The Bills had a clear plan this offseason: get bigger and better on the defensive line. Buffalo moved on from Von Miller and attacked the defensive line during free agency and the draft. The hope is that Joey Bosa can replace Miller as the team’s designated pass rusher, but he isn’t the only new face that Buffalo has big plans for this season.
Landon Jackson is one of the new faces who is expected to have a big role as a rookie. Jackson was the No. 72 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he was much more highly regarded than that coming into that weekend. He finished at No. 41 on the expert consensus board, and it’s not hard to see why, given his size, length, and athleticism.
Jackson posted a 9.95 RAS score, which ranks 10th all-time among 1,829 defensive ends since 1987. He is a fantastic athlete with rare size, and it hasn't taken him long to win over his new coaching staff. In a recent media availability, Bobby Babich spoke about the former Arkansas defensive end and praised him for his professionalism and, of course, his size. Here is his quote on Jackson via Andy Young of Spectrum News:
"He's a big human. We wanted to make sure there was a size piece to what we were trying to do. He's mature beyond his years. He's a three-down defensive end."Bobby Babich, Bills DC
Bills may have a major steal in DE Landon Jackson
Jackson had a fascinating collegiate career, starting out at LSU before transferring to Arkansas. He proceeded to be a three-year player for the Razorbacks, playing multiple positions and recording 16 sacks in 37 games. His play really stepped up over the last two seasons, recording double-digit tackles for a loss in each year.
The Bills believe Jackson can be a three-down player in the NFL, but they aren’t going to give him a starting job. The defensive line is loaded with veterans, including Bosa, Gregory Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Michael Hoecht. But with Bosa’s injury history and Hoecht’s pending suspension, it’s not hard to see a path where Jackson gets onto the field sooner rather than later.
Buffalo wants to be better against the run and force opponents into must-pass situations. While Jackson profiles as a player who can get to the quarterback and stop the run, look for the Bills to use his length and strength as a run defender right away. The long-term hope is that he could become the other bookend defensive end opposite Rousseau, but that is a discussion for another time.
Look for Jackson to find his way onto the field as a rookie and take advantage of the snaps he earns. It won’t be long before he becomes a full-time player for the Bills.