Outlook for the rest of the season
Currently, the starting defensive line looks like Rousseau-Oliver-Lotulelei-Hughes. I do not think that changes anytime soon however what I would expect is Mario Addison and A.J. Epenesa to switch spots in the rotation with Epenesa moving to become the third defensive end and register nearly as many snaps as Hughes does.
What gives the Buffalo Bills a really strong sense of versatility is that they can play players based on matchups as well. Against slower offensive tackles you may see much more AJ Epenesa than if Buffalo has to deal with thin quick tackles.
On the inside, I would expect Star Lotulelei and Ed Oliver to be the main two guys for the rest of the season barring injury. Oliver, while inconsistent in the past and still this season is easily the most talented tackle on the roster. Lotulelei who is known as a block eater who helps against the run looks even better this season than two seasons ago (opted out last year). He is noticeably thinner and has been more effective rushing the passer while not losing much of his block-eating ability.
Behind them is a solid trio of guys who could be playing based on the matchup as well as game-to-game success. Justin Zimmer continues to prove why he should be on the field. While Vernon Butler does not pop on the stat sheet he seems to always be a favorite of defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. Harrison Phillips does look pretty good this season but has been the victim of a numbers game being inactive recently. By season’s end, I imagine that Phillips will play his way into Butler’s spot as a direct backup to Lotulelei.
The other defensive lineman on the team is Efe Obada and Boogie Basham. Obada saw some playing time in week one but was limited to only 15 snaps. Both players likely will be inactive most of the season unless there are any injuries to the defensive line. Obada looks like he would be the first to be on the active roster because of his versatility however Basham did have some strong moments in the preseason.
While many people pinned Basham as the most “pro-ready” rookie that Buffalo brought in he has taken some time to adjust to the NFL pace. Regardless, it would be nice to see Basham play in at least four games this season where he gets at least enough snaps to gain some experience so next year when Addison is likely gone he is still without NFL game experience.
Buffalo is in really good shape with this defensive line if they can stay healthy throughout the season. If there were to be any concern it would be that most of the pressure is coming from the defensive ends consistently. The interior defensive line has their strong moments but could certainly be much more consistent rushing the passer.