Bleacher Report identified Buffalo’s top position battle and top breakout candidate for this upcoming season
The Buffalo Bills’ cornerback room is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested position battles in the NFL for the 2025 season. With superstar quarterback Josh Allen leading the charge and a roster retooled for a Super Bowl run, the spotlight is on the secondary to solidify the defense. The question on everyone’s mind: who will claim the starting spot opposite Christian Benford, the Bills’ established CB1? According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, this competition is nothing short of a “THUNDERDOME,” with a surprising candidate potentially stealing the show. Let’s break down the contenders, the stakes, and why this battle could shock the NFL world.
The Contenders: A Loaded Cornerback Room
General Manager Brandon Beane has been aggressive in bolstering Buffalo’s secondary, blending veteran experience with young talent. The competition for the CB2 spot is stacked with notable names:
Tre’Davious White: A familiar face returning to Buffalo via free agency, White is a former All-Pro who brings elite pedigree. Despite recent injury concerns, his experience and ball-hawking ability make him a formidable contender. However, at 30, can he reclaim his pre-injury form?
Dane Jackson: Another returning Bill, Jackson knows the system and has starting experience. His familiarity with Sean McDermott’s defense gives him an edge, but his ceiling may not match some of the younger prospects.
Maxwell Hairston: Buffalo’s first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Kentucky, Hairston is a raw but explosive talent. His physicality and upside could make him a dark horse in this race.
Dorian Strong: A sixth-round selection in 2025, Strong is a long-shot but has impressed with his instincts and coverage skills during OTAs. Could he be the ultimate sleeper?
Ja’Marcus Ingram: A holdover from 2024, this University at Buffalo alum offers versatility, particularly in the slot, and could back up Taron Johnson. His local ties and scrappy playstyle make him a fan favorite.
Each player brings a unique skill set, but the battle is less about individual talent and more about who can seize the moment in Buffalo’s high-stakes defensive scheme.
Why It’s a THUNDERDOME
The term “THUNDERDOME” captures the intensity of this competition perfectly. Buffalo’s defense, which ranked among the league’s best in 2024, relies heavily on its secondary to neutralize high-powered passing attacks like those of the Kansas City Chiefs, whom they’ve faced repeatedly in the playoffs. With Josh Allen’s offense firing on all cylinders—bolstered by new weapons like Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore—the pressure is on the cornerbacks to lock down opposing receivers and prevent big plays.
The Bills’ 2025 schedule includes brutal matchups against teams like the Chiefs, Ravens, and Eagles, making the CB2 role critical. A weak link could spell disaster in a Super Bowl-or-bust season. Beane’s offseason moves signal a no-stone-unturned approach, but the sheer volume of talent in the cornerback room means only the strongest will survive training camp and preseason.
The Shock Factor: Who Emerges?
While Tre’Davious White might seem like the safe bet due to his resume, Ballentine suggests the winner could be a surprise. Maxwell Hairston, the rookie, is generating buzz for his physical tools and aggressive play. At Kentucky, he showcased elite ball skills, racking up interceptions and pass breakups. If he adapts quickly to the NFL, he could leapfrog the veterans.
Dorian Strong, despite being a late-round pick, has also turned heads. His ability to read quarterbacks and stick with receivers in coverage could make him a steal. Meanwhile, Ja’Marcus Ingram’s versatility might give him an edge if the Bills prioritize flexibility in their defensive alignments. The wildcard? Dane Jackson, who knows the system inside and out but may lack the flash of his competitors.
The real shock, however, could come if Hairston or Strong—relative unknowns—outshine White’s experience. Bills fans are no strangers to underdogs rising to the occasion, and this battle could produce a new household name.
Why It Matters
The Bills are all-in for 2025. Josh Allen’s MVP-caliber play, combined with a fortified roster, has analysts like SI’s Conor Orr predicting a Super Bowl appearance, with Allen potentially earning MVP honors. But even the best offense can’t win alone. The cornerback opposite Benford must hold up against elite receivers like DeVonta Smith, Ja’Marr Chase, or Tyreek Hill. A breakout star here could be the final piece in Buffalo’s championship puzzle.
Prediction: The Dark Horse Rises
While Tre’Davious White’s return is the headline, don’t sleep on Maxwell Hairston. His combination of size, speed, and instincts aligns perfectly with McDermott’s defensive philosophy. If he can translate his college production to the pros, he could emerge as the starter by Week 1, sending shockwaves through the league. The THUNDERDOME is set, and Buffalo’s cornerback battle is one to watch.
Stay tuned as training camp heats up—this competition is about to get wild.