Landon Jackson remembers how frustrated he was as a freshman at LSU in 2021.
Jackson thought he was going to chase SEC quarterbacks as soon as he arrived on campus in Baton Rouge, but the four-star prospect barely stepped on the field. He didn’t tackle anyone, and the few snaps he got in five games were on special teams.
The experience led Jackson to transfer to Arkansas and taught the 6-foot-6 edge rusher an invaluable lesson that he recalled Thursday while sitting at his stall in the Buffalo Bills’ locker room.
“Really, I’m being positive about this,” Jackson, a rookie chosen in the third round by general manager Brandon Beane, told The Buffalo News. “I’m approaching it with a different mindset than when I got to college.
“Now, I’m focusing on the positives and looking for every way to get better. Doing everything I can for when my number is called, preparing for this long season and my career.”
Jackson has yet to be active on game day for the undefeated Bills (3-0), and it’s unclear if his NFL debut will happen Sunday when they host the winless New Orleans Saints (0-3). He was close to playing last Thursday in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins, coach Sean McDermott told reporters, but there wasn’t room for another edge rusher on the game day roster.
The numbers crunch is part of the problem for Jackson. In Week 3, for example, the Bills dressed five linebackers and 10 defensive backs. Jackson isn’t alone, either. Two other 2025 draft choices, offensive lineman Chase Lundt and safety/nickel corner Jordan Hancock, have not dressed for a game. Maxwell Hairston, the team’s first-round pick, has yet to play because of an LCL sprain in his right knee that occurred early in training camp.
Of the Bills’ nine-player draft class, only four have made an impact on game day: defensive tackles T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker, tight end Jackson Hawes and cornerback Dorian Strong. They remain confident in Jackson’s talent, though. Bobby Babich, Buffalo’s defensive coordinator, often reminds the rookie that he belongs and they believe in him.
For Jackson to play, however, he must show the coaching staff that he learned from a disappointing preseason. Pro Football Focus’ grade for Jackson during the preseason ranked 219th among 241 edge rushers. He had one tackle and seven pressures on 54 pass-rush snaps.
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“In the preseason, I felt like I overthought a lot of different things and played a little slower than I know I can,” said Jackson. “Going back and studying myself throughout the preseason. Studying even my film from college to remember the things I was really talented at and the things I wasn’t great at and can continue to work on now. Really just find a way to get better every day. If I mess something up one day, don’t let it happen again.”
During his two seasons as a starter at Arkansas, Jackson totaled 13 sacks and 23 tackles for a loss. He was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2023 and second-team All-SEC selection in 2024 while serving as a captain for the Razorbacks. It took time, but Jackson has an in-depth understanding of the Bills’ defensive playbook. He’s helped them on the scout team, and he was used on special teams in the preseason to prepare him to help in multiple phases.
The Bills want to get all of their rookies on the field because experience will aid their development. Though it’s unclear when his opportunity will come, Jackson is doing everything he can to make an impact.
“You have to be mentally prepared to perform and there not be a drop off to Joey (Bosa) and Greg (Rousseau) to me going out there,” said Jackson. “I have to make sure I find a way to be fully prepared and make plays.”
Working again
Edge rusher Michael Hoecht and defensive tackle Larry Ogonjubi have three games remaining on their respective suspensions for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs, but they were cleared to One Bills Drive this week.
Neither is allowed to participate in group workouts or attend practices and games. They do have permission, however, to attend group meetings or meet individually with McDermott and his staff. Hoecht and Ogunjobi also can eat in the cafeteria and participate in individual workouts with the strength and conditioning staff. Both are not eligible to practice or play until Week 8 because the Bills have a bye in Week 7.
Injury report
Bills linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral), defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle) and right tackle Spencer Brown (calf) did not practice again Thursday as the Bills prepared to host the New Orleans Saints in Week 4.
Edge rusher AJ Epenesa (calf) practiced in a limited capacity for a second consecutive day, while cornerback Maxwell Hairston (knee) and practice squad linebacker Keonta Jenkins (leg) worked off to the side with athletic trainers.
Saints right tackle Taliese Fuaga (knee/back) returned to practice this week in a limited capacity. Asim Richards started in place of Fuaga in Week 3 and allowed seven pressures on 47 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Lance Lysowski
News Sports Reporter
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