Buffalo Rumblings
A bounceback performance for the Buffalo Bills saw a seemingly energized team rewarded with a “w” in the win/loss column against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to close the 2025 NFL preseason.
It was the last live showing before Week 1 for the Bills’ rookie draft picks to show up in front of fans to give a glimpse at what could be on the way for the 2025 season and beyond. Some of the team’s youngest players are putting their best foot forward in the final push as the roster dust settles.
One of the more ominous story lines exiting the preseason links directly to Hairston’s health. The uber-athletic first-rounder has been shelved for multiple weeks due to an LCL sprain. The most recent update revealed that general manager Brandon Beane is feeling unsure about whether Hairston will begin the season on Injured Reserve (IR) or not. That’s a decision soon to come, and is a major footnote of this team with under two weeks until kickoff. Hairston’s return is key with the other unknown status of Tre’Davious White, who suffered an ankle injury in practice last week. At this point, it’s very unlikely Hairston suits up for game one. But how long he remains out is still a question.
The Bills’ second-round selection only had 14 snaps in the preseason finale before hitting the bench early against Tampa Bay. Sanders didn’t register a box score stat in game. It’s clear that Sanders is going to factor heavily into Buffalo’s heavy rotation on the defensive line. He likely starts the season on the two-deep depth chart and will garner plenty of immediate snaps. The excitement of Sanders versus that of 2024 Day 2 selection Dewayne Carter is palpably different from each of their rookie seasons. Sanders slates to have a bigger role right away as compared to Carter in 2024.
It was a bit of a bumpy ride for Jackson in the preseason. The third-round pick logged 23 snaps on Saturday evening and was largely washed out of the game throughout. Jackson’s run defense will speak for itself with his size, strength, and athleticism profile, but the pass rush left some to be desired against the Bucs’ backup offensive line. Quite simply, Jackson has had some up and down moments. While Jackson isn’t forced to play a big role in 2025, the lack of pressure against backup units is a concern towards his overall snap-count upside this season. It’s difficult to know what the practice reps have looked like. A tumultuous preseason isn’t surprising for a Day 2 defensive line pick. It’s fair to label this preseason as slightly disappointing while keeping in mind that Jackson is a rookie still figuring things out at this level.
The man of the hour for the Bills on Saturday night was fourth rounder Deone Walker. Walker was dominant in his on-field action. He tallied four tackles, half...
