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'I play with relentless effort' | Three things to know about new Bills DE Landon Jackson

Apr 26, 2025 at 04:12 PM

Maddy Glab

Team Reporter

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Buffalo didn't originally have a third-round pick in the draft but picked one up in their trade with the Bears to move up to the 41^st pick in the second round. With the 72^nd pick the Bills continued to beef up their defensive line by selecting Arkansas edge rusher Landon Jackson.

Here's three things to know about yet another SEC product that finds themselves on Buffalo's roster.

1. Off-the-chart physical traits

Edge rusher Landon Jackson has traits that you can't ignore. The edge rusher stands tall at 6'6 and weighs around 265 pounds. He also ran a 4.68 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Jackson's athletic build turns into power on the field as he uses his rush moves and long arms to win against offensive linemen.

"You're getting a high-motor player," Jackson said of his play style. "A guy who's gonna find a way to make plays and get to the quarterback, get TFLs and fly around the football field."

The edge rusher started his collegiate career at LSU before transferring to Arkansas. Jackson recorded 16 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss in 42 games. He models his game after a four-time Pro Bowler.

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.@BuffaloBills with the #72 pick in the 3rd round @RazorbackFB @landonjackson40 Landon Jackson brings great length high motor. And Production. Should see PT immediately. #BillsMafia #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/AEKHec7J2J
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 26, 2025

"One guy is Maxx Crosby," Jackson said. "He's a dog. He's a high motor player. He knows how to fly around in the pass game and get after the quarterback. And then in the run game he knows how to set an edge and be a dominant defensive end…I feel like we have a lot of similarities with body type and play style."

Bills general manager Brandon Beane loves Jackson's feel for the game.

"High character, DNA, a longer athletic dude, a lot of sacks, went against a lot of premium talent in the SEC, and had a lot of production," Beane said of his newest edge rusher. "…He knows how to rush…he's just got feel, instincts, awareness."

Jackson is ready to bring his motor to Buffalo.

"What's always made me a step ahead of everybody was my motor," Jackson said. "And I play with relentless effort and love playing the game of football. That's what's got me to this point. So, I plan to continue modeling my game after that."

2. Why Buffalo is the right fit

When Jackson answered his phone on draft night and Brandon Beane was on the other end, it was easy to see the edge rusher's excitement about his new home. The former Arkansas pass rusher explained he spoke with the Bills frequently during the pre-draft process.

"They came down for my Pro Day and they worked me out, we went to dinner," Jackson said. "I had a formal meeting with the team at the Combine, and just through every aspect of the process, I just kind of felt like they were really high on me. I felt like I fit their defense really well."

Jackson believes he fits Buffalo's defense so well because according to Beane, their plan is to play him where he's been most productive.

"I feel like I'm gonna go in and play instantly and show them that I'm a great pick for them," Jackson shared. "I love the way they have me schemed up. They've got me playing true d-end, five-technique, all the way to wide-nine. So, I'm just excited to get out there and get ready to ball."

The Texarkana native isn't just bringing length to Buffalo's defensive line, he's also bringing leadership. Jackson was a two-year team captain during his three seasons at Arkansas.

Another reason why the edge rusher can't wait to put on a Bills uniform is because of the talent already on the roster.

"At the end of the day, Buffalo is a winning program right now," Jackson said. "I'm excited to go to a team that has the opportunity to win a Super Bowl. I feel like I can do a lot to help the defense...I want to win. I feel like Buffalo's going to do that."

3. A heart for the community

Jackson's high motor on the field turns into a heart for the community off the field. He was diagnosed with alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, when he was four years old. Jackson has done a lot of work to spread awareness for the disease and has spent time being an advocate for children with the same condition.

The former team captain is looking forward to pouring into Buffalo's community just like he did at Arkansas.

"I'm ready to see the city," Jackson said after being drafted. "I've never been up to Buffalo, so I'm ready to get there ready to see the community and ready to embrace the community."