Final grades for Buffalo Bills' 2025 draft class

The Buffalo Bills have wrapped up their draft, taking nine new players in the 2025 NFL Draft this weekend. 

The Bills made it clear: they're going to infuse their defense up front and on the back end with a wealth of talent in order to get over the proverbial hump in the AFC in 2025 and beyond. 

Here's how I grade Buffalo's draft.

Round 1, pick 30: Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston

The Bills landed a player who can help them turn the ball over, as evidenced by his SEC-best 5 interceptions in 2023.  Hairston had been projected by many "experts" to go several picks earlier, so landing him at 30 was reasonably good value.  This was a good first step of many to improve the defensive side of the ball over the weekend.

Grade: A

Round 2, pick 41: South Carolina DT T.J. Sanders

A sensible move to help fill the temporary absence of Larry Objunobi. Sanders projects as a three-down player with his pass rushing ability and could see a key role quickly in the Bills' defensive tackle rotation. The cost of the move dings it a little bit, but Sanders very well might not have lasted to 52.

Grade: A-

Round 3, pick 72: Arkansas EDGE Landon Jackson

Staying with the defensive front, Brandon Beane adds a strong player who should help shore up the run game off the edge and test opposing offensive tackle's strength in pass rushing situations. Good insurance behind Joey Bosa with long-term starting potential.

Grade: A

Round 4, pick 109: Kentucky DT Deone Walker

Walker is a big body at 6'7", 331 pounds who's a space eater and a good run defender (78.7 run defense grade last year by PFF). I don't know how much he can help as a pass rusher though, as he generated just an 8.3% pressure rate in 2024. Has the look of a situational reserve player, at least for now. 

Grade: B

Round 5, pick 170: Ohio State CB Jordan Hancock

The Bills land an underappreciated part of Ohio State's defense in the versatile Hancock. He logged significant time at nickel corner and free safety. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich will find a way to use him best. 

Grade: B+

Round 5, pick 173: Georgia Tech TE Jackson Hawes

When the Bills are looking to put their hands in the dirt and drive in the run game, Hawes is a solid option to send onto the field, as he's a physical and powerful blocker. He won't add much to the passing game though. 

Grade: B

Round 6, pick 177: Virginia Tech CB Dorian Strong

The third cornerback taken in the class, Strong was very good in doing a primary job of the position: keeping the receiver from catching the ball.  A career 45% catch allowed percentage is very impressive.  Good value here for at a position where the Bills have given themselves a lot of options.

Grade: A

Round 6, pick 206: UConn OT Chase Lundt

Lundt is someone who projects as a developmental project, but he has the tools to be able to actually develop into a rosterable player at 6'8", 305 pounds.  Lundt had a terrific year in pass protection in 2024, allowing only 9 pressures and no sacks in 449 pass rushing snaps. Terrific upside late in the draft.

Grade: A

Round 7, pick 240: Kaden Prather, Maryland

Prather is someone who looks the part, at 6'4", 205 pounds and has good straight-line speed (4.46 40) and get off (1.53 10 yards split). His advancement will depend on being able to improve upon his route running ability.

Grade: B

Overall grade: A-

The Bills' defense clearly was on the mind of Brandon Beane when he went into this draft, and with this haul, his defense is now deeper and more talented on the front and back ends. The unit is now better suited to deal with the elite quarterbacks of the AFC and help Buffalo reach their first Super Bowl in three decades. I really like the Lundt pick late, although Hawes and Prather don't move the needle too much for me.