‘”High-character DNA., a longer, athletic dude, a lot of sacks, went against a lot of premium talent in the SEC, and had a lot of production,” said Bills general manager Brandon Beane of Jackson. “Obviously, athletically tested very well. You know, I would say even tested better than I would have maybe even said.”‘
BillsBeat - April 26, 2025
Bills trade up to pick No. 41, fulfill significant need with selection of DT T.J. Sanders
‘”Just looking at our board, the value we had on him, it’s just – we had a really good grade on him and just felt like it wasn’t going to get to us,” said Beane on the trade up and subsequent selection of Sanders. “So we were just checking around and trying to find a spot.”‘
Bills continue defensive overhaul by adding two defensive linemen on day two of draft
‘For the first time since 2018, the Bills used three consecutive draft picks on one side of the ball and took three defensive players in a row to start the draft for the first time since 2016. After taking Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston in the first round, the Bills added a pair of defensive linemen, with all picks coming from the Southeastern Conference.’
Bills first-round pick Maxwell Hairston insists he's willing to get his nose dirty as a tackler
‘Hairston’s biggest concern coming out of Kentucky was his tackling ability. Whether it was a willingness or technique, the physical part of the game wasn’t considered Hairston’s strong suit.’
South Carolina’s TJ Sanders taken in the second round of the NFL Draft
‘Defensive tackle TJ Sanders was drafted on Friday by the Buffalo Bills in the second round (No. 41 pick overall). Of note: Bills general manager Brandon Beane was in Columbia for South Carolina’s Pro Day in mid-March.’
Arkansas defensive end Landon Jackson selected by Buffalo Bills in 3rd round of NFL Draft
‘During his Pro Day interview, Jackson said he had heard from the Bills more than any other team. He said they had been in contact “around eight times,” and the Bills were one of his formal interviews at the NFL combine.’
Pleasant Grove’s Landon Jackson goes to Buffalo Bills in third round of NFL Draft
‘Pleasant Grove and University of Arkansas standout Landon Jackson was selected in the third round by the Buffalo Bills on Friday night during the NFL Draft at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.’
Maxwell Hairston Was the Ultimate Hype Man for Fellow NFL Draftees
‘In a cut-up shared by Lee K. Howard from CBS’s Kentucky affiliate, Hairston could be seen dapping the likes of Travis Hunter, Will Campbell, Ashton Jeanty, Mason Graham, and Shemar Stewart as they walked to the podium after being introduced by commissioner Roger Goodell.’
Bills make massive draft trade, land star defensive tackle
‘Sanders was one of the top pass rushers in the nation from the interior. He had nine hits on the quarterback, as well as five sacks and 19 hurries. He also put up an astronomical 90.3 true pass set pass rush grade, per PFF.’
Bills steal 16-sack star in 2025 NFL Draft
‘The Bills have drafted Arkansas edge rusher Landon Jackson in the third round of the NFL Draft. The former Razorback finished his collegiate career with 16 sacks, including consecutive seasons with 6.5. Putting him in a rotation with Joey Bosa, Greg Rousseau, and A.J. Epenesa gives the Bills a very strong rotation of pass rushers.’
Bills first-round pick labeled as 'perfect' for Buffalo
‘”He’s a perfect scheme fit,” O’Bryan writes. “As with many NFL defenses, Bills head coach Sean McDermott switched to a two-high safety zone defense prior to last season. That scheme is a direct response to explosive passing plays, as it forces opponents to essentially beat you underneath with short-yardage plays. That bend but don’t break philosophy is similar to Kentucky’s defense, which also employs a zone coverage scheme. Hairston excelled in this system over the last few seasons, accounting for 6 interceptions and 89 tackles in three years in Lexington.”‘
Buffalo Bills NFL Draft grades: Cornerback Maxwell Hairston
‘”The Bills filled an obvious need with a player who has a path to a starting job and an opportunity to make plays in big games. Buffalo needed more speed on defense, and Hairston gives them more speed at the position than any player who’s lined up at cornerback in the McDermott era.”‘
Bills select defensive tackle T.J. Sanders with 41st overall pick in 2025 NFL Draft
‘The Buffalo Bills decided not to wait until pick 56 to make their first selection of the second round. Instead, they traded with the Chicago bears to move up to pick 41 and select defensive tackle T.J. Sanders out of South Carolina.’
Bills select defensive end Landon Jackson with 72nd overall pick in 2025 NFL Draft
‘Jackson began his career at LSU in 2021 before transferring to Arkansas where he would play the majority of his career from 2022-2024.’
Opinion: Capaccio: Bills stick to defense, and SEC, with first three picks
‘“How can you not respect the SEC and their track record?,” general manager Brandon Beane said Friday night after his picks were complete. “A lot of talent. Every year, every draft. A lot of premium players. Not that that’s the only league, but it’s a pretty loaded division.”’