While the Buffalo Bills will be facing Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football in Week 1, there are many exciting chances for the Bills' defense to be able to contain the Ravens' former MVP quarterback.
The Bills will be led by three premier rookies on the defensive side of the ball who have yet to play in a regular-season game. They will earn this massive opportunity in their home opener.
3 new defensive players who can make an impactful first impression
T.J. Sanders - DT
Sanders was selected by the Bills at No. 41 in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6 feet 4 inches, 297 pounds, the undersized defensive tackle makes up for it with 4.99 speed and athleticism to be able to shoot up the gap and get to the backfield, similar to Ed Oliver.
He's also versatile, having played both the 5-technique and nose tackle positions in South Carolina's 3-3-5 scheme in college. The poised tackle is always ready to spell reps for Oliver this year, as he played 61.5 to 62% of the snaps with very little rest last year.
Sanders is a considerable upgrade to this defensive line as he could help close the gap and contain Jackson inside the pocket. His long arms allow him to expand and resist blocks.
Deone Walker - DT
Walker was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills for one reason and one reason only. He is a massive player at 6 feet 7 inches, 331 pounds.
His large frame allows him to tower over opposing offensive linemen and really lay a significant hit on the quarterback or ball-carrier. He also has quick feet for his size, as he makes fast and easy glides to get into the backfield.
Comparable to T.J. Sanders, he's athletic and versatile enough to be productive in all kinds of defensive schemes. He can play nose tackle in a 3-4 or a 3-3-5, or a 3-tech defensive tackle in a 4-3 or 4-2-5. Walker will use his big frame to bring running back Derrick Henry down and stuff the hole.
Dorian Strong - CB
Strong was taken with the No. 177 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a tall, lengthy corner at 6 feet 1 inch, 185 pounds. He uses his combination of size and athleticism to pick off routes and pursue the ball.
The rising cornerback is excellent in press-man coverage, which is a strength for tall cornerbacks covering tall wideouts. He is also a ball hawk as he displays incredible ball-hawking skills to hand the ball back to the offense.
Another strength of Strong's is his ability to use his frame and quickness to come up and make crucial tackles at the second level. He will demonstrate his leverage when stopping Henry from battling to score a touchdown.
With injuries to Tre White and Maxwell Hairston, look for defensive coordinator Bobby Babich to use Strong in various ways, especially at the cornerback position.