The Buffalo Bills are set to have Sean McDermott calling plays for the defense for the first time with the team after Leslie Frazier stepped away as defensive coordinator earlier this offseason. With the 2023 NFL Draft complete, he now has a good idea of the players that he will have to build out the best starting lineup possible.
The Bills defense has consistently been in the Top 5 most years in yards allowed and points against over the past few years. Expectations are going to be pretty high considering a majority of the starters from last year's team are returning this season. Unlike the offensive side of the ball, which saw a number of new players added this offseason, the defensive starters are pretty well set outside of one key position.
With that in mind, this is what the depth chart will probably look like when the Buffalo Bills take the field in Week 1 of the 2023 season.
Buffalo Bills Defensive Ends
Starters: Von Miller, Greg Rousseau
Backups: A.J. Epenesa, Boogie Basham, Shaq Lawson, Kingsley Jonathan
The Buffalo Bills have the same group of defensive ends from last year's team after re-signing Shaq Lawson to a one-year deal. The biggest question at this point is whether or not Von Miller will be ready to go Week 1 after suffering a torn ACL last season.
It would seem unlikely, especially after how long it took Tre'Davious White to return last season from his ACL injury. However, Miller is already participating in offseason workouts and seems to be ahead in his recovery.
A returning Von Miller will be a big boost for this group but the hope for notable improvements at this position will come from the trio of Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Boogie Basham as they continue to develop. Rousseau had an excellent season last year for the Bills and if Epenesa or Basham can make similar improvements, the Buffalo Bills pass rush will be improved.