In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills selected Landon Jackson, an edge rusher from Arkansas, with the 72nd overall pick in the third round. This decision not only highlights the Bills’ focus on bolstering their defensive front but also reflects the long-term roster-building strategy of General Manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott. With his impressive size, explosiveness, and relentless playing style, Jackson is expected to bring significant value to the Bills, particularly as they aim to overcome postseason hurdles and compete with top-tier opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs. This analysis will delve into what Jackson brings to the Bills, from his on-field skills and developmental potential to how he fits into the team’s defensive scheme.
1. Landon Jackson’s Profile and Achievements
Landon Jackson, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 264 pounds, was one of the standout edge rushers for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Hailing from Texarkana, Texas, Jackson was a highly touted high school prospect, earning All-American honors and ranking among the top seven defensive linemen in his recruiting class. After a limited freshman season at LSU, where he played only five games primarily on special teams, Jackson transferred to Arkansas in 2021 and quickly established himself as a key component of their defense.
In his final two seasons at Arkansas (2023 and 2024), Jackson recorded 6.5 sacks each year, along with 49 tackles (10 for loss) and one forced fumble in 2024. He earned First-Team All-SEC honors from the coaches, recognizing his contributions in both run defense and pass rushing. At the 2025 NFL Combine, Jackson further impressed with a 40.5-inch vertical jump (the highest among defensive ends), a 10-foot-9 broad jump (second in his group), and a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, showcasing a rare combination of size and explosiveness.
2. Jackson’s Strengths and Value to the Bills
a. Ideal Size and Strength for the Edge Position
Jackson possesses an ideal frame for a defensive end in the Bills’ 4-3 defensive scheme, with a 6-foot-6, 264-pound build, 33.25-inch arms, and large 10-inch hands. This size allows him to effectively engage with larger NFL offensive tackles while providing an advantage in controlling gaps and stopping outside runs. According to analyst Joe Marino, Jackson has “hand power” and the ability to use multiple hand techniques to gain leverage early in matchups. He is particularly effective with an inside rip move, enabling him to bypass blockers and reach the quarterback or running back.
For the Bills, who already have established edge rushers like Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa, Jackson’s size and strength make him a valuable rotational player. He can contribute immediately, particularly in run-heavy situations on early downs, helping keep the starters fresh throughout games.
b. Elite Run-Stopping Ability
One of Jackson’s greatest strengths is his run defense, an area where the Bills need improvement after ranking 19th in yards allowed per rush attempt in 2024. According to Last Word on Sports, Jackson excels at “creating space” by pushing back offensive linemen and reacting quickly to running back cuts. He is particularly adept at setting the edge against outside runs (wide zones), a critical skill in the Bills’ defensive scheme, which demands strength and discipline from edge rushers.
Jackson’s presence will alleviate pressure on linebackers and create opportunities for defensive tackles like Ed Oliver to maximize their gap penetration. This is especially crucial against teams with strong rushing attacks, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, who exploited the Bills’ run defense in the 2024 AFC Championship game.
c. Potential as a Pass Rusher
While not yet a polished pass rusher, Jackson shows significant potential due to his explosiveness and football IQ. He doesn’t rely on pure speed or bend to beat blockers but instead uses strength and hand techniques to gain an advantage. Analyst Field Yates notes that Jackson could develop into a 7-10 sack per season pass rusher with proper coaching.
With the Bills, Jackson will have the opportunity to learn from Joey Bosa, one of the NFL’s most technically proficient edge rushers, and Greg Rousseau, who has made significant strides in recent years. Guidance from the Bills’ defensive coaching staff and a competitive locker room environment will help Jackson refine his pass-rushing skills, particularly in developing a clearer pass-rush plan and leveraging his quickness in one-on-one situations.
d. Character and Fit with Bills’ Culture
Beyond his on-field abilities, Jackson is highly regarded for his character and work ethic. Described as a “hair-on-fire” player with an “all football, all the time” mentality, he brings relentless effort to every snap. Jackson is also a positive voice in the community, particularly for those with Alopecia, a condition he has personally experienced. His dedication and leadership off the field align seamlessly with the Bills’ culture, where Sean McDermott emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
3. Jackson’s Role in the Bills’ System
a. Immediate Role: Rotational Edge Rusher
With Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa anchoring the edge positions, Jackson is unlikely to start in his rookie year. Instead, he is expected to serve as a rotational player, logging approximately 20-30% of defensive snaps, primarily on early downs and in run-defense situations. According to The Draft Network, Jackson is well-suited as an “early-down run stopper” with the potential to evolve into a “three-down defender” in the future.
Additionally, Jackson’s college experience on special teams could see him contribute immediately in roles like punt coverage or kick return, adding value to the roster while he hones his defensive skills.
b. Long-Term Vision: Potential Successor
The Bills’ defensive front faces some uncertainties moving forward. Joey Bosa is on a one-year deal, and A.J. Epenesa is set to become a free agent in 2026. While Greg Rousseau is signed through 2029, the Bills need a young edge rusher to develop and prepare for a larger role in the next 2-3 years. Jackson, with his physical tools and potential, represents a long-term investment to ensure the Bills maintain strength at the edge position in a post-Bosa era.
Moreover, Jackson’s versatility, with the ability to play both three-technique and five-technique alignments, allows him to adapt to various defensive packages, from base 4-3 to nickel or dime sets frequently used by the Bills.
4. Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite his many strengths, Jackson is not a finished product. Some challenges he must address to maximize his NFL potential include:
Limited Pass-Rushing Ability: Jackson currently lacks the bend and burst to consistently beat NFL offensive tackles. He needs to develop a more defined pass-rush plan and improve his ability to transition from power to speed.
Technique Refinement: Some analysts, such as NFL.com, note that Jackson’s large frame can make it difficult for him to lower his center of gravity and defeat quicker blockers.
Limited Experience: With only two seasons as a full-time starter at Arkansas, Jackson will need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
However, these weaknesses are coachable, and the Bills’ proven player development system, combined with mentorship from veterans like Bosa and Rousseau, provides an ideal environment for Jackson to address these limitations.
5. Comparisons and Expectations
Jackson is often compared to edge rushers like Calais Campbell or DeForest Buckner early in their careers, thanks to his combination of size, strength, and versatility along the defensive line. However, he will need time to reach that level. In the short term, he could fill a role similar to A.J. Epenesa’s current one—a reliable rotational player, stout against the run, with the potential to generate quarterback pressure.
In the long term, if Jackson develops his pass-rushing skills and maintains his explosiveness, he could become a full-time starter, contributing 6-8 sacks per season and serving as a cornerstone of the Bills’ defense. His success will depend on how the Bills deploy him in his rookie year and his ability to absorb knowledge from teammates and coaches.
6. Conclusion
Landon Jackson is a savvy third-round pick for the Buffalo Bills in the 2025 NFL Draft, offering a blend of size, strength, run-stopping prowess, and developmental upside. He addresses an immediate need for depth at the edge rusher position while serving as a long-term investment to ensure the Bills’ defense remains one of the NFL’s strongest units. With guidance from Sean McDermott and veterans like Joey Bosa, Jackson has the opportunity to develop into a key contributor in Buffalo’s quest for a Super Bowl.
As the Bills look to address postseason shortcomings and compete with the AFC’s elite, Jackson represents a critical piece of their puzzle. If he can maximize his potential, the name Landon Jackson could soon become a vital part of the Buffalo Bills’ success story.