The Buffalo Bills are reportedly set to host two defensive tackles that they could possibly acquire in next week’s NFL Draft to help solidify the trenches for years to come. According to Adam Schefter, the Bills will be hosting T.J. Sanders from South Carolina on Tuesday. In addition to Sanders, the Bills will also be hosting Deone Walker out of Kentucky, according to Ian Rapoport.
Buffalo should be eyeing on getting some defensive line help in the second round, if they don’t acquire any in the first round. Now, if the Bills manage to get someone like Walter Nolen or Kenneth Grant, then they have some room to address other needs. At the same time, they should be going for a cornerback with someone like Trey Amos or Shavon Revel Jr.
Bringing in Sanders and Walker on the same day should give the Bills clarity on who they may like more to pair with the rest of the defensive linemen on the roster. If one, or even both players are available by the time the second round rolls around, it would be a perfect setup for the Bills to take one of them.
T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker are perfect fits for Bills’ run-defense
1.) T.J. Sanders
Sanders has established himself as a great run stopper who is quick off the ball. The pairing between him and Ed Oliver for the future would create a quick interior rush that can plug up the middle to force running backs to bounce outside and get stopped quickly.
Sanders has 8.5 sacks over the last two seasons and he finished with a career-high 51 total tackles in 2024. Quite frankly, him sliding down into the later part of the second round for the Bills to acquire would be shocking.
2.) Deone Walker
If Walker had declared for the draft last year, he would have easily been a top-ten talent prospect. He is 6’7”, 330lbs and has a massive frame that can overwhelm blockers in front of him. In 2023, he had his best season at Kentucky with 55 total tackles and 7.5 sacks. As an interior defensive lineman, that is beyond impressive.
Last season’s production dropped compared to the year before and he will now more than likely be a day two prospect. However, as Rapoport reported, Walker played with a "stress fracture in his back in 2024" but is healthy and ready to go according to Rapoport. NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein compared Walker to former Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, who was a big run-stuffer for the Bills.
Getting either Sanders or Walker in the second round would be an absolute steal for the Bills. They address a key need and both of them are solid prospects who can come in immediately and provide an impact, while also develop to become a full-time starter.