No one can deny the fact that the Buffalo Bills need help on defense and that it should be their top priority this offseason. Whether they address it through free agency or the draft, Brandon Beane must get help at all three levels.
With many injuries that took place, as well as lack of production for various players, there is no question that this defense should look different in 2025. Before the start of last season, the Bills lost Mike Edwards and Cole Bishop for sometime due to various injuries. The Bills had to go out and sign veteran Kareem Jackson just to bring in depth.
Then they lost linebacker Matt Milano in what was expected to be a majority of the season with a torn bicep. Buffalo’s defense was starting to fall apart and even though they weren’t bad all season long, there were games where they were the reason why they lost (or almost lost).
Buffalo’s run-defense was close to atrocious at times in 2024. Their worst performance took place in Week 4 against the Ravens when they allowed 271 rushing yards in a 35-10 beatdown of the Bills.
Depending on what Beane does during free agency, it will determine what he does during the draft. He and Sean McDermott are all about development through the draft and Bills fans should expect them to bring in a majority of defensive help.
Buffalo Bills acquire solid defensive help in 3-round NFL mock draft
Round 1, No. 30: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
If Kenneth Grant is still on the board by the Bills are on the clock, it should be a no-brainer for Buffalo to immediately send in the card and bring the Michigan Wolverine to Western New York. Standing at 6’3” and 340lbs, Grant would be a perfect addition to be a compliment player to Ed Oliver.
Grant can stuff the run and he can create pressure on the quarterback. Those are two things that the Bills struggled to do this past season. The Bills wouldn’t need him to rack up the numbers. They would just need him to take on double teams and help create interior pressure with Oliver.
Round 2, No. 56 (from MIN): DE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
Bringing a Wolverine and a Buckeye on the same team in the same year…that would be something for sure. However, having Grant and Jack Sawyer in Buffalo would significantly improve Buffalo’s defensive line for the future. Sawyer had a breakout year with Ohio State this past season with nine sacks, 3 forced fumbles and fumble recoveries, and his first interception.
Von Miller could be on his way out of Buffalo and A.J. Epenesa is heading into another contract year. Not to mention, Greg Rousseau is looking to get paid as well. Buffalo is going to need to bring in a physical pass rusher who can disrupt a play. Sawyer is that guy.
Round 2, No. 62: CB Darien Porter, Iowa State
It wouldn’t be a Bills draft without Brandon Beane drafting a defensive back. Darien Porter is a bigger cornerback who can help Beane fix the secondary that has been affected by injuries and bad play. Not to mention, Rasul Douglas is set to hit free agency and if he leaves Buffalo, the Bills have no choice but to go for a corner.