Last year’s rookie draft class for the Buffalo Bills didn’t exactly deliver a lot of production, but there were some players that stood out. The two best rookies for the Bills were defensive tackle Deone Walker and tight end Jackson Hawes. Both of them were Day 3 picks.
Heading into this upcoming season, most of last year’s rookies saw some playing time, some more than others. However, this is when the pressure starts to turn up a bit for them especially if they were selected in the first three rounds.
With that, we have put together a list of superlatives for the rookie class from last season in Buffalo and what their outlook could be in 2026.
*Note: CB Dorian Strong was not listed as he is expected to miss the 2026 season with a neck injury. Wide receiver Kaden Prather is also not listed as he is no longer with the team.*
Superlatives for Bills' sophomore players heading into 2026
CB Maxwell Hairston: Most likely to overcome unexpected pressure
The Bills shocked the fanbase on the second night of this year’s draft when they traded back into the end of the second round to select Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun. This was a shock because the Bills spent their first round pick in 2025 on CB Maxwell Hairston, while also having Christian Benford.
With the arrival of Igbinosun, Hairston will now have to overcome the pressure that the Bills have placed with the Igbinosun selection. He has to stay healthy and show that he is the player who can run with Benford as the top two corners.
DL T.J. Sanders: Most likely to compete for consistent roster spot
Buffalo traded up 15 spots for T.J. Sanders in the second round last year, but he didn’t shine at all last season. Having played in just 12 games and having 16 total tackles is not a great look. With the Bills switching to a 3-4 defense and then bringing back Phidarian Mathis, drafting Zane Durant, and with DeWayne Carter set to come back from injury, Sanders could very well be competing for a consistent gameday roster spot each week.
EDGE Landon Jackson: Most likely to get lost in the mix
The switchup in the defensive scheme for the Bills is going to require a lot more outside linebacker help. The players who have played in Buffalo’s 4-3 were typically coming off the edge, but should now be lined up even more outside, which includes Landon Jackson.
Jackson’s rookie season was barely anything, as he was a healthy scratch for a majority of the beginning of the season. Then he only played in three games before suffering a season-ending injury.
Now that the Bills brought in Bradley Chubb, T.J. Parker, and are starting to move edge rushers to outside linebacker, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jackson get lost in the mix.
DL Deone Walker: Most likely to become a Pro Bowler
Walker was a big time steal for the Bills last season, as he helped create disruption in the trenches. He also has a great act for knocking down passes and he will be a great player once again with Jim Leonhard calling the defense. No fans should be surprised to see Walker earn Pro Bowl honors in 2026.
DB Jordan Hancock: Most likely to face biggest uphill battle for playing time
Much like Sanders and Jackson, Jordan Hancock is part of a crowded defensive back room in which he will truly have to compete for a roster spot, as well as playing time. The good news for Hancock is that he can play safety and corner, so he should get to dress but as far as playing time, that’s a whole different story.
TE Jackson Hawes: Most likely to get even more involved in the offense
No one expected Jackson Hawes to be an immediate contributor, but he proved to be arguably the best draft selection for the Bills last year. He is beyond phenomenal as a blocker for James Cook, and he can even catch a couple of passes in crucial moments for the Bills. He’s a perfect fit in Joe Brady’s offense and now that Brady is running the team, Hawes could be even more of a contributor than he was last season.
OL Chase Lundt: Most likely to not see the field in 2026
Lundt is going to have some competition this year to become a backup. Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown are the starters, and then you have guys like Lundt, Tylan Grable, Jude Bowry, and Travis Clayton. There is a very good chance that Lundt will get little to no playing time barring any injury.
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