The Buffalo Bills still made a selection in the third round, but it required another trade to make it happen. Early in the second round, Buffalo moved up from No. 56 to No. 41 in a deal with the Chicago Bears to draft defensive lineman T.J. Sanders.
Although the Bills included the No. 62 pick in that trade package, they gained the No. 72 pick in return, which they used to select Arkansas edge rusher. Landing top prospect in the third round is considered a major steal for Buffalo, adding yet another pass rusher to bolster their defense for playoff runs.
He earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2024, leading Arkansas with 6.5 sacks. Over the past two seasons, he totaled 25 tackles for loss, placing him third in the SEC. Known for his sound technique and lengthy frame, Jackson effectively uses his size to battle blockers.
Bills get a major steal in DE Landon Jackson
Jackson easily had the talent to be a first-round pick, but things didn’t break his way. It wouldn’t have been shocking if the Bills had selected him at No. 30 or even traded up in the second round to grab him. Instead, Brandon Beane caught a break, with Jackson falling right into Buffalo’s hands. He now joins a defensive line group featuring Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Joey Bosa.
Adding Jackson gives the Bills excellent depth for 2025, and depending on Bosa’s situation, he could have a real opportunity to push for a starting role. Fortunately for Jackson, Buffalo likes to rotate their defensive linemen, meaning he should see the field early and often.
So far, Brandon Beane has nailed three strong picks, all on defense — adding cornerback Maxwell Hairston, trading up for T.J. Sanders, and lucking into Jackson. Perhaps offense will be the focus when the Bills kick off Day 3.