Buffalo Bills: Predicting the snap counts on the revamped defensive line
By Daniel Bruce
Defensive Tackle (Starters)
The Buffalo Bills has the incumbent Ed Oliver and Star Lotulelei returning and who appear to be the starters for the upcoming season.
The Buffalo Bills went with a primarily three defensive tackle set last year with Oliver, Lotulelei and Jordan Phillips. Now with Phillips gone, Buffalo has the newly acquired Quinton Jefferson and Vernon Butler to be the backups.
On passing downs Lotulelei won’t see the field, and the Buffalo Bills will likely go with a combination of Oliver, Quinton Jefferson or Vernon Butler rushing from the inside.
Ed Oliver
Oliver should be expected to see a big jump in his snap count for 2020, after playing 53.67% of defensive snaps. Now not having to compete with Jordan Phillips for snaps he should be the undisputed starter at the three technique.
The sophomore defensive tackle should start to see a similar role to what Kawaan Short had with the Sean McDermott defense in Carolina. Short only started nine games in his first two seasons but then heading into his third season in 2015 he took on a star role, much similar to what Oliver will take on going into his second year. Short saw 69% of snaps in 2015 and Oliver should be expected to be on the cusp of that total, expect the former first round pick’s snaps to climb to the mid 60s or high 60s percent range.
Star Lotulelei
Lotulelei might see a slight drop in his snaps for 2020, with the recent acquisition of Vernon Butler who can play the one technique and Harrison Phillips being healthy for the upcoming season.
Appearing in 46.53% of defensive snaps in 2019 with no competition for his spot, he could easily see a decrease if the backups can be utilized.
Assuming Lotulelei reclaims his starting job he could potentially see a small dip in snaps, with a capable backup in Butler or Phillips depending on who they keep .
As an early down block eater, Lotulelei shouldn’t have too much parity in his snaps since he will be a contributor on first and second down, expect to see in the low 40s percent in 2020.