Stopping the run has been a bit of a problem for the Buffalo Bills defense. Despite having the next man up mentality going for them, their achilles heel has been their run-defense. The unit is giving up 119 yards per game on the ground and having that statistic going for them in the second half of the season is not a great look.
Even at 9-2, it is a major weakness that the Bills need to address down the stretch and next offseason. Ed Oliver has been a disappointment compared to last season and DaQuan Jones isn’t creating the huge impact that he had up until this season. Rookie DeWayne Carter was starting to make his impact but a wrist injury landed him on the IR, and he has missed action since Week 8.
The Bills have their bye week this week so hopefully they take their time in making the necessary adjustments. At the same time, we are starting to slowly approach NFL draft coverage. While there is a race going on for the #1 pick, the Bills will find themselves in the late 20s, possibly the 30s if they go far into the playoffs.
Brandon Beane has drafted some gems, but has also missed on picks. With the Bills being in a tight situation financially because of their investments, Beane is going to need to hit on draft picks in the next few years especially with the prices going up that players want.
Bills projected to draft position of desperate need in CBS Sports mock draft
CBS Sports Analyst Josh Edwards created a mock draft after the breaking news of the release of Daniel Jones from the New York Giants. At pick No. 30, Edwards has the Bills selecting Alabama defensive tackle LT Overton.
"Buffalo heavily invested in its pass rushers when drafting Greg Rousseau, Boogie Basham and A.J. Epenesa. Basham is gone now but the selection of LT Overton gives them options in the future if the Bills are forced to make difficult financial decisions."Josh Edwards, CBS Sports
The Bills drafted DeWayne Carter in the third round last offseason to add into the mixture of Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones. Outside of those three, the Bills don’t have anyone else long-term in the trenches. Getting a player like Overton gives them flexibility at that position and Overton is a little bit like Oliver.
He isn’t the biggest player, but he has a motor that can help create an interior pass rush. Transferring from Texas A&M to Alabama, Overton gets to take on more NFL prospects which should help him in his development from now until the draft next year.
The Bills getting Overton wouldn’t be the biggest splash of a pick for Buffalo, but it does show the attempt to address a need of concern. Buffalo has always had a tough time stopping the run since Star Lotulelei was released by the team. It’s time to find an answer and Overton could be the answer if given the chance to come to Buffalo.