Introduction
The Buffalo Bills finished their 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Missouri cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. during the seventh round.
Main Body
Pride Jr. was chosen as the 220th overall pick, making him the third addition to the team's secondary this year. He follows cornerback Davison Igbinosun and safety Jalon Kilgore, who were picked in the second and fifth rounds respectively. This move happened alongside several draft-position changes, including a trade that moved the team from the 213rd to the 239th pick while gaining an extra selection at 241. Having transferred from Clemson to Missouri, Pride Jr. is known for his impressive speed, recording a 40-yard dash of 4.32 seconds. Although he stands at 5 feet 10 inches and weighs 185 pounds, he performed well in the SEC, where he scored two touchdowns from interceptions during his last two college seasons. Experts emphasize that he is skilled in deep-ball coverage, recovery speed, and supporting the run defense. This selection is part of a larger plan to rebuild the defensive secondary, led by General Manager Brandon Beane and new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The team needs more depth because several players, including Taron Johnson, Dane Jackson, and Tre'Davious White, have left. Furthermore, Dorian Strong is currently dealing with an injury. As a result, adding Pride Jr. is seen as a way to fill these important gaps in the roster.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Bills have completed their draft by adding a fast defensive player to a secondary that is currently going through a major transition.