No.2: Defensive Tackle
Now this is where most are probably thinking the biggest Buffalo Bills need is. While it is a huge need, it lands as the second biggest. The reason is, that they have Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones who is a possible, but unlikely cap casualty, and soon-to-be second-year man, DeWayne Carter already in place. Unlike at cornerback where there is essentially nothing, the Bills have their two three-technique defensive tackles set.
Oliver had a down year because of the downplay from the one technique and at times, the edge. Carter flashed, especially in games where he was the main guy filling in for an injured Oliver. Going into year two he should have an increased role and should be improved. The need is at one-technique, where DaQuan Jones, who signed a two-year deal last offseason, was not the Jones we have seen in the past.
The Bills need to add a big-body, block-eating run stuffer to play opposite of Oliver and Carter. One who can get after the quarterback as well would really help push them over the top.
Jones as a backup one-tech would be even sweeter. There are a couple of guys in free agency that can fit the Bill, like B.J. Hill, D.J. Jones, Sebastian Joseph-Day (more of three-tech), and Milton Williams, but it will be costly. The draft seems to be a better spot to upgrade there. This year’s class is loaded on the defensive line and getting a guy to pair with Ed Oliver, on a rookie deal for years to come, is a beautiful plan.
Kenneth Grant out of Michigan is getting mocked to the Bills in round one a lot, and it would be a homerun pick for them. In all actuality, we could see a double dip at defensive tackle as well, which would really beef up the interior of the defensive line.
No.3: Edge Rusher
While the Bills have solid edge rushers in place, it feels like we have the same conversation every offseason, they need an Apex guy out there. The answer was supposed to be Von Miller, who looked every bit the part until his untimely ACL tear.
Miller took a pay cut to stay with the team last year, but it seems set in stone that he’s gone this offseason and it feels like the hammer could drop on that any day now. The future Hall of Famer is a shell of who he used to be and releasing him would save $8.4 million right away.
Greg Rousseau has improved every season and needs a contract extension that the Bills will likely offer to him. He is an elite run defender, who has grown much as a pass rusher since entering the league. However, coming off a season where he tied his career high with eight sacks, there is just something missing from his game.
While he will only be 25 entering next season, he appears to be set as one of the best number two edge rushers in the league. He has never shown the ability to take over a game, which is what the Bills need badly and have been missing for years. That can change, however, it is not looking likely.
On the other end that would pencil in A.J. Epenesa as a starter. He has never panned out but is a good run defender. He has flashed as a power rusher but is very inconsistent. He can have a massive game with multiple sacks, and then go multiple games in a row without recording one. The Bills need consistent pressure from the edge, which is why if they make one big move in the offseason, it should be here.
Whether that’s signing someone like Khalil Mack, who might want to end his career in his college’s hometown, Josh Sweat, or Joey Bosa who is rumored to get cut. They could also go all in and try to trade for Myles Garret who has requested one, or Maxx Crosby if he becomes available. All are difference makers, that would solve the need for an Alpha edge rusher and could be the missing link to finally getting over the hump in the playoffs.