5 defensive tackles at NFL Combine Buffalo Bills could target in 2024 NFL Draft

Maason Smith, LSU

Maason Smith is 6'6" and weighs 315 pounds. with that frame, he could put on a bit more weight and become an immovable object in the middle of the defensive line. He brings power to the field and runs with a high motor. He also made Bruce Feldman's Freak List, ranking him number 12, saying, "The former five-star recruit is one of the most gifted players in college football. In the offseason, Smith hit 19.5 mph on the GPS and can touch 11 feet in his standing vertical jump."

The biggest concern with Smith is the ACL injury he suffered in 2022, limiting him to just eight snaps all year. He returned in 2023 and played 582 snaps, and recorded 27 total tackles, three sacks, two QB hits, and 18 QB hurries. He's projected as a third-rounder, but his performance at the combine could vault him higher on team's draft boards. Currently, NFLDraftbuzz.com graded him 84.2, ranked as their 16th best defensive lineman, and 85th overall. Pro Football Focus gave him a grade of 65.3, ranked him 13th among the defensive tackles, and 133rd overall prospect.