Evaluating the Draft Performance for the Buffalo Bills
Rewritten Article:
Grade: A-
Top Pick: DT TJ Sanders, Ranked 41st Overall
What We Dig: A steal outside the first round. Their three players following their initial pick all had first-round potential at some point in the draft cycle and will bolster a defense that lacked punch last season. Going defense-heavy feels like a shrewd move, as many of their core players from the early days of Josh Allen's tenure are on the older side. Sanders' drafting was accompanied by Jackson Hawes and Chase Lundt, who add depth to the offense, as well.
Second Thoughts: Maxwell Hairston, a speedy cornerback, was selected over Trey Amos. This could be akin to the Commanders picking Emmanuel Forbes over Christian Gonzalez in the '23 draft, considering Hairston's inconsistent tackling skills and his stiff footwork, which might give him trouble early in his career. Despite Hancock and Strong being good value picks, the question lingers: did they need to address the cornerback position so urgently? I'd have loved to see a wide receiver or a safety emerging earlier.
-Reevaluated by Field Level Media Insider
Lifting the Curtain
While this article focuses on the 2025 NFL Draft, it's worth noting how teams tackled similar defensive rebuilding tasks in the 2023 draft cycle.
- Defensive Line Rebuilding: Teams like the 49ers aggressively supplemented their defensive lines, drafting players such as EDGE Mykel Williams (Georgia) and DTs Alfred Collins (Texas) and CJ West (Kentucky) to fill holes and bolster run defense[2].
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Prioritized their defensive front by choosing DT Yahya Black (Iowa) in the fifth round, courageously investing in young talent amid roster changes[4].
Cornerback Concerns
- 49ers: Selected CB Upton Stout (North Texas) to fortify their secondary depth, addressing a void created by the departure of Charvarius Ward[2].
- Other Squads: While not explicitly mentioned, defensive backfield reinforcements, including late-round slot corners, are often incorporated during drafts focused on the trenches to maintain balanced coverage.
'23 Draft Context Gap
This analysis lacks data specific to the 2023 draft strategies. Typically, teams forge ahead with defensive line upgrades by selecting high-ceiling pass rushers or run-stuffing tackles early on, while cornerback needs rely on offseason free agency and existing depth. In the absence of 2023 data, no direct comparison with the team's strategy can be drawn.
In '25, however, it's evident teams are pursuing immediate trench upgrades, complemented by value-based secondary additions.
- The aging players on the Buffalo Bills' football team might find their roles threatened with the addition of fresh talent like Chase Lundt and Jackson Hawes in the draft.
- Despite their focus on defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, some critics question whether the Bills should have addressed their cornerback position more urgently, especially considering Trey Amos was passed over for Maxwell Hairston.
- The Bills' decision to draft DT TJ Sanders, alongside Jackson Hawes and Chase Lundt, suggests they are aiming for consistency on offense, while they bolster their defense with immediate trench upgrades.
- In comparison to the 2023 NFL Draft, where teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers emphasized defensive line rebuilding, it appears the Bills are also following a similar pattern, prioritizing defensive line reinforcements and making value-based secondary additions.
