The Buffalo Bills didn’t just draft for depth in 2025, they drafted to dominate. With nine total picks, six of which focused on defense, general manager Brandon Beane sent a clear message: Buffalo is coming for the AFC. Already ranked second on CBS Sports’ list of most impactful draft classes, the Bills‘ selections are being hailed as some of the savviest in the league.
The defensive infusion includes standout prospects like cornerback Maxwell Hairston, defensive tackles T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker, edge rusher Landon Jackson, and versatile defensive back Jordan Hancock. Each brings a unique skillset that fills glaring gaps in Buffalo’s underperforming 2024 defense, which ranked 24th in passing yards allowed per game.
Smart trades, stronger defense
Beane didn’t just sit and wait for talent to fall into his lap. He made aggressive moves in the second and fourth rounds to secure the linemen he wanted. The payoff? Two explosive athletes in Sanders and Walker, both capable of collapsing pockets and disrupting backfields from day one.
Sanders, praised for his refined hand technique and burst off the line, might be the most polished pass-rushing tackle in this class. Walker, at 6-foot-7 and 330-plus pounds, brings both size and surprising agility, making him a nightmare for interior linemen.
Secondary upgrades that matter
Perhaps the most important theme of this draft was fixing the Bills‘ secondary. Hancock and Hairston both bring elite versatility, with Hancock able to line up at safety or corner. Hairston, on the other hand, offers outside coverage with speed and flexibility, qualities the Bills desperately lacked last season.
Even Dorian Strong, a mid-round pick known for his zone instincts, could see playing time early as Buffalo looks to tighten coverage across the board.
A calculated push toward contention
While other teams chased splashy offensive stars, the Bills got back to the fundamentals. Beane and his staff identified what cost them games in 2024, leaky coverage and a lack of pressure, and corrected it with size, speed, and discipline.
This isn’t just a solid draft. It’s a strategic realignment aimed at closing the gap with the Chiefs and asserting themselves as a dominant force in the AFC. And with six defenders ready to compete from day one, don’t be surprised if Buffalo’s defense becomes the storyline of the 2025 season.
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