The Buffalo Bills had a solid start to the 2025 NFL Draft, grabbing Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston with the 30th overall pick. He impressed scouts during the Combine and should be a day-one contributor for Sean McDermott’s defense. But what’s grabbing headlines now is who they didn’t get.
Just two picks before, the Detroit Lions swooped in and selected Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams—a player the Bills were reportedly locked in on. In fact, Williams himself revealed that Buffalo had made it clear: if he was still on the board at No. 30, he was heading to Western New York.
That didn’t happen. Detroit beat them to the punch.
Now, some draft experts may have called the Lions’ move a reach, but it’s clear they weren’t the only team high on Williams. And Buffalo’s quick pivot to Hairston shows just how quickly plans can change in the war room.
With two second-round picks coming up (No. 56 and 62), the Bills still have a chance to strengthen their defensive line. Big-bodied defenders like Deone Walker (Kentucky) and Alfred Collins (Texas) are still available, and there’s strong value at the position even into Day 2.
So while the Lions may have stolen one of Buffalo’s top targets, the board is still deep—and GM Brandon Beane has some intriguing options to reload as the Bills continue chasing the Chiefs atop the AFC.
Lions Snag Bills’ Top DT Target, Forcing Buffalo to Pivot at Pick 30
