4 key training camp battles on defense for the Buffalo Bills
By Brandon Ray
2.) Defensive End - A.J. Epenesa, Shaq Lawson, Boogie Basham
The Bills defensive end starters should be set with Gregory Rousseau and Leonard Floyd (until Von Miller comes back). Assuming that Floyd will be treated as an edge rusher, the true battle at defensive end will be for depth and part of the rotation throughout the season.
Shaq Lawson is heading into his second season of his second stint with the Bills. Lawson did pretty well down the stretch last season as at one point he was arguably the most consistent pass rusher after Miller went down for the season with an injury. Epenesa also had a career high in sacks, tackles and QB hits. Basham was able to put up 19 combined tackles, two sacks and five quarterback hits.
The Bills have one of the deepest depth at almost all positions across the NFL, which includes their edge rushers. They have solidified ends who can be a game changer, but they also have the right amount of depth to do a rotation and keep everyone fresh.
A defensive end battle between Epenesa, Lawson, and Basham will be a key matchup because this could be a battle that could put someone on the cut list before week one. Epenesa is heading into a contract year so he has the most pressure on him if he wants to get paid next offseason.