Bills Central

Two Bills' rookies responsible for game-changing impact vs. Ravens

Sixth-round cornerback Dorian Strong and fifth-round tight end Jackson Hawes came through with notable performances in their first professional game action.
Alex Brasky|
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Jackson Hawes (85) warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Jackson Hawes (85) warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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Entering Sunday’s Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the Buffalo Bills were looking for a few rookies to step up and contribute in their first professional game.

Along with high-profile selections, second-round defensive tackle T.J. Sanders and fourth-round defensive tackle Deone Walker, a few others were set to take on significant roles in their team’s season opener.

Sixth-round cornerback Dorian Strong and fifth-round tight end Jackson Hawes each stepped up with notable efforts against Baltimore, helping guide Buffalo to a most improbable victory. Strong played 100% of the team’s defense snaps and performed well, while Hawes recorded one of the most important receptions of the contest.

Dorian Strong
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball during the second quarter against Buffalo Bills cornerback Dorian Strong (43) | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Strong was called for a holding penalty that came on a questionable call that negated a sack and provided Baltimore a first down inside the red zone early during Sunday’s matchup. But beyond that, his performance was spotless.

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Next Gen Stats recorded zero receptions allowed by Strong throughout the win. Strong’s performance bodes well for the future, particularly in the short term, as Tre’Davious White and first-round CB Maxwell Hairston — the two players expected to compete for a starting job this season — remain out with injuries.

Hawes’ lone reception in the game helped set up the Bills’ final touchdown late in the fourth quarter, helping trim their deficit to 40-38 with inside two minutes to play in the game. The juggling catch went for 29 yards, down to the Baltimore one-yard line from where quarterback Josh Allen plowed through the defense for his second rushing touchdown of the game.

Hawes is now serving as the team’s blocking tight end, after offensive lineman Alec Anderson fulfilled that role a season ago. The goal in adding him through this year’s draft was that he would be able to step in and provide more of a receiving threat than Anderson was able to offer at the position. So far, so good.

MORE: Bills teammates hilariously roast Matt Prater after Sunday heroics

While Buffalo’s two prized first-year defensive linemen failed to make their presence felt, Strong and Hawes picked up the slack for Buffalo’s rookies in the win over the Ravens.

A good start for the 2025 draft class.

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Alex Brasky
ALEX BRASKY

Alex Brasky is editor of Bills Digest and host of the Buffalo Pregame podcast. He has been on the Bills beat the past six seasons and now joins Sports Illustrated hoping to expand his coverage of Buffalo’s favorite football team.

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