The Buffalo Bills leaned heavily into their defensive rebuild during the 2025 offseason, using their first five draft picks on that side of the ball. With the offense already capable of lighting up the scoreboard, the focus was on adding toughness and depth to a defense that faltered in the playoffs.
Free agency brought in veteran reinforcements like Joey Bosa, Larry Ogunjobi, and Michael Hoecht to boost the pass rush. The draft followed suit, with the selection of Arkansas edge rusher Landon Jackson in the third round standing out as a particularly savvy move.
ESPN’s Matt Miller praised the pick, calling Jackson one of the best values in the draft. “Jackson is a high-upside edge rusher who joins a Buffalo defense in need of difference-makers,” Miller wrote. “He’s comparable to AJ Epenesa—a steady, three-down defender. While he may not have the explosive traits to rack up double-digit sacks, he’s a potential starter and a great example of the no-nonsense approach the Bills took this year.”
Jackson was a consistent force at Arkansas, posting 6.5 sacks and at least 10 tackles for loss in each of his last two seasons. Known for his relentless motor and physical style, he has a chance to carve out a top rotational role if he impresses in training camp and refines his technique.
Should he deliver on that potential, Jackson could join Buffalo’s growing stable of edge rushers tasked with finally helping the franchise overcome its postseason hurdles.
