4 Defensive line combinations the Buffalo Bills could deploy in 2021

Sep 27, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) rushes Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) as offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (79) blocks in the first quarter of a game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

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Bills A.J. Epenesa defends the edge against Miami.Jg 010321 Bills 31 /

Second Line

Defensive Ends: A.J. Epenesa, Gregory Rousseau

Defensive Tackles: Harrison Phillips, Vernon Butler

This may be considered the backup line but with how much they rotate their defensive linemen I am going to call it their second line. While the Buffalo Bills will be unlikely to make complete line changes, similar to hockey, they have the depth that they realistically could.

The pairing at defensive end is a glimpse into what is hopefully the future of the position. On one side will be A.J. Epenesa, who was the Bills’ second round pick in 2019, and Gregory Rousseau, who was the Bills’ first round pick this year. These two, along with Carlos Basham Jr., are expected to be the primary pass rushers in the coming years and replace Hughes and Addison.

On the interior is defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, who replaces Star Lotulelei as the one-tech, and Vernon Butler, who is more of a three-tech. Both of these players were inconsistent at times but did enough to warrant being the team’s primary backups at defensive tackle.

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