Buffalo Bills: 5 defensive ends to target in free agency

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 16: Yannick Ngakoue #91 of the Baltimore Ravens runs on the field prior to an AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on January 16, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 16: Yannick Ngakoue #91 of the Baltimore Ravens runs on the field prior to an AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on January 16, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
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Buffalo Bills
Nov 1, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) rushes during the second half as Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva (78) blocks at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Yannick Ngakoue

This time last year, I thought that Yannick Ngakoue would be perfect for this defense. He had spent the first four years of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and had at least eight sacks each season. The production, combined with his age being 24 years old last year, made him a perfect addition that has proven to play at a high level but still has plenty of years left in his prime.

The Bills never ended up getting the chance as the Jaguars used the franchise tag on Ngakoue. The pass rusher eventually was traded to the Minnesota Vikings before the season. He would then go on to get traded midseason from the Vikings to the Baltimore Ravens.

Even with him changing teams midseason, he still finished with eight sacks for the fifth straight year.

If the Buffalo Bills want to improve the pass rush, then Yannick Ngakoue should be at the top of the list. He has proven to be an excellent pass rusher and shown he can excel in multiple defenses.

The biggest concern is his ability to stand up against the run, which is something he has struggled with in his career. If the coaching staff is comfortable with sacrificing performance against the run, they would certainly improve the pass rush with the addition of Ngakoue.

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