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Buffalo Bills: 5 position battles to watch against the Chicago Bears

By Caleb Holfoth

ORCHARD PARK, NY - JULY 28: Greg Rousseau #50 of the Buffalo Bills during training camp at the Adpro Sports Training Center on July 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - JULY 28: Greg Rousseau #50 of the Buffalo Bills during training camp at the Adpro Sports Training Center on July 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Jun 15, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (99) looks on during minicamp at the ADPRO Sports Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Backup Defensive Tackle

This may be the most unpredictable position on the entire team. The only guys locked onto the roster are Star Lotulelei and Ed Oliver because they are virtually uncuttable due to draft status, talent, and contract. Outside of those two, Buffalo could go so many different directions. First, the Bills could carry anywhere from 3 to 5 defensive tackles. Some names in the competition for the roster are Vernon Butler, Justin Zimmer, Harrison Phillips, Brandin Bryant, and Treyvon Hester. All five are unique and some offer previous NFL success or unique builds.

Zimmer was a surprise player last season after being called up from the practice squad. Meanwhile, Phillips looked to still be working back from his injury in 2019 all last season and Butler was slightly disappointing in his first year as a Bill.

The battle is heating up as it looks like Justin Zimmer may have a slight edge on the rest in contention but this battle is extremely close. You could justify Buffalo doing anything at Defensive Tackle as long as Lotulelei and Oliver are starting.

An interesting name to watch is somewhat of a hybrid player. Efe Obada plays mostly defensive end but he is a physical specimen who we saw hop inside to defensive tackle against the Lions several times. His versatility could lead to Buffalo opting to keep him as a DE/DT Hyrbid instead of a 4th or 5th defensive tackle.

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