The Buffalo Bills recognized they have a glaring need at cornerback this offseason and aggressively addressed it, spending their first-round selection on Maxwell Hairston. However, general manager Brandon Beane may have chosen the wrong player after seeing Will Johnson be an instant difference-maker in the Arizona Cardinals' secondary.
The five-time reigning AFC East champions missed out on a budding star if Week 1 of the 2025 NFL campaign is any indication.
Johnson was spectacular in the Cardinals' 20-13 road victory over the New Orleans Saints. His presence was felt and pivotal to Arizona winning, showcasing the talent that once made him a top-five prospect. Meanwhile, Hairston was on the sideline in regular clothes for the Bills while dealing with a second injury he suffered since joining them. Yeesh.
As Bills Mafia knows, Johnson was on the board when Buffalo took Hairston. Yes, it's only been one game, but this decision is already aging poorly for Beane and Co. Seeing the former thrive as the latter is hurt can't feel good.
Bills drafting Maxwell Hairston over Will Johnson is already aging poorly after Week 1
Only New York Jets All-Pro Sauce Gardner (90.5) earned a better Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grade than Johnson (90.3) across the league's regular-season openers (subscription required). This year's No. 47 overall pick yielded three pass breakups and limited Saints pass-catchers to four receptions and 32 scoreless yards on seven targets. The Bills could've used that against Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers, who torched them in their 2024 AFC Divisional Round rematch.
It's unfair to knock Hairston, considering he hasn't had a chance to prove himself yet, though that's also part of the problem. A hamstring ailment forced him to miss time during Buffalo's mandatory minicamp. Then, the 22-year-old went down with a non-contact right LCL sprain in training camp, which is why he's currently on injured reserve. It's cliché, but availability is the best ability.
Ironically, due to health concerns, Johnson fell into Arizona's lap on Day 2. More specifically, he had a knee issue that was somewhat concerning, specifically regarding his long-term "longevity." Beane and the Bills ostensibly tried to circumvent the problem by rolling with Hairston instead, yet that hasn't gone as planned thus far.
Acknowledging your shortcomings and trying to improve on them is admirable, especially for a Bills club striving to get over the hump. Nevertheless, Beane is probably kicking himself knowing he had an opportunity to bring Johnson to Buffalo; hindsight is always 20/20. Hopefully, Hairston can return to action sooner rather than later and make this a moot point.