It is no secret that McDermott will be looking to add talented depth to his Buffalo Bills’ defense when draft day comes around.
Sean McDermott is well known around the league for his disciplined defense that gives headaches to opposing offenses. Expectations should not change as the Buffalo Bills head into the 2017 season. McDermott will attempt to do what Rex Ryan failed miserably at — build a bully.
He definitely didn’t have a problem pulling the trigger on the Swiss Army knife — Micah Hyde — and giving him a nice payday for the next five years. Other additions like Ryan Davis and Jordan Poyer give a good example of what he is looking for on defense.
While McDermott was in Carolina serving as the Panthers defensive coordinator, his defenses were known for being stout up front. In 2015, the Panthers allowed just 3.9 yards per rush and their defense played an important role in their Super Bowl run.
In the 2016 draft, the Panthers and McDermott selected Vernon Butler, a defensive tackle out of Louisiana Tech — even though that was one of the last areas of need for that defense, as well as the overall team.
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With a few key free agent departures like Stephon Gilmore and Robert Woods, it opens up more positions on the field that need to be addressed. Zach Brown does not appear to be making the return to Buffalo either, which is quite the head-scratcher — considering they already lack depth and talent.
The Buffalo Bills have a plethora of needs and it does not stop after one position.
Cornerback seems to be an obvious after losing the number one guy for the past five years, but McDermott’s system doesn’t call for top talent at the corner spot in his corner friendly cover three scheme.
Right tackle is going to be a big need despite the retention of Jordan Mills.
Safety will also be an issue that needs to be addressed, after releasing two starting veterans, Corey Graham and Aaron Williams. The signings of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde most likely will not be the only players targeted for this depleted secondary.
Wide receiver (of course) has been a problem since the 2016 season. Receiver is very easy to look at and say that will be the direction the Buffalo Bills go at pick 10.
However, if players like Reuben Foster, Solomon Thomas, and Jonathan Allen are there at 10, it would be hard for a guy like McDermott to pass on players of that caliber.
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According to, “Over The Cap,” the Buffalo Bills has just under $21 million dollars in cap room. Doug Whaley and Sean McDermott are not sitting on their hands, they are working behind closed doors. Do not expect them to be done, more moves are bound to come.
Adding defense in the offseason is inevitable for any team, but the overhaul that McDermott has opened up looks like it has a certain DNA.
As we loom closer to the draft, I expect defensive players in free agency and the draft to become more and more talked about at One Bills Drive.
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What defensive players are you hoping the Buffalo Bills draft this year? Leave your comments below!