One thing to know about each Bills 2025 NFL draft pick
One thing to know about each Bills 2025 NFL draft pick
The Buffalo Bills added nine players to their roster at the 2025 NFL draft, with six coming on defense and three on offense.
They went into the draft with ten picks, and traded up a couple of times to get their guys. They addressed multiple positions of need (defensive line and cornerback) and added quality depth and competition.
The Bills are hoping this is the draft class that helps take them to the promise land.
Here is something to know about each of the Bills' draft picks:
CB Max Hairston (Round 1, pick 30)
Max Hairston led the SEC in interceptions in 2023 with five, which was tied for sixth in the entire FBS. He recorded the fastest 40-time at the combine (4.29 seconds).
DT T.J. Sanders (Round 2, pick 41)
T.J. Sanders recorded back-to-back years of at least five sacks and 30 tackles from the defensive tackle position.
DE Landon Jackson (Round 3, pick 72)
Landon Jackson started 12 games in each of his final two years at Arkansas, a first-team All-SEC selection in 2023 and second-team in 2024.
DT Deone Walker (Round 4, pick 109)
Deone Walker, at 6'7" and 331 pounds, was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2023, recording 7.5 sacks and leading the team with 12.5 TFLs.
CB Jordan Hancock (Round 5, pick 170)
Jordan Hancock started 14 games for the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes in 2024, recording 48 tackles, one interception, and eight passes defensed.
TE Jackson Hawes (Round 5, pick 173)
Jackson Hawes was a two-time second-team All-Ivy League selection before transferring to Georgia Tech for his final season.
CB Dorian Strong (Round 6, pick 177)
Dorian Strong started 25 games for Virginia Tech over the last two seasons, recording five interceptions and 14 PBUs. He was a third-team All-ACC selection in 2023 and an honorable mention in 2024.
OT Chase Lundt (Round 6, pick 206)
Chase Lundt allowed zero sacks across 449 pass-block snaps in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus. PFF gave him an 86.7 offensive grade last year.
WR Kaden Prather (Round 7, pick 240)
Kaden Prather has put up at least 500 receiving yards in each of the last three years, recording 501 yards in 2022 with West Virginia before transferring to Maryland where he had 666 yards (2023) and 624 yards (2024).
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USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
SEC quarterback rankings: Arch Manning headlines loaded list
The SEC features the nation's best batch of college football quarterbacks, with Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier and DJ Lagway included in the top tier. How good is this crop of SEC quarterbacks? Consider, the quarterback ranked last on this list owns a victory as a starter against Nick Saban's Alabama. And the No. 1 quarterback on my list? Well, he requires no introduction. The SEC became the nation's best conference because of its superiority at the line of scrimmage, punishing running backs and speed on the perimeter. Somewhere along the way, though, this conference began attracting the best quarterback talent, too. That's especially reflected this season. Consider this list as a collection of tiers. The top five quarterbacks compromise the top tier, and each would rank highly on a national list of quarterbacks. The middle tier offers stability and parity, and the quarterbacks ranked Nos. 6 through 9 could be scrambled into a different order. Five projected starters transferred to their new schools this past offseason. Some schools, including Alabama, Georgia, Missouri and Tennessee, have not named a starter. The quarterbacks listed reflect our best estimation of the team's starter. Here's how I rank this impressive batch of SEC quarterbacks: 1. Arch Manning (Texas) Manning is far from the most proven quarterback on this list, even if he's got the most famous surname. This ranking is based on Manning's potential for a lofty ceiling after he looked the part of budding star in two spot starts and backup opportunities last season. He should be ready to break out in Year 3 playing for Steve Sarkisian, one of the nation's top quarterback developers. Manning's arm is sharp, and his mobility and size are an X-factor, although he must improve his internal clock of knowing when to scramble when under duress. 2. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) If you want to know what scouts mean when they say a quarterback has a 'live arm,' watch Nussmeier sling a pass toward the sideline. He's got zip. He needs to reduce his throws into impossible windows and stop telegraphing to the defense where he's going with the ball. His 12 interceptions tied for the most in the SEC, but his 29 touchdown passes ranked just two off the conference lead. He's an established veteran with a big arm, and he's the SEC's returning leader in passing yards. Plus, he's surrounded by a talented receivers. PLAYOFF TALKS: As Big Ten, SEC squabble, the College Football Playoff wins SO, THERE'S A CHANCE?: Five college football sleepers that could contend for national championship 3. LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) Sellers steadily improved throughout his redshirt freshman season, to the point that he threw for 353 yards and five touchdowns in a November triumph over Missouri. He's an excellent runner, too. Ask Clemson about that. His quarterback efficiency rating in conference games leads all SEC returning quarterbacks. He's accurate, but he needs to improve his processing time. Ball security is his other area for improvement after he fumbled 11 times. If he speeds up his decision-making, he should see those fumble numbers reduce. 4. DJ Lagway (Florida) Lagway is a big play waiting to happen. He throws a good deep ball and averaged 10 yards per pass attempt as a true freshman. He should make more plays with his legs, too, after a hamstring injury slowed him last season. Injuries are a concern. A throwing shoulder injury limited his spring practice participation. By May, though, he was throwing three times per week. Along with his health, he needs to improve his midrange accuracy and reduce interceptions. He threw nine picks in 192 pass attempts last year, but he oozes upside. 5. John Mateer (Oklahoma) Mateer produced awesome stat lines last season at Washington State. He passed for more than 3,100 yards and rushed for more than 800. He's efficient, as well as tough, strong and incredibly athletic. He can throw on the move and from multiple arm angles. He's got plenty of tools in his belt. Why not rank him higher? He's unproven against SEC competition. Two of his worst passing performances last year came in his two games against Power Four competition. 6. Austin Simmons (Mississippi) Rebels coach Lane Kiffin describes Simmons as a 'really talented thrower' with 'a high ceiling." You'd likely hear no argument from Kirby Smart. Simmons looked the part in a relief appearance against Georgia that resulted in a touchdown drive. He threw just 32 passes as a backup last season but looked good doing so. He played college baseball before opting to focus exclusively on football. On the mound, he fired fastballs that topped 90 mph. Is he ready to be the guy in a system that asks a lot of the quarterback? That's the question he must answer. 7. Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt) Vanderbilt's Tasmanian Devil of a quarterback runs on moxie, and he's at his best when facing the state of Alabama. This cocksure sixth-year senior spurred Vanderbilt's upsets of Alabama and Auburn, and he previously beat the Tigers while quarterbacking New Mexico State. Pavia values possession, throwing only four interceptions last year. He's a good runner, but the hits he absorbed took a toll. Pavia passed for fewer than 190 yards in each of his final six games. He lacks top-end arm strength, but he has a nose for playmaking. 8. Marcel Reed (Texas A&M) Would the real Reed please stand up? The Aggie ignited in September after giving the offensive keys to Reed but fizzled in November, as Reed threw six interceptions in his final five games. The quick-footed Reed showed an ability to extend plays and knife through defenses. He'll need to improve his consistency from the pocket and polish his deep ball. Texas A&M returned a lot of production. As Reed goes (or doesn't go), so will the Aggies. 9. Taylen Green (Arkansas) Green is a mobile, hard-nosed runner with a strong arm. He can challenge defenses with downfield strikes. He became more accurate as the season progressed and flourished in an October upset of Tennessee, despite the Vols boasting one of the SEC's top defenses. His next steps are to improve decision-making, navigating through his progressions and sharpening his midrange throws. 10. Gunner Stockton (Georgia) The Bulldogs rallied around Stockton after he took the reins midway through the SEC Championship. It's easy to picture him becoming Georgia's heartbeat. He doesn't match predecessor Carsen Beck's arm talent, but he's more mobile, and there's a certain "Je ne sais quoi" about him that appeals to his teammates. He flashed accuracy when his line protected him, and he's skilled in play-action. Whether he'll stretch defenses downfield remains a question. 11. Ty Simpson (Alabama) Simpson hasn't proven himself yet. A former five-star recruit, he's entering Year 4 at Alabama and he's thrown just 50 career passes, with a 58% completion clip. A natural pocket passer, he possesses some mobility, too, and improvisational skills. Coach Kalen DeBoer desires more consistency from Simpson, the quarterback who's first in line to replace predecessor Jalen Milroe. 12. Blake Shapen (Mississippi State) Shapen looked sharp as Mississippi State's quarterback for four games last September before a shoulder injury shelved him for the rest of the season. He's back for a sixth season, and the former Baylor quarterback grasps coach Jeff Lebby's offense. Shapen's return offers the Bulldogs reason for optimism, considering he completed 68.5% of his passes before the injury. 13. Jackson Arnold (Auburn) Arnold struggled as Oklahoma's starter, losing his job before regaining it and starting in the Sooners' upset of Alabama. That result must give Auburn hope that the junior shouldn't be written off after a rough season playing behind a porous Oklahoma offensive line. Arnold struggled to connect consistently on throws beyond about 10 yards. Arm strength and mobility are assets. Maybe, this former five-star recruit will regain his confidence at Auburn, where he'll have a better offensive line and receivers. 14. Beau Pribula (Missouri) In Pribula's most extensive playing time as a Penn State backup, he showed a steady hand in relief of injured Drew Allar in a win against Wisconsin. He's a quality pickup for Missouri, which needed to replace starter Brady Cook. Pribula hasn't been named for the job, but he seems like he'd be the front-runner in a competition with Sam Horn, Missouri's seldom-used backup. Pribula is an electrifying runner who pairs athleticism with toughness. His running ability provided Penn State with an effective wrinkle to its system. To become a starter, he must prove himself as a consistent pocket passer. 15. Joey Aguilar (Tennessee) Aguilar showed a fearless streak while starting at Appalachian State. A best-case scenario for Tennessee is that he develops into something like what Pavia became for Vanderbilt. Aguilar can extend plays outside the pocket. Fearless can't mean reckless, though. He led the nation in interceptions at App State. Aguilar previously transferred to UCLA, but he left for Tennessee on the backside of the Bruins plundering Nico Iamaleava from the Vols. Aguilar's preseason checklist must include improving pocket poise, ball security and learning a new offense at warp speed. 16. Zach Calzada (Kentucky) Calzada started in Texas A&M's upset of Alabama, way back in 2021, and he now prepares for his seventh season with his fourth program. Calzada never developed enough midrange accuracy at Texas A&M, but he threw a good deep ball, and he's coming off a monster season with Incarnate Word of the Championship Subdivision. He's more intriguing than plenty of past Kentucky quarterbacks. Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@ and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Why Big Ten will regret bullying SEC on its college football schedule
If the Big Ten strong-arms the SEC into reducing its number of cupcake games and beefing up its schedule, that will be a win for college football. Just not a win for the Big Ten. The SEC speeds too much of its football schedule on easy street. That's the Big Ten's stance, as articulated recently by Illinois coach Bret Bielema. Bielema conveyed the mood of his conference when he called on the SEC to play a ninth conference game. If the Big Ten successfully strong-arms the SEC into reducing its number of cupcake opponents, that will be a win for college football. The stubborn persistence of non-conference pushover games remains one of this sport's lamest elements, and no conference plays more patsies than the SEC. The surest way to reduce the number of cupcakes would be to increase the number of conference games. It's not the only way, but it's the firmest path. Left to their own devices, some schools will pursue the greatest number of non-conference cakewalks. So, I wish the Big Ten luck in its mission to bend the SEC toward nine conference games, a figure that would match the number played by the Big Ten and Big 12. And yet, I wonder whether the Big Ten will come to regret trying to bully the SEC on its schedule. Because, I see this ending one of two ways. Possibility 1: The SEC will dig in its heels, rebuff the Big Ten, and remain at eight conference games. If this occurs, it will show that the Big Ten doesn't possess the power it must think it has to influence other conferences. Wouldn't be the first time this happened, either. Remember when the Big Ten chose to cancel its 2020 season amid the pandemic. How'd that turn out? The SEC decided it would play in 2020, and the Big Ten came crawling back to play a truncated season, revealing itself a follower in 2020, not a leader. More recently, the Big Ten supported a playoff format rigged with a stacked deck of auto bids. When the SEC soured on the plan, the Big Ten's idea withered on the vine. Possibility 2: The SEC will accept the Big Ten's challenge to play a ninth conference game and reap the reward by building strength of schedule metrics that dwarf most of the Big Ten. The SEC repeatedly has proven itself too chicken to add a ninth conference game. The reasons change, but the result remains the same: Eight conference games. The SEC's reluctance to add another conference game amounts to an irrational fear of the boogeyman. If it ever takes the plunge, it would learn that the rewards offset outweigh the risks. The SEC waged an offseason propaganda campaign claiming that the College Football Playoff selection committee does not value its schedule strength. That's hogwash. In truth, the CFP committee has repeatedly valued the SEC's schedule strength. If the playoff had included 16 teams last season, the SEC would have qualified three 9-3 teams and six teams total, while no other conference supplied a three-loss team. The SEC wishes for the selection process to evolve so that strength of schedule metrics are weighted even more in the future, when determining at-large playoff bids. If it achieves that mission and also beefs up its schedule with another conference game, while the playoff expands to 16 teams, look out, Big Ten. The runway would be greased for a cavalcade of 9-3 playoff teams from the SEC. Plus, adding another conference game would help distinguish the SEC's wheat from its chaff, helping ensure that the best SEC teams made the playoff. As it is, the Big Ten owns one upper-hand on the SEC in the rhetoric wars that surround at-large bids: Its membership plays one extra conference game, and most of its members play 10 Power Four opponents, while most SEC teams play nine Power Four foes. If the SEC adds a ninth conference game, the Big Ten would surrender that upper-hand. By trying to persuade the SEC to expand its conference schedule, though, the Big Ten must believe another potential outcome exists. Such as: Possibility 3: A ninth SEC game would cause the conference to buckle under the weight of its collective strength, losses will mount, thereby reducing the number of SEC teams with playoff résumés and allowing more access for the Big Ten. Is this possible? Yes. Probable? No. The committee already values strength of schedule, and the SEC's scheduling would be beyond reproach if it added another conference game. Vanderbilt shocking Alabama and Kentucky upsetting a top-five opponent on the road are exceptions in the SEC, not rules. Despite those results in 2024, Alabama and Mississippi would have qualified for a 16-team playoff as three-loss teams. Now, imagine if Alabama and Ole Miss had inserted another win against an SEC opponent in place of a blowout against Championship Subdivision roadkill. That would have enhanced each team's credentials, and yet, that's what the Big Ten seems to want. It calls on the SEC to enhance its collective strength of schedule, at an inflection point when strength of schedule could be valued more than ever in the playoff selection process. Careful what you wish for, Big Ten. In 2020, when teams played conference-only schedules, the SEC put four teams in the top nine of the final CFP rankings. Playing more SEC games sure didn't hamper the league that year. If the Big Ten gets its way, and the SEC adds another conference game in place of a cupcake, that would buoy college football. Just don't think it helps the Big Ten. Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@ and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
10 NFL undrafted free agents who could make initial 53-man rosters as rookies
Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports called Project: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. By definition, undrafted free agents might seem like an afterthought to most after being repeatedly passed over. But that's hardly the case for NFL teams. To fully capitalize on months of extensive scouting work, front offices extend their personnel push well beyond the seven rounds of each draft. The work begins immediately as franchises flock to sign undrafted free agents, often ponying up significant sums of guaranteed money just to get what amounts to a first look at players. Many of those who latch on with teams during this portion of the process will end up on practice squads, operating in a sort of football purgatory as teams monitor their development. But that designation leaves them open to being signed away by competitors willing to put them on their active roster, so any organization worried about its promising young talent being poached must tread carefully. And with no shortage of recent success stories from the undrafted ranks – including Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker, who nearly matched the rookie yardage output of first-round teammate Xavier Legette, and Los Angeles Rams linebacker Omar Speights, who started 10 games in 2024 – coaching staffs have plenty of reason to keep an eye out for unlikely early contributors. With training camps set to start up next month, here are 10 undrafted free agents who this year have a chance to make the initial 53-man roster for their respective teams: Efton Chism III, WR, New England Patriots With New England having centered its draft on an all-out effort to support second-year quarterback Drake Maye, it seemed inevitable that an offensive newcomer would set himself apart during offseason workouts. Yet rather than first-round offensive tackle Will Campbell, second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson or third-round wideout Kyle Williams, it was a little-known slot receiver from Eastern Washington who created as big of a buzz as anyone. Chism, who broke Cooper Kupp's school single-season record for catches with 120 last year, quickly became a favorite of Maye, who estimated he found the 5-10, 195-pound target for "like 50 catches" in organized team activities. That only means so much prior to the start of training camp, but it unquestionably highlighted Chism's potential value given the Patriots' mandate on putting the 2024 No. 3 overall pick in more favorable spots after a rookie year rife with challenges. "I think he's a talented player. I think he has a certain skill set. He's dedicated. He's studied extremely hard," Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said in June. "He has a good feel for what we're asking him to do. I think the biggest thing for receivers is that there's trust from the guy that throws the football. "When you earn the quarterback's trust ... it doesn't take you long to figure out who the quarterback trusts. It's the ones they target. That's a good indicator." Chism's appeal as a safety valve in a Josh McDaniels-helmed system known for creating opportunities for slot receivers should be readily evident. But Demario Douglas looks to be entrenched in that role for the near future, and securing a spot on the roster might entail leapfrogging several more high-profile pass catchers in Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte and Javon Baker. If Chism continues to make his mark in a more competitive setting throughout the summer, however, he could be too promising to part with. Cobee Bryant, CB, Atlanta Falcons After placing a premium on jolting its pass rush with first-rounders Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., the Falcons then shifted their focus toward reshaping their secondary with second-round safety Xavier Watts and third-round nickel Billy Bowman Jr. But the work might not have ended there. Atlanta also added Bryant, a three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection who notched 13 career interceptions at Kansas. His 180-pound frame will need to be filled out for him to hold up against NFL receivers, particularly given his hyperphysical style that could leave him prone to plenty of penalties. But his consistently elevated aggressiveness serves him well in other phases of his game, and the Falcons' cornerback depth is relatively limited. Wide receiver Nick Nash and offensive guard Joshua Gray also have a solid shot at sticking around. Jared Ivey, DE, Seattle Seahawks On first blush, the Seahawks' edge rush might seem to be too deep to lend itself to an undrafted player latching on, with free-agent signee DeMarcus Lawrence and Boye Mafe being backed by Uchenna Nwosu and 2023 second-round pick Derick Hall. But Mike Macdonald's complex scheme demands a lot from its pass rushers, and Seattle could use some short-term insurance given Lawrence and Nwosu combined to play in just 10 games last season due to injuries. Ivey lacks the explosiveness of a typical developmental edge threat, but his versatility and skill set should endear him to Macdonald. Isaiah Neyor, WR, San Francisco 49ers With Brandon Aiyuk seemingly on track to start the year on the physically unable to perform list as he continues to recover from torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, the 49ers' outlook at receiver is far from settled. But that dynamic could open up an opportunity for Neyor, a 6-4, 218-pound speedster who drew a rave initial review from six-time Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle. "He was running a route and he got like 9 1/2 yards in two strides," said Kittle on a June appearance on the "Bussin with the Boys" podcast. "I was like, 'Holy (expletive).' It was insane. We watched it like 10 times in the tight end room. We were like, 'How is he doing this?'" Neyor first broke out at Wyoming in 2021 by averaging nearly 20 yards per catch and hauling in 12 touchdowns. But after tearing his ACL at Texas and only posting modest production last year at Nebraska, he still lacks a handle on the finer points of the position. Still, Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch might be reticent to allow other teams to swoop in, and Neyor might be able to earn a spot on the initial roster if he can beat out seventh-round selection Junior Bergen. Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Green Bay Packers A three-year starter on Georgia's star-studded defense, Stackhouse doesn't offer the flashy athletic traits of former teammates like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis or even Warren Brinson, whom the Packers selected in the sixth round in April. But the 6-4, 327-pounder eats up space in the run game and routinely blows up blocks. With T.J. Slaton's departure leaving a void for that role on an interior line group otherwise built on penetrating, Stackhouse can carve out a fairly straightforward niche despite his playmaking limitations. Andrew Armstrong, WR, Miami Dolphins The Dolphins' draft class was defined by a dedication to fortifying its fronts, with the team's first three selections coming along the offensive and defensive lines. But that approach, combined with Miami's Day 3 strategy, left the organization to look towards the undrafted free agent ranks to address a receiving corps that looks dangerously thin behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and free-agent signing Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Of the four first-year wideouts added after the draft, Armstrong looks to be the best bet to crack the roster. The 6-4, 202-pounder can add a different flavor to Mike McDaniel's aerial attack by providing Tua Tagovailoa with a possession receiver who can thrive in contested-catch scenarios. Tight end Jalin Conyers also could push for a spot, especially with Jonnu Smith's contract standoff yet to produce a resolution. Seth McLaughlin, C, Cincinnati Bengals A torn Achilles suffered last November no doubt weighed down the draft stock of McLaughlin, who was a fixture for Alabama's front before transferring to Ohio State and winning the Rimington Trophy last year. If not for the ailment, the 6-4, 304-pounder would have had a strong chance to be selected given his track record as a heady blocker capable of compensating for his pedestrian frame and athleticism. On a Bengals line that has struggled to afford Joe Burrow with any steady protection, McLaughlin could be an intriguing understudy to Ted Karras, though he'll have to 2024 seventh-round pick Matt Lee for the role. An undrafted free agent could also claim a job on the other side of the ball, as defensive tackles Howard Cross III – who played under new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden at Notre Dame – and Eric Gregory will try to make a push at a spot where Cincinnati has long underperformed. Ben Chukwuma, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Anyone guessing who landed the highest guaranteed payout among undrafted free agents probably wouldn't land on an offensive tackle from Georgia State who started for a little more than one season and didn't earn all-conference honors. Nevertheless, it was Chukwuma who stood above all his peers after netting $300,000 from the Buccaneers, according to multiple reports. The 6-6, 310-pound blocker, who moved to Georgia from Nigeria when he was 17, only began playing football after attending a walk-on tryout at Georgia State. Having paid a hefty sum to secure his services, the Buccaneers' brain trust clearly is interested in what it can make of Chukwuma and his tools. Jah Joyner, DE, Las Vegas Raiders Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce give the Silver and Black a solid foundation for a unit otherwise seemingly devoid of building blocks. Behind them, however, there's little certainty. Neither first-round disappointment Tyree Wilson nor Charles Snowden have provided much of a spark, even in backup roles. Joyner might not push either for a spot on the second string, but his tenacity could make him a solid rotational piece. Da'Quan Felton, WR, New York Giants Any question about the Giants' satisfaction with their wide receiver depth after the draft was quickly answered by the team signing five undrafted players at the position. Of those brought on, Felton might be the most fascinating - and have the best chance of securing a backup job. The 6-5, 213-pound target sizes up as a natural partner for Russell Wilson given his knack for hauling in contested catches downfield. With few other big bodies in New York's receiving corps, Felton could hold down a unique role while becoming a more precise route runner and eliminating the drops that have long plagued him. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
