Bills' Top Draft Picks Struggle in Rookie Season

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The Buffalo Bills were excited about their top two draft picks in 2025 - cornerback Maxwell Hairston and defensive tackle T.J. Sanders. However, both players struggled in their rookie seasons, with Hairston ranking 20th among first-round picks and Sanders ranking 29th among second-rounders in PFF's rookie grades.

Why it matters

The Bills were counting on Hairston and Sanders to be key pieces of their defense, but their underwhelming performances in year one raise questions about the team's ability to develop top draft talent. This is especially concerning for a team with Super Bowl aspirations that needs to maximize its draft capital.

The details

Hairston, the 30th overall pick, flashed potential when healthy, recording 18 tackles, 5 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions in 11 games. However, he missed time due to knee and ankle injuries. Sanders, selected 41st overall, struggled to make an impact, finishing with just 16 tackles and 1 sack in 12 games. The Bills tried moving him from defensive tackle to defensive end, but he never stood out.

• Hairston suffered a knee sprain during training camp, forcing him to miss the first 7 weeks of the season.
• Hairston suffered an ankle injury in Week 18, keeping him out of the postseason.

What’s next

Perhaps working with new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will help unlock Sanders' potential, but as of now, this pick isn't getting great reviews.