The Buffalo Bills added some new energy to their roster by selecting eight new players via the 2025 NFL draft. The picks add life and competition to a group that is trying to win its first AFC Championship in over 40 years.
The Bills jave started to familiarize itself with their prospects, as the rookies have completed rookie camp and OTAs this summer. Based on their initial performance and college evaluations, we can make some early guesses about which players will have the biggest impact Bills this season.
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Here is a ranking of the 2025 Bills draft class’s potential impact by Bills Wire.
8. WR Kaden Prather
Buffalo Bills Kaden Prather runs with the ball after turning and catching a pass during a drill at their practice facility on May 27, 2025.
The Bills took a flyer on Prather in the seventh round. A large target at 6-foot-3, Prather can use his leverage to outwork cornerbacks. He started 12 games last year, reeling in 56 catches for 624 yards and four touchdowns. However, his best path to earning snaps this year will most likely come on special teams.
8. T Chase Lundt
Jun 11, 2025; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Chase Lundt (77) works out during Minicamp at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Lundt will be more of a long-term project for Buffalo. He has a dearth of experience, starting 48 games for Connecticut during his college career. Lundt was strong against FBS pass rushers, ranking as one of the best tackles against pressure. Lundt will have to work into a role on the roster as a swing tackle if he hopes to earn snaps this fall. A year on the practice squad might be more realistic for Lundt, as he works on his footwork at each tackle spot.
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7. CB Dorian Strong
Nov 30, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Dorian Strong (44) tackles Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Chris Tyree (4) during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Strong did very well in man coverage last year, allowing a completion percentage of only 22 percent. The Hokie had 20 solo tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions last year. A strong camp could see Strong sneak up the depth chart. Strong could challenge Dane Jackson for the CB4 spot if things fall into place.
6. TE Jackson Hawes
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Hawes (TE11) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Hawes is an intriguing prospect for the Bills. He is an excellent blocker for a tight end. The Bills used Alec Anderson as the sixth offensive lineman last year; Hawes may be able to slide into this role, as the team can emphasize his blocking skills. In addition, Hawes could give Buffalo a bit more versatility than Anderson, as the Georgia Tech product did well with limited targets in college.
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5. DB Jordan Hancock
Buffalo Bills Jordan Hancock sprints away from a player lined up against him during voluntary workouts at their practice facility on May 27, 2025.
Hanock played multiple spots in the secondary for Ohio State last year. He projects as a depth slot cornerback, but he also has experience as a safety. This could play well for him in Buffalo’s secondary, as the Bills could use Hancock in a variety of schemes. His path to playing time is a little more complicated, with Taron Johnson ahead of him at slot corner. However, with the safety spots largely up in the air right now, Hancock could challenge for time as a reserve in the back end of the defense.
4. DT Deone Walker
Jun 11, 2025; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Deone Walker (96) makes a catch with defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) looking on during Minicamp at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Walker brings a bit more size to the interior of the defensive line. If things fall correctly for him, Walker could see some substantial time as a one-tech defender for the Bills. Larry Ogunjobi will miss the first third of the season due to a suspension. In addition, DaQuan Jones is reaching the twilight of his career. With a strong training camp, Walker’s path to time on the field could expand.
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3. DT TJ Sanders
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive lineman TJ Sanders (DL31) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Sanders was Buffalo’s second-round pick. The Bills traded up 15 spots to select Sanders with the 41st overall pick. Sanders is versatile, having experience at both one-tech and three-tech alignments. Sanders fits more as a three-tech, but with Ed Oliver entrenched in that role, Sanders will need to kick over next to Oliver on the line. Sanders has been impressive as a pass rusher in the interior. The idea of him and Oliver causing problems on the opponent’s interior line is an intriguing option for Buffalo. He also has an inside track at early snaps, as free agent signee Larry Ogunjobi will miss Buffalo’s first six games due to a suspension.
2. EDGE Landon Jackson
Jun 11, 2025; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills edge rusher Landon Jackson (94) makes a catch during Minicamp at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Jackson checks off all of the items that Buffalo loves in a player. He is a high-motor, versatile, straight-line tackler. Jackson is athletic and can play in any situation. He might not be a three-down starter early, but expect Jackson to make the most of his reps early in the season. Jackson will be saddled behind Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa at the onset of the year. However, with Bosa’s injury history, snaps may open up for Jackson. He looks to challenge AJ Epenesa to be first in line on the team’s defensive rotation.
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1. CB Maxwell Hairston
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Maxwell Hairston speaks in a press conference after being selected by the Buffalo Bills as the number 30 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Hairston was Buffalo’s first-round selection in this April’s Draft. All signs point to him earning a major role on the Bills defense this season. Hairston’s skill set fits what the Bills need the most in their secondary. He has blazing speed, clocking in at 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He has great coverage skills, giving Buffalo an option to stay in man coverage when Hairston is lined up against some of the faster players in the NFL. The spot opposite Christian Benford will be an open competition between Hairston and Tre’Davious White. If Hairston settles in quickly, he will be a Week 1 starter for Buffalo.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills potential rookie impact rating