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Buffalo Bills: Season outlook for defensive tackle Vernon Butler

By Brandon Croce

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Vernon Butler #92 of the Carolina Panthers in action during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Bucs 17-3. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Vernon Butler #92 of the Carolina Panthers in action during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Bucs 17-3. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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This is our prediction of what Buffalo Bills fans can expect from Vernon Butler this coming season.

The Buffalo Bills went back to their Carolina Panthers connection this offseason with the addition of defensive tackle Vernon Butler. The Panthers selected Butler in the first round of the 2016 season, a time when Sean McDermott was still their defensive coordinator and Brandon Beane was part of their front office.

They certainly know the potential Butler had when he was drafted as an explosive defensive tackle that can penetrate and collapse the pocket, making plays behind the line of scrimmage.

However, the first three years in the league Vernon Butler struggled to live up to being a first round pick. The first three years in the league he didn’t play more than 33% of the defensive snaps in a season, which took place in 2018. He also struggled to make much of an impact when he was on the field with only two sacks and 45 total tackles those years.

This past season though, as Butler moved to defensive end in a 3-4 defensive front, he had a breakout season with six sacks and 32 total tackles.

2020 Season Outlook for Vernon Butler

The question that is lingering for Vernon Butler, and he will have to answer this year, was his breakout season because of the position shift or did it just click for him last year. While the Buffalo Bills could use Butler as a defensive end, it wouldn’t be regularly, and would likely only take place in goal-line or short yardage situations.

This coming season, even if Butler is not the starter next to Ed Oliver, he is expected to be a key part of the rotation at defensive tackle. He should have plenty of opportunities to make plays this year and likely will play between 35% and 45% of the team’s snaps this year.

Next. Battle at defensive end heating up for Bills. dark

In theory, playing on a better defensive line, Butler could get more winnable matchups and now lining up closer to the center will have a good chance to match his career totals from last year.

Prediction: 35 total tackles, 4.5 sacks

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