Buffalo Bills: Draft Prospects in the East-West Shrine Game

Oct 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls defensive back Nate Hairston (15) reacts after a defensive stop against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. the Temple Owls won 46-30. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls defensive back Nate Hairston (15) reacts after a defensive stop against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. the Temple Owls won 46-30. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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buffalo bills shrine game
Oct 22, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive tackle DeAngelo Brown (97) lines up against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second half at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Louisville defeated North Carolina State 54-13. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Linemen

The Buffalo Bills face an uncertain future at defensive line dominance. Kyle Williams is one of the best players at the position — that maybe only we know about and appreciate. With the news that he is mulling retirement, we are clearly on borrowed time with him — even if he returns.

Let’s look at building depth at this position, with guys who can come in and be solid rotational players from day one.

West DT Josh Tupou – Colorado

2016 Stats: 45 tackles, and 2 sacks

At 6’3, 325 pounds, Tupou will have size to make him effective early against the run. What will be important in the McDermott 4-3 defense are defensive tackles who can take on multiple blockers to free up the linebackers.

East DT DeAngelo Brown – Louisville

2016 Stats: 40 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 FF

Brown is 6’1 and 310 pounds, which is smaller than Tupou and may appear quicker and sleeker.  While I don’t expect McDermott to make the DTs shift as much pre-snap like Rex Ryan, having a DT who is smart at reading screens and will have faced several of the top QB prospects coming out would be a nice asset for a role player on defense.