The Buffalo Bills, a team striving to build a formidable defense to compete in the fiercely competitive AFC, made headlines during the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Landon Jackson, an edge rusher from Arkansas, with the 72nd overall pick in the third round. This rookie has not only impressed with his physical attributes and on-field performance but also stirred the NFL community with a bold comparison to Maxx Crosby—the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive star who boasts a $106 million contract.
Journey to the Buffalo Bills
Landon Jackson, standing at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98m) and weighing 264 pounds (120kg), was a standout at the 2025 NFL Combine. He recorded a 40.5-inch vertical jump (top among edge rushers), a 40-yard dash in 4.68 seconds, and an impressive Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.78, ranking 46th among over 2,000 edge rushers evaluated since 1987.
Before joining the Bills, Jackson had a notable college career with the Arkansas Razorbacks, where he recorded 6.5 sacks in each of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, along with 13 sacks and 22 tackles for loss (TFL) over two years. These achievements earned him First-Team All-SEC honors in 2023 and Second-Team All-SEC in 2024. Notably, one of Jackson’s sacks came against Alabama’s Kaydan Proctor, a projected top offensive tackle prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Bills, who ranked 18th in sacks in the 2024 season, targeted Jackson to bolster their defensive front. General Manager Brandon Beane expressed excitement about the pick, describing Jackson as an “elite athlete” with an “ideal frame” and a “relentless competitive spirit.” Beane emphasized that Jackson was at the top of their draft board at the time of selection, signaling high expectations for the rookie.
Bold Comparison to Maxx Crosby
What has thrust Landon Jackson into the spotlight is not just his on-field prowess but his audacious claim of resembling Maxx Crosby—one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers. Crosby, a fourth-round pick by the Raiders in 2019, has risen to superstardom with a four-year, $106 million contract. He is renowned for his speed, endurance, and unrelenting intensity, giving maximum effort on every play.
When asked about his playing style, Jackson confidently stated, “I see my game as similar to Maxx Crosby. I believe if I can maintain that speed and mentality like he does, I have a chance to be one of the top edge rushers in the NFL.” This statement not only reflects Jackson’s confidence but also sets a lofty benchmark for himself, especially as a third-round rookie.
However, reaching Crosby’s level will require Jackson to refine his initial burst and sustain his intensity. Crosby, at 6 feet 5 inches and 255 pounds, holds an edge in agility compared to Jackson, who has a slightly larger frame. Analysts suggest that if Jackson can emulate Crosby’s “never-quit mentality,” he has the potential to make a significant impact in the future.
Potential and Challenges in Buffalo
Joining the Bills offers Jackson an opportunity to develop within a promising defensive unit alongside players like Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and veteran addition Joey Bosa. However, it also presents a challenge, as he must compete for playing time. Experts believe Jackson’s size and strength make him versatile, capable of playing as a 4i edge rusher or a stand-up outside linebacker.
PFF Analyst Trevor Sikkema, who named Jackson as his favorite Bills pick in the 2025 draft, commented, “Jackson is a younger, more explosive version of A.J. Epenesa. He has ideal length, strong run defense with an 88.8 PFF run-defense grade in 2024, and the potential to become a cornerstone player.” Jackson’s versatility and competitive drive are expected to help him adapt quickly to Buffalo’s defensive scheme.
Some analysts, like NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein, note that Jackson needs to improve his body control and flexibility to handle NFL offensive linemen. Nevertheless, with his “high motor” and exceptional athletic traits, he is projected to become a “quality starter” in the future.
Off-Field Story
Beyond his on-field talent, Jackson endeared himself to fans with a humorous draft-day anecdote. When the Bills called to inform him of his selection, his phone flagged the call as “potential spam,” nearly prompting him to ignore it. Fortunately, his wife, Grace Duffer, convinced him to answer, and it turned out to be the life-changing call from Buffalo. Jackson recalled, “I sat down and started crying” upon realizing the magnitude of the opportunity.
Jackson and Grace Duffer, whom he married in April 2024, became a focal point after his draft selection. The couple, engaged in July 2023, frequently share joyful moments on Instagram, capturing the attention of fans.
Expectations for the Future
With significant investments in their defense during the 2025 draft, the Buffalo Bills are signaling their ambition to construct a “steel wall” to counter potent AFC offenses, particularly the Kansas City Chiefs led by Patrick Mahomes. Landon Jackson, with his potential and confidence, is seen as a “diamond in the rough” who could shine brightly in the years ahead.
While comparing himself to Maxx Crosby may seem ambitious, it underscores Jackson’s determination to reach the pinnacle of the sport. With guidance from veterans and Buffalo’s coaching staff, fans have reason to believe this rookie will soon prove his worth on the NFL stage.
