
Defensive Tackles
Starters: Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones
Backups: Tim Settle, Jordan Phillips, Eli Ankou, Brandin Bryant
Similar to the defensive end position, the Buffalo Bills rotate regularly on the interior of the defensive line at tackle. The Bills also had three players from last year’s team (Harrison Phillips, Vernon Butler, Justin Zimmer) become free agents and replaced them DaQuan Jones, Tim Settle and Jordan Phillips.
This position on paper looks a little more balanced this upcoming season compared to last as Jones and Settle should help slow the run. Meanwhile, Oliver rotating with Phillips should help provide a pass rush up the middle.
It will be interesting to see how Eli Ankou and Brandin Bryant factor into this rotation, if at all next season. Both players saw limited action and played well that they could push for a spot if Buffalo elects to keep five defensive tackles.