Predicting the 2020 Buffalo Bills Depth Chart: Defensive Tackle
By Daniel Bruce
Backup: Vernon Butler
Butler had a breakout season for the Panthers, earning him a two-year, $15 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.
Totaling six sacks on the season was a huge upgrade from his previous career high of 1.5. Butler proved he can be an effective player in the NFL, showing why he was a first-round selection.
A block eater from the inside, Butler spent most of the 2019 season playing as a defensive end in the Panthers 3-4 defense. Now Butler will be returning to his original position at the one-technique behind Star Lotulelei.
Entrenched in a deep Bills line, Butler will be in an interesting situation, especially with his big contract.
Backup: Quinton Jefferson
One of the best value signings of the offseason involved the Bills, Jefferson was great in the Seattle defense and despite his pedestrian box score numbers was elite in his pass rushing.
Jefferson played in 14 games, started 12 and registered 26 tackles, four tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was a constant disruptive force up the middle of Seattle’s defense. According to ESPN, Jefferson was a top 5 pass rusher from the defensive tackle position in 2019, where he was highly ranked in pass rush win rate.
It will be interesting to see what the Buffalo coaching staff does with Jefferson as he can play from the one, three and five technique for the defense.
Backup: Harrison Phillips
Having a slow start to his NFL career, Phillips was gaining some momentum in the first three games of last season before going down with a season ending torn ACL.
Playing 40% of the snaps in two of his first three games last season, Phillips was looking to be cemented as Lotulelei’s primary backup. Now he is in competition with Vernon Butler for the backup to Lotulelei. If he cant vanquish the spot be could work as the 5th defensive tackle if the Buffalo Bills opt to keep that many.
Phillips is in a tough situation to advance up the depth chart, with only Butler being a prime candidate for him to overtake.
Next. Predicting the Bills depth chart at defensive end. dark
Practice Squad: Vincent Taylor
Signing with the Bills practice squad in September of last season, Taylor was promoted from the practice squad in early November to the active roster. Where he appeared in 3 games not making an impact, but providing snaps when they were needed.
Taylor is an ideal practice squad candidate for this season.