A bounceback performance for the Buffalo Bills saw a seemingly energized team rewarded with a “w” in the win/loss column against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to close the 2025 NFL preseason.
It was the last live showing before Week 1 for the Bills’ rookie draft picks to show up in front of fans to give a glimpse at what could be on the way for the 2025 season and beyond. Some of the team’s youngest players are putting their best foot forward in the final push as the roster dust settles.
CB Maxwell Hairston
One of the more
ominous story lines exiting the preseason links directly to Hairston’s health. The uber-athletic first-rounder has been shelved for multiple weeks due to an LCL sprain. The most recent update revealed that general manager Brandon Beane is feeling unsure about whether Hairston will begin the season on Injured Reserve (IR) or not. That’s a decision soon to come, and is a major footnote of this team with under two weeks until kickoff. Hairston’s return is key with the other unknown status of Tre’Davious White, who suffered an ankle injury in practice last week. At this point, it’s very unlikely Hairston suits up for game one. But how long he remains out is still a question.
DT T.J. Sanders
The Bills’ second-round selection only had 14 snaps in the preseason finale before hitting the bench early against Tampa Bay. Sanders didn’t register a box score stat in game. It’s clear that Sanders is going to factor heavily into Buffalo’s heavy rotation on the defensive line. He likely starts the season on the two-deep depth chart and will garner plenty of immediate snaps. The excitement of Sanders versus that of 2024 Day 2 selection Dewayne Carter is palpably different from each of their rookie seasons. Sanders slates to have a bigger role right away as compared to Carter in 2024.
DE Landon Jackson
It was a bit of a bumpy ride for Jackson in the preseason. The third-round pick logged 23 snaps on Saturday evening and was largely washed out of the game throughout. Jackson’s run defense will speak for itself with his size, strength, and athleticism profile, but the pass rush left some to be desired against the Bucs’ backup offensive line. Quite simply, Jackson has had some up and down moments. While Jackson isn’t forced to play a big role in 2025, the lack of pressure against backup units is a concern towards his overall snap-count upside this season. It’s difficult to know what the practice reps have looked like. A tumultuous preseason isn’t surprising for a Day 2 defensive line pick. It’s fair to label this preseason as slightly disappointing while keeping in mind that Jackson is a rookie still figuring things out at this level.
DT Deone Walker
The man of the hour for the Bills on Saturday night was fourth rounder Deone Walker. Walker was dominant in his on-field action. He tallied four tackles, half a sack, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit in just 21 total snaps.
Walker’s flashes truly are special. The amount of stopping power he flashes with in his hands and pure knock-back power in the upper half was jarring. He was wrecking shop in the middle of the Bucs’ offensive line on multiple reps.
There’s still work to be done anchoring as a run defender, but there’s a unique element to Walker’s movement and pure hand power to go along with elite size. Walker may not be relied upon quite as much on run downs due to how often he’s been washed in the run game at times. But there’s a way to deploy him that the Bills can make sense of — possibly as a passing situation one technique early on. There’s a lot to love about Walker’s flash and he’s forced himself into a year one role with his performance.
DB Jordan Hancock
Hancock didn’t play against Tampa Bay due to a shoulder injury suffered in the Week 2 preseason game against the Chicago Bears. The indication on the injury doesn’t seem to be a long-term one. Hancock’s performance has locked him into a roster spot from day one. He may even work his way into the rotation as a safety sooner than later. The impact he’s made as a tackler and the athleticism offer an exciting package of tools to work with.
TE Jackson Hawes
Hawes saw 15 offensive snaps early while others like Zach Davidson and Keleki Latu got a lot of late run. It’s clear Hawes is the team’s third tight end. We finally got to see a successful rep as a pass catcher where he showed some elusiveness after the catch. Nobody will confuse Hawes for an elite receiver, but offering anything in the pass game on top of him being by far the best blocking tight end on the team is plenty enough. Hawes feels like another virtual lock to make the roster of the team’s Day 3 picks.
CB Dorian Strong
Strong may make the roster by default due to the injuries to both Hairston and White this summer. Strong hasn’t necessarily played well in his action to date when on televised preseason games, but the injuries to outside corners have to matter for solidifying the roster. He has shown flashes in camp — especially early on. Strong is a bit on the bubble, but the injuries and draft capital probably push him across the finish line to a roster spot.
OL Chase Lundt
Lundt has played left guard, right tackle, and now left tackle in preseason action. He played admirably well in the finale at left tackle against the Bucs — showing off his versatility and overall athleticism. His home is likely on the outside at either offensive tackle spot despite his overall length concerns. Lundt is another one that is firmly on the bubble. Offensive line is one of the team’s deepest spots. The decision will come down to long-time reserve Ryan Van Demark or Lundt. That’s one to watch as the team makes final choices.
