The 33rd Team names 'breakout candidate' for Bills in 2026

The Buffalo Bills will need players to step up in their new-look defense in 2026.

Jim Leonhard was hired as defensive coordinator in Buffalo this offseason, joining Joe Brady's coaching staff. Leonhard brings a new scheme with him to the Bills which means some returning players will need to fill new roles.

Among those could be cornerback Maxwell Hairston and The 33rd Team named Hairston as Buffalo's potential breakout player ahead of next season.

"This is the year I think we'll see the full offseason and see him attack this year," analyst Sam Monoson said.

Hairston is an interesting selection as the Bills just invested a second-round pick in Davison Igbinosun . Not only that, Igbinosun is impressing, so Hairston might even end up being a poor pick by The 33rd Team as well.

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: The 33rd Team names 'breakout candidate' for Buffalo Bills in 2026