The Buffalo Bills approached the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear focus on fortifying their defense and adding depth across the roster. General Manager Brandon Beane and Head Coach Sean McDermott aimed to address immediate needs while planning for the future.
With nine selections, the Bills emphasized defensive reinforcements, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive line, while also identifying potential contributors on offense.
Buffalo Bills 2025 NFL Draft Class
- Round 1 (No. 30): CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
- Round 2 (No. 41): DT T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
- Round 3 (No. 72): Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas
- Round 4 (No. 109): DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
- Round 5 (No. 170): CB Jordan Hancock, Ohio State
- Round 5 (No. 173): TE Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech
- Round 6 (No. 177): CB Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech
- Round 6 (No. 206): OT Chase Lundt, Connecticut
- Round 7 (No. 240): WR Kaden Prather, Maryland
First Round: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
With the 30th overall pick, the Bills selected Maxwell Hairston, a cornerback from Kentucky. Hairston is known for his athleticism and ball skills, bringing versatility to the secondary. His ability to play both man and zone coverage schemes makes him a valuable addition to a defense looking to bolster its pass coverage.
Day 2: Strengthening the Defensive Front
T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina (Round 2, Pick 56): Sanders adds size and power to the interior defensive line, aiming to improve the Bills’ run defense and interior pass rush.
Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas (Round 2, Pick 62): Jackson brings length and athleticism off the edge, providing depth and potential as a rotational pass rusher.
Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky (Round 3, Pick 72): Walker offers a combination of size and agility, contributing to the defensive tackle rotation with upside as a run stopper.
Day 3: Adding Depth and Developmental Prospects
Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State (Round 5, Pick 170): Hancock adds depth to the cornerback group, with experience in a competitive collegiate program.
Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech (Round 5, Pick 173): Hawes provides a developmental option at tight end, with potential to contribute in multiple tight end sets.
Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech (Round 6, Pick 177): Strong brings competitiveness and physicality to the secondary, with potential as a special-teams contributor.
Chase Lundt, OT, UConn (Round 6, Pick 206): Lundt offers depth on the offensive line, with the opportunity to develop into a reliable backup tackle.
Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland (Round 7, Pick 240): Prather adds size and catch radius to the receiving corps, aiming to carve out a role as a possession receiver.
Overall Assessment
The Bills’ 2025 draft class reflects a strategic emphasis on reinforcing the defense, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive line. By selecting players like Hairston, Sanders, and Jackson, Buffalo aims to address immediate needs while also developing talent for the future. The addition of offensive prospects in the later rounds provides depth and potential contributors in supporting roles. While the draft class may not feature headline-grabbing names, the Bills’ approach demonstrates a commitment to building a well-rounded roster that can sustain success in the competitive AFC landscape.
GRADE: B+
