3 reasons the Buffalo Bills need to add a defensive tackle early in NFL Draft
By Joe Cook
While it might be an unpopular opinion amongst Bills’ Mafia, the Buffalo Bills need to seriously consider adding a defensive tackle early on in the NFL draft. The team only added one piece there in free agency, and that was the re-signing of their own player, Jordan Phillips. While they still could add a veteran, the best option would come in the form of a rookie, for many reasons.
The biggest reason is limited salary cap ability. The Bills have been able to structure the back half of their roster and add some nice pieces on low-budget deals. Now, they need to put the finishing touches on in the NFL Draft and defensive tackle sticks out like a sore thumb. While they could benefit from adding either a 1-tech or 3-tech or even both, a 3-tech defensive tackle should be the target.
The Buffalo Bills don’t have a single defensive tackle under contract in 2024
I know, the Buffalo Bills are in their Super Bowl window and need to focus on this season; providing some reassurance for the future is still a great thing. Ed Oliver, Jordan Phillips, DaQuan Jones, and Tim Settle are all set to become free agents next offseason. This literally leaves the team without a single defensive tackle, as of now, for the 2024 season.
Adding an upper-level prospect would not only help now but would help in the future as well. The rookie can learn the system behind the vets in a rotational role, and be in line for a starting job next season. The Buffalo Bills are one of the best teams in the NFL and are facing the difficulties of the salary cap with having to pay their star players. One of the best things the team can do to combat it is to have young and cheaper talent waiting to take over.