4 Buffalo Bills who need to step up in Ed Oliver’s absence in Week 2

Boogie Basham

Another player the Buffalo Bills could look to provide a pass rush from the interior of the defensive line is Boogie Basham. Last year’s second round pick had a quiet rookie season but looks ready to have a breakout season in his second season with the Bills.

Last week against the Rams, Basham had one sack, two QB hits, and an interception. He looked like a completely different player from his rookie season and more comfortable in the defense. Basham appears to be set to have a significant role in the rotation along the defensive line as he was on the field for 39% of the snaps in Week 1.

The slide inside wouldn’t be anything new to Basham as the coaching staff has rotated him around the defensive line and even prior to the injury to Oliver, he has taken some snaps in passing situations from defensive tackle. However, this week the coaching staff may increase the frequency of lining him up inside due to the lack of depth at defensive tackle.