3 EDGE Prospects Bills Should Consider Drafting to Fix 2025 Mistake

The Buffalo Bills are looking to improve their pass rush in the 2026 NFL Draft after a disappointing rookie season from 2025 third-round pick Landon Jackson.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:00pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in the midst of a pass rush, with his body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, red, and gold tones, conveying the explosive energy and intensity of the defensive position.The Bills' search for a dominant edge rusher to anchor their new 3-4 defense takes center stage in the 2026 NFL Draft.Today in Miami

The Buffalo Bills are entering the 2026 NFL Draft in search of an edge rusher to compete with 2025 third-round pick Landon Jackson, who had an unproductive and injury-riddled rookie season. The team is considering three EDGE prospects - David Bailey from Texas Tech, Akheem Mesidor from Miami, and Malachi Lawrence from UCF - who could provide the competition Jackson needs to step up and secure his starting role.

Why it matters

The Bills are transitioning to a 3-4 defensive scheme, and finding the right edge rushers to fit that system is crucial. Jackson was a disappointment in his rookie year, so the team is looking to add new talent through the draft to push him and ensure they have a strong pass rush in 2026.

The details

Jackson was drafted in the third round in 2025 along with second-round pick T.J. Sanders and fourth-round pick Deone Walker. Sanders is expected to start at left defensive end, and Walker at nose tackle, but the right defensive end spot is up for grabs. The Bills are considering three EDGE prospects who could provide competition for Jackson: David Bailey from Texas Tech, Akheem Mesidor from Miami, and Malachi Lawrence from UCF. Bailey is an athletic pass-rush specialist who had 14.5 sacks in 2025. Mesidor is a versatile 6'3", 280-pound athlete who can play end or tackle. Lawrence has the prototypical size at 6'4", 250 pounds and rare 4.52 speed for the position.

  • In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bills selected Landon Jackson in the third round.
  • Jackson had an unproductive and injury-riddled rookie season in 2025.

The players

Landon Jackson

A 2025 third-round pick by the Buffalo Bills who had an unproductive and injury-riddled rookie season.

T.J. Sanders

The Bills' 2025 second-round pick who is expected to start at left defensive end in their new 3-4 defensive scheme.

Deone Walker

The Bills' 2025 fourth-round pick who is projected to start at nose tackle in their new 3-4 defensive scheme.

David Bailey

A pass-rush specialist from Texas Tech who totaled 14.5 sacks in 2025 and could be an early-round target for the Bills.

Akheem Mesidor

A versatile 6'3", 280-pound defensive lineman from Miami who can play end or tackle and could provide competition for Jackson.

Malachi Lawrence

A 6'4", 250-pound edge rusher from UCF with rare 4.52 speed who could fit the Bills' 3-4 scheme.

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The takeaway

The Bills are determined to find the right edge rusher to complement their new 3-4 defensive scheme, and they are considering several talented prospects in the 2026 draft to provide competition for 2025 third-round pick Landon Jackson, who struggled as a rookie. Improving the pass rush is a priority for the Bills as they look to take the next step as a defense in 2026.