Bills' 2025 Draft Class Receives Concerning Grade

GM Brandon Beane's rookie class struggled with injuries and inconsistent play in their first season.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Buffalo Bills' 2025 draft class received a concerning "C-" grade from Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski after a disappointing rookie campaign. Several players battled injuries, while others failed to earn significant playing time, leading to the low mark. Only six teams received a worse grade, highlighting the struggles of Buffalo's newcomers.

Why it matters

The Bills are expected to be a Super Bowl contender, so getting strong production from their rookie class is crucial to sustaining that level of success. The poor performance of the 2025 draft haul could hinder the team's ability to fill key roster holes and provide depth, potentially impacting their championship aspirations.

The details

First-round pick CB Maxwell Hairston showed promise but was hampered by injuries, appearing in just 11 games and starting only three. Day 2 selections DT TJ Sanders and DE Landon Jackson also struggled, with Sanders having to play out of position and Jackson missing most of the season due to a torn PCL and MCL. However, fourth-rounder DT Deone Walker and fifth-rounder TE Jackson Hawes were bright spots, with Walker making the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

  • Hairston was selected 30th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Hairston suffered an LCL sprain in training camp that led to him opening the season on IR.
  • Sanders and Jackson were drafted on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Jackson suffered a torn PCL and MCL in Week 10, ending his rookie season prematurely.
  • Walker and Hawes were selected in the fourth and fifth rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, respectively.

The players

Brandon Beane

The general manager of the Buffalo Bills who oversaw the team's 2025 draft class.

Maxwell Hairston

A cornerback selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

TJ Sanders

A defensive tackle drafted by the Bills in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Landon Jackson

An edge rusher drafted by the Bills in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Deone Walker

A defensive tackle drafted by the Bills in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, who was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Jackson Hawes

A tight end drafted by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Hairston showed promise after being selected 30th overall due to Buffalo's need at corner, but the flashes were overshadowed by injury and the struggles expected from a rookie CB.”

— Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report Analyst (Bleacher Report)

“Sanders struggled mightily against the run.”

— Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report Analyst (Bleacher Report)

“Walker looked more like the preseason first-round projection than where he was actually drafted.”

— Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report Analyst (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Bills will look for their 2025 draft class to bounce back and contribute more in their second season, with players like Hairston, Jackson, and Strong returning to full health and Sanders having more opportunities to play his true position.

The takeaway

While a C- grade is fair given the struggles of the Bills' 2025 draft class, there is still room for improvement. If the team's young players can stay healthy and develop, they could still carve out a better legacy than their rookie seasons initially suggested.