Buffalo Bills (Last Year: 13-4)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Bills have 10 picks, so they’re in a position to trade up. Cornerback, safety, and wide receiver are areas that must be upgraded. The defensive line needs some help, too, especially given their struggles against the run.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Bills need to figure out how to beat the Chiefs in the playoffs. The way they attacked the 2025 NFL Draft made it apparent that they completely understood that.
Buffalo’s first five picks were all used on the defensive line or secondary. Two picks were cornerbacks, including the team’s opening-round choice, Maxwell Hairston. Two pass-rushing defensive linemen were also obtained – T.J. Sanders, Landon Jackson – and then there was Deone Walker, who will help stop the run. The Bills clearly watched the Eagles dismantle the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, which would explain why they made it a priority to draft players like Sanders and Jackson to complement the newly signed Joey Bosa.
The only negative about Buffalo’s draft class was that a receiver wasn’t selected prior to pick No. 240, though Kaden Prather, who was chosen at that selection, provided great value. However, the Bills were able to come away with a great haul. What they accomplished will allow them to have a much better chance of finally vanquishing the Chiefs in January.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
30. Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky – A- Grade
I was hoping for a pass rusher here, given that the Bills likely saw what the Eagles did to their arch-nemesis Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Still, Maxwell Hairston is a very good pick. He’s a stellar cornerback prospect who fits the system, and he was discussed as someone who could have gone in the early 20s. He fills a huge need.
41. T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina – A Grade
The Bills traded up to this pick, but didn’t really surrender much for it. With that in mind, I love this pick. The Bills must have watched what the Eagles did to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, so they know they need a great pass rush. They signed Joey Bosa, and now they traded up for T.J. Sanders, who has incredible upside as an interior defensive lineman.
72. Landon Jackson, DE/DT, Arkansas – A+ Grade
The Bills definitely watched the Super Bowl. They’re arming themselves with as many pass rushers as possible to finally take down the Chiefs. I love this pick. Not only does it fill an obvious need, but the highly athletic Jackson easily could have gone in the second round, or perhaps even earlier.
109. Deone Walker, NT, Kentucky – A Grade
The Bills have drafted multiple pass rushers thus far. This is another defensive lineman, but it’s one who will help against the run. I thought Deone Walker would be chosen on Round 3, so I love this pick for value and need.
170. Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State – B+ Grade
Another cornerback makes sense for the Bills, given their need at the position. Jordan Hancock makes sense in this range as a very instinctive cornerback and a willing tackler. Another solid pick from Buffalo.
173. Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech – B Grade
Jackson Hawes won’t be competing for targets with Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox. He’s a quality blocking tight end who should be able to carve out a role on the team. This is a fine, but not great pick.
177. Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech – A Grade
A third cornerback, but I like it. The Bills know that they have to nail down their pass rush and cornerback play, so I like them attacking the position, especially with a prospect who could have gone two rounds earlier. Dorian Strong has nice size and potential.
206. Chase Lundt, OT, Connecticut – B+ Grade
There was definitely some buzz around Chase Lundt toward the end of the draft process. He’s a lengthy tackle who has some potential. It’s nice that the Bills were able to find some depth at the position.
240. Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland – A+ Grade
I thought Kaden Prather would go much earlier than this. He’s a huge receiver who runs well for his size. He could end up being a factor for the Bills down the road.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
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