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Buffalo Bills: Breaking down potential defensive line combinations in 2020

By Brandon Croce

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 08: Defensive End Darryl Johnson #92 of the Buffalo Bills in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 8, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 08: Defensive End Darryl Johnson #92 of the Buffalo Bills in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 8, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 08: Darryl Johnson #92 of the Buffalo Bills in action during a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field on August 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 08: Darryl Johnson #92 of the Buffalo Bills in action during a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field on August 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

Speed Rush

Jerry Hughes (DE), Quinton Jefferson (DT), Ed Oliver (DT), Darryl Johnson (DE)

On clear passing downs, like 3rd and long situations, the Buffalo Bills can institute a speed rush line that opposing offensive lines are going to have trouble keeping from getting the quarterback.

This is one scenario where Darryl Johnson, the Bills seventh round pick from a year ago, is really going to see most of his playing time and can be a real contributor. He is probably the quickest defensive end the Bills have coming off the edge and in limited action last year had one sack and two QB hits.

The interior of this defensive line was probably the toughest to choose because the Bills are going to have plenty of options here. The favorites would appear to be Quinton Jefferson, who led the Seahawks in QB pressures from the interior of the defensive line the past two years according to Buffalo Bills’ Maddy Glab, and Ed Oliver.

However, Vernon Butler has shown an ability to get the quarterback and the coaching staff could also use A.J. Epenesa in this role as he has enough size to play the defensive tackle position in this scenario but has incredible speed that can be utilized from this spot.

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