Since their arrival in Buffalo in 2017, Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott have prioritized building a strong defense. This focus is evident in the Bills’ draft history, with five first-round picks used on defensive players: Tre’Davious White, Tremaine Edmunds, Ed Oliver, Greg Rousseau, and Kaiir Elam. Additionally, A.J. Epenesa was selected in the second round of the 2020 draft.
Recently, the Bills shifted their draft strategy toward bolstering the offense. They selected quarterback Josh Allen in 2018, traded up for tight end Dalton Kincaid in 2023, and picked rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman in 2024. However, with the team’s defense aging, another shift in focus may be on the horizon.
Key defensive players like Matt Milano, Rasul Douglas, DaQuan Jones, and Von Miller might have only one season left after 2024. Among them, Von Miller appears most likely to depart first. Signed in 2022 to strengthen Buffalo’s pass rush, Miller’s impact has been limited, and his tenure with the team seems to be nearing its conclusion.
In a recent 2025 NFL mock draft by CBS Sports, Arkansas edge rusher Landon Jackson is projected as the Bills’ pick. Standing 6’7” and weighing 280 pounds, Jackson would complement Greg Rousseau on the defensive line. Despite A.J. Epenesa’s solid contributions, he is not viewed as a long-term solution. Adding Jackson, who has recorded 13 sacks over two seasons, would bring youth and potential to a crucial position while alleviating the financial burden of extending Rousseau.
As Von Miller’s time in Buffalo nears its end, drafting a replacement seems like a logical step for the team’s future.
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