Why Bills drafted Jude Bowry over defensive need after trade

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The Buffalo Bills did just a little extra trade work before making their first pick of Saturday's NFL Draft action.

But after moving down one spot, they made their choice at the 102nd overall spot: Jude Bowry, an offensive tackle from Boston College.

The Bills had traded down from 101, picking up a seventh-round pick from the Las Vegas Raiders in the process.

The Raiders used pick 101 to get cornerback Jermod McCoy from Tennessee, which wasn't a position the Bills wanted.

Instead, Buffalo drafted a guy Mel Kiper Jr. said "looks like he's from central casting."

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Who is Jude Bowry?

Bowry is a 6-foot-5, 314-pound tackle from BC.

He played left tackle at Boston College and allowed just one sack on 307 pass blocks.

The Bills didn't necessarily have a need at this spot relative to defense, but it's helpful to add some tackle depth, for sure.

And since it seems like Bowry slid just a bit, Buffalo decided not to pass on him here.

Draft analysts quickly took to social media to complain.

The reality is that Bowry won't be a day one starter. But was there one on the board here?

Brandon Beane will explain it's about depth and the future, and he might be right. Bowry may turn out great.

But for 2026, it's a bit underwhelming.

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Before this pick, the Bills had made two picks on Friday night.

They chose Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker in the second round.

Then in the third round, they snagged Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun.

And now they opened the fourth round by trading down one spot and still getting their guy.