Buffalo Bills: Predicting the DL depth chart entering training camp
By Aaron Tully
Backup DT: Star Lotulelei
Star Lotulelei sat out the 2020 season due to concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic, but he is back with the Bills and will be looking to earn his starting job back from Vernon Butler. Lotulelei started every game for the Bills in 2018 and 2019, 36 combined tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for loss. Lotulelei’s value does not always show up on the stat sheet.
He is good at attracting blockers and freeing up his fellow lineman to get into the backfield. Lotulelei is an experienced veteran who has played for many years under Sean McDermott. He will likely start training camp behind incumbent Vernon Butler, but it would not be a surprise if Lotulelei was starting at defensive tackle again in 2021.
Backup DT: Justin Zimmer
Justin Zimmer was another player who was efficient in their limited snaps in 2020. Zimmer played just 26 percent of Buffalo’s defensive snaps, but he managed to record 21 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and forced a fumble that won the Bills their Week 8 nail-biter with the Patriots. Zimmer will likely be a rotational defensive tackle for the Bills in 2021, and his efficiency alone could force Harrison Phillips out of a roster spot if the Bills decide to keep six defensive ends.
Backup DT: Harrison Phillips
Harrison Phillips was quiet for the Buffalo Bills in 2020. Coming off a season in which he tore his ACL after just three games, Phillips recorded 18 combined tackles and four quarterback hits. Phillips was solid in his rookie campaign in 2018, but his 2020 campaign was uninspiring.
His outstanding character and community service efforts might be just enough to keep him around in 2021, he may be the odd man out if the Bills only keep four defensive tackles in 2021.