As Landon Jackson enters his second professional season with the Buffalo Bills, he finds himself in a promising position, supported by a new defensive coordinator and a revamped defensive scheme. The Bills selected Jackson as their third-round pick, the 72nd overall, in last year’s draft. Unfortunately, his rookie season was cut short due to a season-ending knee injury sustained during a Week 10 game against the Miami Dolphins, leaving him with just three appearances to show for his efforts.
The Bills’ plans for Jackson’s future appear optimistic, particularly as they transition to a 3-4 defensive alignment under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Standing tall at 6’6″ and weighing 264 pounds, Jackson embodies the physical attributes ideal for a strong run-stopping presence in this new system. This shift from Sean McDermott’s former 4-3 front could provide Jackson with the opportunity he needs to thrive after struggling to establish a consistent role and seeing limited action—only 16% of defensive snaps and 18% of special teams snaps during his rookie year.
With a positive outlook for the upcoming season, Jackson has been vocal about his commitment to recovery and preparation. “Definitely going to do all I can to have the body prepared,” he stated following the end of the previous season. His focus on maintaining health and preventing future injuries underscores his determination to bounce back and carve out a meaningful role on the team.
Looking ahead, the Bills may lose veteran edge rushers Joey Bosa and A.J. Epenesa in free agency, leaving a gap in their edge defense that Jackson could help fill. Currently, the team has only two healthy edge defenders—Greg Rousseau and Javon Solomon—on their active roster, in addition to reserve options Andre Jones Jr. and Michael Hoecht, who is recovering from a torn Achilles.
As the Bills aim to bolster their pass-rushing unit through the draft and free agency, Jackson’s previous investment as a premium draft pick suggests that the coaching staff will be keen on nurturing his development. With renewed hope and a refined approach, the stage is set for Jackson to transform his fledgling career into a more productive sophomore season, offering potential for significant contributions to the Bills in the coming year.