The Buffalo Bills have quietly added an intriguing component to their 2026 NFL Draft strategy by hosting a predraft visit with tight end Justin Joly, a prospect out of North Carolina State University. This move was recently confirmed by multiple sources, including reports from OnSI and Buffalo Bills insider Ryan Talbot, occurring just days ahead of the draft scheduled for April 23, 2026.
Amid a deep and talented tight end room led by Dalton Kincaid--fresh off a breakout season and a recently signed contract extension--the decision to evaluate Joly may seem counterintuitive at first glance. The Bills' TE corps also boasts Dawson Knox, another proven red-zone target, and depth players like Quintin Morris, who collectively make this position group a clear strength for the team.
So why invest time and attention on a player at a position already flush with talent?
The answer lies in Joly's unique skill set, which fits the Bills' evolving offensive philosophy under Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady. At 6-foot-3 and around 235 pounds, Joly isn't a traditional inline tight end. Instead, he excels as a hybrid "move" tight end or jumbo wide receiver, primarily lining up in the slot or out wide. His 2023 season production at NC State validates his receiving chops, with 49 catches for 489 yards and seven touchdowns, earning him tight end MVP honors at the Senior Bowl.
Joly's athletic profile complements his production. His Pro Day metrics include a 4.68-second 40-yard dash and a 37-inch vertical leap, showcasing his ability to separate from defenders and contest catches. The Bills' offense has increasingly incorporated 12 personnel groupings (one running back, two tight ends), seeking dynamic receiving options who stretch the field vertically while maintaining a credible run threat on the ground.
This visit signals that the Bills are looking beyond immediate roster needs. General Manager Brandon Beane is well-known for drafting value players with development timelines extending beyond their rookie seasons. Adding Joly would create positional depth and flexibility, potentially allowing the Bills to maintain offensive ambiguity and versatility.
Imagine an offensive set featuring Stefon Diggs, Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, and Justin Joly, with Joly flexed into the slot to challenge linebackers and safeties and force defensive adjustments pre-snap. This spectrum of options would complicate defensive assignments and amplify the Bills' already formidable passing attack led by franchise quarterback Josh Allen.
Moreover, the Bills' philosophy of preparing for injuries and roster turnover in key offensive positions makes Joly a logical candidate for investment. His high school background as a wide receiver and athleticism suggest value on special teams--an important trait for mid-to-late round prospects aiming to secure roster spots.
While a predraft visit is not a definitive promise of selection, the Bills' history of drafting players they scout thoroughly adds weight to the significance of this meeting. The visit is consistent with their careful, long-term approach to roster construction, focusing on fit, character, and potential development in a high-powered but nuanced offense.
For Justin Joly, this visit represents an excellent opportunity to make an impression on a contending team with a stable quarterback situation and a dynamic offensive scheme tailored to maximize his skills. Should the Bills draft him, he would join a squad well-positioned to nurture his growth into a key contributor over time.
As the April 23 draft approaches, the Bills' engagement with versatile prospects like Joly will continue to shape their strategic decisions. It serves as a reminder that successful team-building is a multiyear process that blends immediate needs with future planning. By diligently exploring all available talent, including those at positions of strength, Buffalo Bills management is reinforcing their commitment to sustained championship contention through innovation and foresight.
Whether Justin Joly hears his name called by the Bills or not, his predraft visit highlights a front office dedicated to identifying every possible edge for this talented roster--and for quarterback Josh Allen's quest to maintain one of the NFL's most potent and adaptable offenses. Every evaluation, every meeting, and every decision counts in the uphill climb toward the team's ultimate goal: a Super Bowl title.
