During the lead-up to the 2025 NFL draft, defensive end was a position of need many analysts saw for the Buffalo Bills. One Bills Drive responded (eventually), selecting defensive end Landon Jackson during Round 3 of April’s draft.
The former Razorback has the physical traits Buffalo tends to look for in EDGE players — a rookie who stands at 6’6” and weighs 264 pounds. He’s a massive prospect with 33 1/4” arms and 10” hands, and reveals himself as someone in the mold of defensive end Greg Rousseau.
In college, Jackson totaled 13 sacks the last two seasons against SEC competition. Let’s see what the film says about his game.
Play 1: Landon Jackson wins on the inside
Pre-snap Jackson lined up on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. Once the play was rolling, Jackson shifted inside, winning the initial hand fight. Jackson then ripped through the tackle, finishing the play with a hit on the quarterback.
Play 2: Landon Jackson brings speed off the edge
Here we see Jackson’s speed off the edge of the defensive line. Before the play starts Jackson is centered over the offensive tackle. At the snap he went outside and ripped through the tackle. Jackson then beat the tackle to the point where there were a few feet of space between them.
Play 3: Landon Jackson displays good bend around the edge
Here above, the play began with Jackson dipping his shoulder. He then bent around the edge and worked around the tackle for the sack.
The Fast Lane
Landon Jackson has plenty of enticing skills that could allow the Bills to develop him into a more complete, pure pass rusher. He has the ability to win both outside and inside against bigger offensive linemen. Jackson’s also flexible and shows good bend when getting around offensive tackles.
What do you notice in Jackson’s game, and how do you see him fitting in with the Bills’ heavy rotation at defensive end? Will he find his way to several sacks as a rookie in 2025, or is he destined to thrive as a run defender?