‘”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.”‘
BillsBeat - April 26, 2025
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.”’
Buffalo Bills make splash in second round, trade up for DT T.J. Sanders
‘”It was hard to hold them tears in,” Sanders said Friday night about getting the call from the Bills. “It’s life changing, all the things we’ve been through, just happy to get that call, it was exciting.”‘
Buffalo Bills add size and versatility with edge rusher Landon Jackson in 3rd round of NFL Draft
‘Jackson checks off the edge need, while 2nd round pick TJ Sanders fills a defensive tackle spot, and first-round pick Maxwell Hairston takes care of the cornerback need.’
'A dream come true': Maxwell Hairston says he's ready to get to work with the Buffalo Bills
‘Hairston spoke about getting an opportunity to play with Josh Allen, where he got the nickname “Mad Max” and much more.’
4 things to know: Bills draft DT T.J. Sanders, DE Landon Jackson on Day 2
‘The focus on defense isn’t a surprise for the Bills. When I listed the team’s biggest draft needs following free agency, they were defensive tackle (check), cornerback (check), defensive end (check) and safety, followed by wide receiver, running back and offensive line depth … and maybe even a punter. That also jives with the team you saw on the field last season: The offense ranked second in scoring and sixth in yards per play, while the defense was 21st in both metrics.’
Bills GM says team ‘fully investigated’ accusation involving first-round pick
‘Beane said he believed every NFL team was aware of the alleged claim of sexual assault, which dates back to March 2021 when Hairston would’ve been 17 years old. Beane said the Bills “fully investigated” the situation and found “there was there was zero, zero information saying that this actually happened to what the accusation was.”’
“Just the energy the team needs”: Bills fans react to Max Hairston joining the team
‘“He seems excited about it, it seems like he’s going to be a great asset and we need great assets if we’re going to get to the Superbowl and win one,” said Nathan Krusko, a Bills fan.’
Roles announced for Buffalo Bills Hallmark movie
‘Roles on the Casting Buffalo website include a nurse, construction workers, a young patient, a Christmas caroler, a boring guy who “does not understand the town’s love and loyalty for the Bills,” and more. Ages and genders vary for each role. Multiple roles are named.’
The pick is in: The Bills select T.J. Sanders in the 2nd round, Landon Jackson in the 3rd
‘The Bills packaged both second-round picks — Nos. 56 and 62 overall — and a Day 3 pick to move up in the second round to take South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders at No. 41.’
Emotional Maxwell Hairston embraces NFL dream with family in Buffalo
‘”I’m so excited man,” Hairston tells McDermott, “I’m ready to get to work.”‘
Carucci Take 2: With second-round pick, Buffalo Bills stay true to D-tackle profile
‘In selecting Sanders after trading up 15 spots in the second round Friday night (41st overall) – while also picking up a third-round choice that they used on former Arkansas defensive end Landon Jackson – the Bills pretty much stuck to their profile for a defensive tackle. They want a player who offers more speed and athleticism than sheer strength and power.’