Edge rusher was a long-debated positional need for the Bills this offseason, and they’ve done a lot to address it.
They might not have acquired a superstar at the position, but the group is looking much improved from last season. Between signing Bradley Chubb and selecting T.J. Parker in the second round, there’s a lot to look forward to.
While the new additions will be important, there are still two players at the position flying under many people’s radar.
Last year’s third-round pick, Landon Jackson, and free-agent signing Michael Hoecht are poised to play large roles in the new-look defense, too.
Landon Jackson’s Untapped Potential
In the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bills selected Landon Jackson out of Arkansas.
Before the draft, Jackson was receiving first-round buzz but ultimately fell further than many expected. The Bills chose Jackson, which at the time seemed like a great move.
However, Jackson would struggle to make the active roster every week until he tore his MCL and PCL in Week 10 against the Dolphins.The combination of his injury and lack of playing time has caused many fans to forget about him. Despite this, the team still hasn’t given up yet.
Jackson showed up to OTAs this offseason after getting healthy and putting on 20 pounds of muscle. With Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb moving to outside linebacker to better fit Jim Leonhard’s scheme, that leaves playing time to be earned for guys like Jackson.
Can Jackson Play on the Edge?
At this point, it wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibilities to see him start at defensive end this season.
He’ll likely have to compete with T.J. Sanders and Dewayne Carter for playing time at the position. Between Sanders, Carter, and Jackson, all three players are looking to prove their worth to the team.
They’re all former Day 2 picks that haven’t had the opportunity to make a name for themselves yet. They might not be the biggest names, but competition is always good for development.
While Sanders seems the most likely to start, Jackson will get his opportunity to play this year too. He profiles as a similar style of player as former Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa. That kind of familiarity could bode well for Jackson.
There’s still a lot of offseason left before regular-season games are played, but Landon Jackson is a name that Bills fans should keep an eye on.
He might not have made a lasting impression as a rookie, but the untapped potential is still there with the team’s new regime.
Michael Hoecht Is Recovering Well
The Bills signed Michael Hoecht to a three-year deal worth up to $24 million before the 2025 offseason. However, Hoecht was handed a six-game suspension after testing positive for PEDs. This would prevent him from making his Bills debut until week eight against the Panthers.
When he finally got onto the field, he made his presence known, though. In his first game, he logged 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble on route to a 40-9 Bills win against the Panthers.
Hoecht would carry that success into the Bills’ Week 9 win against the Chiefs, but unfortunately, his season was cut short. He suffered a torn Achilles late into the big win and would miss the rest of the season.
The good news is that Hoecht is already back at OTAs running some drills on his own, so a return to the field in Week 1 is still possible.
Hoecht’s Versatility
In just two games last season, Hoecht had two sacks and a forced fumble, but the most impressive part of his game is his versatility.
Dating back to his time with the Rams, he’s played defensive tackle, defensive end, and even outside linebacker.
In Jim Leonhard’s defense, he’ll likely play outside linebacker, which will give him the opportunity to showcase his best abilities. He brings a blend of size and athleticism that allows him to be successful in the pass rush and coverage.
If Hoecht is able to get healthy early in the season for the Bills, he could end up being their unsung hero.
With his versatility alone, he’ll find his way onto the field, but when production is added, he’ll be worth every penny.
During his two full seasons with the Rams in 2023 and 2024, he posted a total of nine sacks. If he’s able to replicate those numbers alongside all the players rotating on the edge for the Bills, the sky is the limit for the Bills defense.
An Underrated Unit
While the Bills’ defenses struggled a lot last season, they’ve made a lot of moves to fix it.
Between players coming back from injury, as well as new acquisitions, there’s a lot to look forward to.
The defense isn’t going to be Sean McDermott‘s, which adds another interesting aspect to the season.
All the Bills need is for the defense to make timely stops, and they’ll continue competing like they have been.
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