The Buffalo Bills added to their defensive line on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft, selecting Penn State’s Zane Durant 181st overall in the fifth round.
Durant is undersized for a defensive tackle at 6’1″ and 290 pounds, but he ranked second in athleticism score at the combine among defensive tackles while showcasing a quick first-step, lateral agility, and a low pad level.
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He has a versatile skillet along the defensive line and can be used at multiple spots.
Bottom line
Durant was projected as a fifth or sixth-round pick, so the Bills didn’t reach here, and may even have gotten a steal if they can find a good scheme fit with him in Jim Leonhard’s defense. Due to Durant’s unique build for a DT, the coaching and scheme fit will be big factors on whether he can make an impact at the NFL level.
Another defender added for general manager Brandon Beane that fills a position of need for the Bills. The more the merrier when finding versatile guys for Leonhard to get creative and aggressive with on defense.
Draft Grade: B
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 2026 NFL Draft grades: Bills select DT Zane Durant