AP PHOTO
The Buffalo Bills bolstered their offensive line depth during the third day of the Draft by selecting Boston College offensive tackle Jude Bowry with the 102nd overall pick in the fourth round.
General Manager Brandon Beane, known for his affinity for high-upside prospects with elite athletic traits, found exactly that in Bowry. The Germantown, Maryland native arrives in Orchard Park after a productive career at Chestnut Hill, where he emerged as a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line. Bowry was a respected team captain during the 2025 season.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 314 pounds, Bowry brings the ideal frame for a modern NFL tackle, coupled with the footwork that allowed him to start 23 career games and handle some of the ACC’s best edge rushers.
The selection of Bowry represents a strategic move for a Bills offense that prioritizes protecting Josh Allen and maintaining a versatile run game.
During his 2024 and 2025 campaigns at Boston College, Bowry was notably consistent in pass protection, surrendering only two sacks over more than 600 total dropback snaps at left tackle. His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine further cemented his draft stock, where he posted a 5.08-second 40-yard dash and a 34.5-inch vertical jump, ranking him among the most athletic offensive linemen in the 2026 class. Bowry can pull effectively on screen passes and reach the second level to erase linebackers in the run game. It is why many including us at New England Football Journal think Bowry might be a future starter at guard.
While Bowry has spent the bulk of his recent collegiate career on the blindside, his experience at both tackle positions offers the Bills valuable flexibility. Scouts have noted his explosive first step and ability to maintain a wide, stable base, though he enters the professional ranks with areas for refinement. Specifically, the Bills’ coaching staff will likely focus on improving his hand placement and punch timing to better counter NFL-level speed-to-power rushers.
As a fourth-round pick, Bowry is not expected to be forced into a starting role immediately, but his ceiling suggests he could develop into a reliable swing tackle or eventually a starting-caliber guard for the Bills. M
Bowry’s selection continues a strong tradition of Boston College offensive linemen transitioning to the NFL. Bowry is the 62nd Eagles lineman drafted since 1960.
For the Bills, he is the seventh player from the program to join the franchise all-time.
The Bills have secured a high-character leader and a developmental prospect whose physical tools align perfectly with the team’s long-term vision for the offensive line. With his combination of size, movement skills, and a proven track record of pass-blocking efficiency, Bowry is well-positioned to carve out a significant role in Western New York.