The Buffalo Bills have strategically focused their draft picks on strengthening their defense to overcome the Kansas City Chiefs, a key obstacle in their path to a Super Bowl victory. By selecting cornerback Maxwell Hairston, defensive tackle T.J. Sanders, and EDGE rusher Landon Jackson, the Bills aim to address specific defensive weaknesses and enhance their ability to compete against top AFC quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes. Hairston, with his impressive speed, fills a crucial gap left by recent trades, while Sanders and Jackson bring size and athleticism to bolster the defensive line. This defensive emphasis complements the existing offensive arsenal surrounding quarterback Josh Allen, reflecting the strategic vision of Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott. The effectiveness of these picks will ultimately be tested in high-stakes playoff scenarios, particularly against formidable opponents like the Chiefs.

The Buffalo Bills' draft strategy is heavily focused on defense, particularly to counter the Kansas City Chiefs, a major rival in their quest for a Super Bowl title.

Their first three draft picks include cornerback Maxwell Hairston, who runs a 4.28-second 40-yard dash, defensive tackle T.J. Sanders, and EDGE rusher Landon Jackson, all chosen for their potential to strengthen the team's defense.

Maxwell Hairston is expected to fill the role of a long-term boundary cornerback, a necessity following the trade of Kaiir Elam and non-signing of Rasul Douglas.

T.J. Sanders is anticipated to address the Bills' previous struggles against the run, adding significant size and speed to the defensive tackle position.

Landon Jackson's exceptional physical attributes, including a towering height and extensive wingspan, make him a strategic pick to pressure quarterbacks like Mahomes.

This draft approach underscores the Bills' strategy to build a robust defense to complement their already potent offense led by quarterback Josh Allen.

The success of these draft picks will be evaluated during critical playoff games, where the Bills hope to overcome teams like the Chiefs and advance to the Super Bowl.

There's only one mission in Buffalo these days: Win a Super Bowl.

For the Bills to do so, they first have to make it to the season's final game. And to do that, they first have to run an AFC gauntlet against the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow.

Those pesky Chiefs, especially, are always at the front of mind for the Bills.

That's why Buffalo's first three draft picks have made so much sense. They're just the right way to finally get over the Kansas City hump, with defense.

Those first three choices through two days of the NFL Draft have been:

• CB Maxwell Hairston out of Kentucky, No. 30 overall
• DT T.J. Sanders out of South Carolina, No. 41 overall
• EDGE Landon Jackson out of Arkansas, No. 72 overall

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Hairston is a high-energy cornerback who runs a 4.28-second 40-yard dash.

Sanders checks in at 6-foot-3, 305 pounds and still runs a 4.95 40.

And Jackson is a physical marvel at 6-foot-5, 264 pounds and an 83-inch wingspan.

They all will fill their roles.

Hairston was needed after the trade away of Kaiir Elam and the non-signing of Rasul Douglas. He can develop into the long-term second boundary corner along with Christian Benford.

The Bills' biggest defensive weakness in 2024 was against the run, and Sanders can help shore that up.

And it's never a bad idea to draft a freakishly athletic pass rusher in the hopes of getting Mahomes on the ground or hurrying.

Buffalo has a wide array of offensive weapons around Josh Allen already. It's no surprise that Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott have chosen the defensive route.

The true outcome of these picks will only be told in January, potentially on a frigid night in Buffalo, as the Bills chase that spot in the Super Bowl with Kansas City's No. 15 on the other side.

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