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Buffalo Bills: Player grades for the 2019 Bills’ defense

By Brandon Croce

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 15: Levi Wallace #39 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates with his defensive teammates after catching an interception in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 15, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 15: Levi Wallace #39 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates with his defensive teammates after catching an interception in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 15, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 8: Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates his sack during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at New Era Field on December 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 8: Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates his sack during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at New Era Field on December 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Defensive Ends

Jerry Hughes

With the retirement of Kyle Williams, defensive end Jerry Hughes became the franchise’s longest tenured player. He was one of the key leaders on this defense but for the second time in three years had less than five sacks. He finished the season with 23 tackles, 4.5 sacks and three passes defended.

On Tuesday, Hughes did tweet out that he had been playing with broken ligaments in his wrist. This certainly could attribute to his down year but at 31 years of age, it is certainly a fair question to ask just how much he has left in the tank.

It would not be surprising to see this past season end up being Hughes’ last year as a full-time starter and he could become a situational pass rusher moving forward.

Grade: C

Trent Murphy

The Bills key free agent signing in 2018 finally looked to be over injuries that plagued his time in Washington and was ready to make an impact on this defense. He was a key part of the Bills pass rush, finishing with five sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles. He should continue to build off this season and could see his role expand in 2020, depending on what happens this offseason.

Grade: C+

Shaq Lawson

The Bills former first round pick entered this season with a bit of a chip on his shoulder as the franchise didn’t pick up his fifth year option, essentially making him a free agent after this year. He responded well and put forth his best season as a pro, with 32 tackles and 6.5 sacks, which was a career high. It would not be surprising to see the team bring Lawson back, especially as he appears to not have reached his full potential yet.

Grade: B

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