Bills' Hairston Ranked Biggest Reach in 2025 NFL Draft

The Buffalo Bills focused heavily on defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston with the 30th overall pick to address a key need in their secondary. Hairston, known for his impressive speed showcased by a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, is expected to get significant playing time and is already considered a contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year. However, some analysts, particularly from Pro Football Focus (PFF), have criticized the pick as a 'reach,' noting that Hairston was ranked lower on their big board and had an inconsistent junior season due in part to a shoulder injury. Despite these concerns, the Bills remain hopeful that Hairston's athleticism and ball skills will translate to success at the professional level. Additional defensive selections in the draft included T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker at defensive tackle, and edge rusher Landon Jackson, whom some experts identified as the team's best value pick. The Bills' draft strategy suggests confidence in their existing offense, as most selections focused on bolstering the defense.