The Buffalo Bills needed to nail the 2025 NFL Draft in order to make sure that they could go toe to toe with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs once again, which led Brandon Beane to focus heavily on the defensive side of the ball with his high-end selections.
While first-round cornerback Maxwell Hairston and second-round defensive tackle TJ Sanders will likely take up the lion's share of the Bills' rookie snaps, third-round pass rusher Landon Jackson may end up being one of the great steals of the 2025 class following a slight fall.
Jackson has reportedly been one of the top performers at Bills OTAs to this point, showcasing the same blend of impressive size, better-than-anticipated athletic ability, and improved explosion that made the former Arkansas star an easy selection after he fell into Buffalo's lap.
Technique can be coached, but someone as big as Jackson with a 40-inch vertical jump brings with him some tools that could enable him to be an impact playmaker right away.
Bills rookie Landon Jackson stealing the show at OTAs
Jackson is never going to be the most explosive sack artist off the edge, but his impressive NFL Combine numbers alleviated concerns about his viability on the outside in the pros. Jackson is ready to push for snaps immediately, as his style of play gives him a very high floor.
Jackson's 6-7 frame and impossibly long arms make him a very difficult player to lock down one-on-one. With a tremendous motor, Jackson should have no problem causing havoc in Sean McDermott's defensive scheme, especially if he is getting the rough edges of his game sandblasted away.
Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa will be in line to start the season as the two top defensive ends, with AJ Epenesa and Jackson standing out as the backups following Michael Hoecht's suspension. Jackson could easily carry over his success with the Razorbacks if McDermott lets him strut his stuff.
If Sanders and Jackson end up being as good as advertised, Brandon Beane may have finally stumbled upon the collection of young players that finally helps the Bills overcome their Kansas City demons in the postseason and seize control of the AFC.