One of the more overlooked biggest needs for the Buffalo Bills is their defensive line depth. They have their starters in Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones, but Jones is more than likely done after 2025. Oliver on the other hand is set to be with the Bills for the foreseeable future. Buffalo drafted DT DeWayne Carter in the third round last year, but the Bills need more.
Last season, Buffalo’s run-defense was just down right pathetic. There were only five games where they didn’t allow 90+ rushing yards. In addition, they gave up 120+ yards in nine of their games. Their worst performance of the season came in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens, giving up 271 yards on the ground.
Needless to say, the Bills need to find a way to clean that up. Brandon Beane signed defensive line help with the acquisitions of Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht, but there is just one problem…both players are facing a six-game suspension each for violating the league’s PED policy.
With having ten draft picks right now, there is no excuse as to why the Bills shouldn’t draft some defensive line help, and we have the five prospects that the Bills should keep an eye on.
5 DT propspects the Buffalo Bills must keep on their radar for NFL Draft
JJ Pegues, Ole Miss
You want someone who can play anywhere on the defensive line? Then look no further than JJ Pegues from Ole Miss. He earned Third-Team All-SEC honors and has had seven sacks the last two seasons. The Bills can line Pegues up over the center, all the way to outside the tackle. Pegues is a versatile defender who can line up next to Ed Oliver or DaQuan Jones in 2025, and possibly even become a starter over DeWayne Carter moving forward.
Kenneth Grant, Michigan
The Bills and Kenneth Grant have been linked to each other a lot over the past couple of weeks, but will he be available by the time the 30th pick comes around? It’s possible, but it’s also more likely that he lands somewhere else before Buffalo can get him.
He has a massive frame who can take on single and double-team blocks with no issue. It’s also important to note that because he is a bigger defensive tackle, he has the ability to bat throws down from the line of scrimmage. That itself can be a huge help for Buffalo’s defense.
Deone Walker, Kentucky
There is an argument to be made that if Deone Walker had entered last year’s NFL Draft, he would have been a guaranteed first-round pick. Now that’s not the case so much this year, but it could really help out the Bills with one of their second round choices. Much like Kenneth Grant, Walker is a massive defensive tackle standing at 6’ 7”, 330lbs.
He has the ability to overpower his opponents and be a fantastic run-stopper in between the guards. Walker had a dip in production from 2023 to 2024, but don’t let that scare you. Placing Walker in the middle of Buffalo’s defensive line would be a fantastic fit.
Darius Alexander, Toledo
If the Bills are looking for someone who they can help develop and not necessarily turn into a starter right away, then Darius Alexander would be a great fit. Alexander has been highly productive as an interior defensive lineman for the Toledo Rockets, but will need some time to work up his craft for the NFL.
Alexander has the necessary size to succeed and his specialty is playing inside and in the middle of the line. Alexander would be solid depth to have for 2025, with the potential to turn into a starter.
Joshua Farmer, Florida State
The Bills could go ahead and draft Keon Coleman’s teammate out of Florida State, Joshua Farmer and it would be a great pick for the later rounds. Farmer has a solid bullrush factor to his game that would be great to add to this defensive line that sometimes lacks physicality. Farmer had nine sacks the last two seasons, as well as 64 total tackles