The Buffalo Bills made a concerted effort to bolster their defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting six defensive players among their nine picks. While first-round cornerback Maxwell Hairston and second-round tackle TJ Sanders have garnered much of the spotlight, a third-round pick is quietly making waves and turning heads in Buffalo: Arkansas edge rusher Landon Jackson.
At 6’6″ and 260 pounds, Jackson is a towering presence on the defensive line, earning the nickname “big human” from Bills’ defensive coordinator Bobby Babich. “We definitely wanted to make sure that there was a size piece to what we were trying to do,” Babich said during the first week of June. “Certainly, he has a long way to go in adapting and earning the right to play and carve out a role for himself, but he’s doing a good job. A heck of a dude, and I’m happy he’s here.”
Jackson’s college career at Arkansas showcased his potential as a disruptive force. Over three seasons with the Razorbacks, he recorded 16 sacks, including back-to-back seasons with 6.5. His standout performance at the Senior Bowl, combined with his impressive athletic profile, made him a steal in the third round of the draft. Scouts and analysts saw untapped potential in Jackson, particularly if he could add speed to complement his size and power.
However, earning a spot on Buffalo’s stacked defensive line won’t be easy. The Bills already boast established talents like Joey Bosa, Greg Rousseau, and A.J. Epenesa, all of whom are key contributors to one of the league’s top defenses. For Jackson to see the field early in his rookie season, he’ll need to make a significant impression during training camp.
So far, the early signs are promising. Jackson has been a standout in the Bills’ offseason workouts, displaying the kind of work ethic and raw ability that could force the coaching staff to take notice. His combination of size, strength, and relentless energy has surprised even his teammates, who are beginning to see him as a potential dark horse for the 53-man roster.
If Jackson can refine his pass-rushing techniques and add an element of speed to his game, he could become a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive lines. His physical tools give him the versatility to play multiple roles along the defensive front, whether as a traditional edge rusher or sliding inside on passing downs.
While the road to a starting role may be long, Jackson’s early performances suggest he could be a surprise contributor for the Bills in 2025. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the “big human” to see if he can continue to shock the team and secure a spot on the final roster.