As a transfer from Purdue, Thieneman had back-to-back seasons with 100-plus tackles to go along with six interceptions as a freshman (2023). His new coaching staff at Oregon is singing his praises as well. "His attention to detail, his work ethic, is unlike anyone I've ever coached," co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Chris Hampton said. "The guy's relentless in his pursuit for greatness. He's trying to get better each and every day. I mean, he's all about growth, every rep, every day, every meeting, like he's a pro ... the intangibles about this guy was really tremendous."

Thieneman's instincts can not be taught or replicated. The Purdue transfer had six interceptions and two forced fumbles as a true freshman. He should be targeting that level of production for the Ducks and opportunity will be available considering the players who left that secondary unit since the season ended.

Three of the Bills' first four draft picks this year were dedicated to the defensive front, but that shouldn't stop them from adding more. Bailey was a late transfer to Texas Tech from Stanford, where he finished with seven sacks and three forced fumbles in 2024. He is most comfortable from a stand-up position, and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich could scheme him off the edge in Buffalo.

Best Pick: I loved their first pick of corner Maxwell Hairston. They had to get an upgrade at that position and he should start as a rookie. He excels as a man-cover player, which means maybe the Bills will play more of it this season.

Worst Pick: Second-round interior D-lineman T.J. Sanders is a good player, but I think there were better options when they took Sanders and they traded up to get him. I would have taken Jamaree Caldwell, who went to the Chargers in the third.

The Skinny: The Bills had to get a corner, a young edge and inside player for their defense. They got all three in the first four rounds. That's good drafting. Hairston will be a star. He plays with an attitude that you love at the position. Third-round edge Landon Jackson is a power player who did some good things against fourth-overall pick Will Campbell when they faced off. Fourth-round defensive tackle Deone Walker could be a steal and he's a monster inside -- if he stays in shape.

Top needs entering the draft: Cornerback, defensive tackle and wide receiver

The Bills didn't enter the draft with many glaring issues -- but they were armed with 10 draft picks to keep the roster strong and remain among the best in the AFC (they made nine after trades). One spot they had to address was cornerback, though. Opponents completed 68.5% of their passes against Buffalo (fifth highest) and converted 43.8% of their third-down attempts (fourth highest) last season. The Bills lost Rasul Douglas (unsigned), traded Kaiir Elam and really only addressed the position by signing Dane Jackson. That's why taking Maxwell Hairston in the first round made a lot of sense. He'll bring 4.28 speed and good ball skills to the Bills' defense.

The other two main needs were defensive tackle and receiver. The Bills checked the first box when they took T.J. Sanders on Day 2. It was a reach. Sanders was 126th on my board -- and the Bills had to trade up to get him. But they had eight sacks from inside last season, third fewest in the league, and that's Sanders' specialty. He consistently gets pressure. Sanders should fit in next to Ed Oliver. Third-round edge rusher Landon Jackson and fourth-round defensive tackle Deone Walker will contribute on the D-line, too. They both have pass-rush upside, but I think the run-defense traits might be even more important for them. Jackson sets a hard edge, and Walker fills a gap at 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds. Buffalo allowed 4.5 yards per carry last season, 19th in the league.

Not taking a receiver until No. 240 (Kaden Prather) was curious. The Bills' first five picks went to defense, only the second time in the common draft era they've done that (2006). Chase Lundt is a depth right tackle. Jackson Hawes is a blocking tight end. While Buffalo walked away from the draft with some defensive upgrades, quarterback Josh Allen's unit didn't improve this month. Buffalo could regret not doing more there.