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The 2025 NFL Draft is over, and the Buffalo Bills loaded up on defensive talent, specifically on the defensive line. With that in mind, here is how NFL analysts graded the Bills' draft class.
Chad Reuter, NFL Media: B+
"Hairston's speed and feisty coverage skills should bolster the Bills' secondary. Jackson was also a good value. He possesses the ideal build for Buffalo's scheme. Sanders has a chance to be an interior presence but will need to be a more consistent threat for the team's trade up for his services to pay off. Walker is a massive body in the middle but trading up a second time for a defensive tackle didn’t maximize the team's draft capital, in my opinion. Buffalo added corners with the versatile Hancock and tall, experienced Strong. Hawes can contribute in two tight end sets and Prather made enough downfield plays at Maryland to provide value."
Rob Rang, Fox Sports: A-
"Sometimes, it isn't just the positional fit that warrants a high grade but the specific prospect chosen. I love Buffalo's bet on the speed and playmaking of cornerback Maxwell Hairston, as the Bills needed more game-breaking ability on the defensive side of the ball. GM Brandon Beane could have stuck to the "same old" Bills formula of drafting good, physical players, but Hairston is a gamble that could be the finishing touch needed for a Super Bowl run. Following the early investment made in Hairston — the fastest player at the Combine this year — the Bills returned to the "black-and-blue" strategies of prior drafts, dedicating their first five picks on defenders, including a trio of former SEC tough guys on the defensive line in T.J. Sanders, Landon Jackson and Deone Walker."
Eric Froton, NBC Sports: B+
"The Bills were not subtle about their intentions, bolstering their defensive line and secondary in an effort to subdue the potent offenses of their primary AFC rivals. Hairston famously had the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2025 Combine (4.28s), and Dorian Strong was ranked in the CB15 range in many pre-draft publications representing a solid value at #177. They paired a disruptive 3T T.J. Sanders with super-heavyweight Deone Walker on the interior, while adding a full-sized base Edge Landon Jackson in R3. Hawes is more of a blocking TE to complement Kincaid."
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