One advantage of not being selected as a top pick in the NFL Draft is avoiding being drafted by a struggling franchise, and Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman Jr. might just benefit from that situation.
According to Ryan Talbot of NYup.com, Bowman has become a potential draft target for the Buffalo Bills. Talbot reported that Bowman had dinner with the Bills before his pro day at Oklahoma and also connected with them through a Zoom meeting.
Keep an eye on #Oklahoma S Billy Bowman Jr. as a potential draft target for the #Bills.
Per source, the #Bills had dinner with the #Sooners safety before his pro day. They have also had a Zoom with the prospect.
Bowman Jr. could be a day 2 or early day 3 target.#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/sQwP2CTAS1
— Ryan Talbot (@RyanTalbotBills) April 8, 2025
The Buffalo Bills have shown strong interest in Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman Jr. as the NFL Draft approaches. Bowman’s draft projections vary, with the potential for him to be selected as early as the second or third round on Day 2. The Bills have two second-round picks at Nos. 56 and 62, but no third-round pick. If they’re serious about landing Bowman, they could opt to select him in the second round. Alternatively, they could wait until the fourth round, where they have two picks, to target him on Day 3.
Bowman’s only perceived drawback during the draft process has been his size, standing at 5-foot-10 and 192 pounds. However, he has impressed scouts at every opportunity, including the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, and OU’s pro day. At the Combine, he posted an impressive 4.42-second 40-yard dash, ranking fourth among safeties, and his 17 reps on the bench press were also fourth among the safety group.
With an NFL prospect grade of 6.34, Bowman is projected to eventually become a solid starter. Landing a future starter in the second round or later would be a tremendous value, though some teams are hesitant due to his size despite his other strengths.
At Oklahoma, Bowman was a four-year starter, appearing in 47 career games, 41 of which he started. His extensive experience, including a season in the SEC, gives him a leg up on many rookies.
Should the Bills draft Bowman, he would immediately join a team with championship aspirations. The Bills have reached the NFL playoffs six consecutive years, including a trip to the AFC Championship Game last season, and are building a new stadium set to open in 2026.
Leave a Reply