Buffalo Bills: Cole Beasley and the most underrated players from 2020

Justin Zimmer

One player that was a surprise this season was defensive tackle Justin Zimmer. The Bills entered the year with seemingly great depth at the defensive tackle position and the addition of Zimmer seemed to be nothing more than a player to have on the practice squad.

That narrative quickly changed as Zimmer was active Week 1 against the New York Jets when he finished with four total tackles, including a tackle for a loss. He returned to the practice squad before being called up a few weeks later against the Chiefs when he only again played well with six tackles and one tackle for a loss.

After that game, the Buffalo Bills officially moved him up to the active roster and he was part of a rotation where he saw roughly a third of the defensive snaps every game. He helped solidify the interior of the defensive line and seemed to make plays when the team needed him the most.

There was no play bigger than Week 8 against the New England Patriots as they were driving in the closing minutes to try and take the lead. Cam Newton scrambled outside of the pocket but Zimmer was able to chase him down and force a fumble that secured the win for the Bills.

The play of Justin Zimmer should not go unrecognized and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him be a key part of the rotation at defensive tackle next season.