As padded practices begin, Bills need immediate impact from rookie defensive linemen
Of the rookies at St. John Fisher University, one position group in particular needs to learn the playbook and adjust to the NFL as quickly as possible: defensive linemen.
Coach Sean McDermott could sense a collective anxiousness from the Buffalo Bills’ rookies as they listened to his opening remarks at the start of training camp.
Although the entire 91-man roster heard McDermott’s overarching message, the sage words of advice were especially important for the first-year draft picks and undrafted free agents.
The Bills selected edge rusher Landon Jackson in the third round of the NFL draft.
Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
“The biggest thing they’ve got to know is they have what it takes,” McDermott shared with reporters. “If you don’t believe that, it’s never gonna work.”
Several could contribute for the Super Bowl contender in 2025. Maxwell Hairston, the Bills’ first-round pick, is competing with Tre’Davious White to start at cornerback in McDermott’s defense. Dawson Knox’s injury has led to more first-team opportunities for fifth-round tight end Jackson Hawes.
But of the rookies at St. John Fisher University, one position group in particular needs to learn the playbook and adjust to the NFL as quickly as possible: defensive linemen.
McDermott acknowledged at the start of training camp last week that the Bills’ depth will be “challenged” while defensive linemen Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi serve their six-game suspensions at the start of the season. Four starters return in 2025 − Greg Rousseau, Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones and A.J. Epenesa − plus veteran pass rusher Joey Bosa was added on a one-year contract. However, the Bills need more linemen who can be trusted to rotate into the game when they host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 on “Sunday Night Football.”
The Bills drafted defensive tackle T.J. Sanders (second round), edge rusher Landon Jackson (third round) and defensive tackle Deone Walker (fourth round) to improve a line that had trouble penetrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ front in the AFC championship game. The trio has practiced mainly with the second-team defense, and its most difficult test to date will happen Monday with Buffalo’s first padded practice of camp.
“I’ve believed in myself since I first put the pads on, but hearing an NFL coach and teammates pouring that belief into me, it helps a lot,” said Sanders. “It keeps me going.”
The learning curve can be steep for rookies at the position.
NFL offensive linemen are bigger, stronger and more athletic. Defensive playbooks are bigger and more complicated, with different stunts and checks. The first step, according to second-year defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, is learning every aspect of McDermott’s scheme.
Carter saw as a rookie that it’s impossible to play at the necessary speed if you’re thinking too much. Javon Solomon, a second-year edge rusher, shared a similar sentiment and added that every aspect of practice can be overwhelming for a young player. They’re not accustomed to the structure of individual and team periods. This group of rookies, Solomon said, is smart and eager to learn, qualities that have been synonymous with Bills draft picks since Brandon Beane became general manager in 2017.
“Just play football,” Solomon said of his advice to the first-year defensive linemen. “It’s going to be physical. You’re going to have bumps and bruises. You’re going to make mistakes. You have to embrace all of it and take it on the chin.”
The Bills have a specific vision for how each rookie can make an impact in their defense. Sanders is a long, athletic, 6-foot-4 big man who, through coaching, projects as a disruptive interior pass rusher with nuanced counter moves. The Bills view Sanders as a perfect complement to Oliver, who is one year removed from producing 9½ sacks and 14 tackles for a loss. Sanders had 16½ tackles for a loss, including 8½ sacks, during his two seasons as a starter at South Carolina.
Jones, the Bills’ oldest player, is a returning starter at defensive tackle and Carter will compete for snaps, but Sanders has the physical tools to add an element that this defense was missing last season. The Bills were 29th in the NFL in third-down conversion rate allowed, and they allowed the ninth-most explosive runs (62). Getting bigger and more athletic up front may help them contain the running backs they have had trouble bottling up in recent years, like the Ravens’ Derrick Henry.
“All of these rookies have flashed, man,” said Solomon. “Our rookie defensive tackles are gonna be studs for us, and the guys on the edge, like Landon, have shown they belong.”
Walker is a specimen. He’s 6-7, 331 pounds, and moves much better than you’d expect for someone his size. A back injury limited his impact and production during his final season at the University of Kentucky. But one year ago, he was considered a future first-round draft pick.
As a sophomore in 2023, Walker totaled 12½ tackles for a loss, including a team-best 7½ sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, he created 51 quarterback pressures while lining up across the Wildcats’ defensive line. The Bills were cautious with Walker during rookie minicamp, OTAs and mandatory minicamp. His snap count was gradually increased, and he has no restraints during training camp. They will monitor how his back responds to practices, especially once pads are on, but Walker said the worst is behind him.
While playing through a back injury, Bills defensive tackle Deone Walker says, “There have been moments when
you wonder if you’re able to do it, but getting that reassurance and confidence from your head coach, it means a lot.” Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
The Bills addressed the problem by creating a fitness plan that focused on strengthening Walker’s core and trimming some of the excess weight that he added while playing through the back injury, which kept him out of practices during Kentucky’s season.
“Battling with my back injury, it’s been depressing at times,” he said. “There have been moments when you wonder if you’re able to do it, but getting that reassurance and confidence from your head coach, it means a lot. I can finally be out there unrestricted with my boys. These guys have taken me under their wing, and I can’t wait to ball out with them.”
Jackson faced a similar challenge toward the end of the offseason. He dealt with a minor injury that caused the Bills to place him on the physically unable to perform list. Cleared on the eve of training camp, Jackson has shown during practices that he can win on the edge to get to the quarterback. He had 23 tackles for a loss and 13 sacks over his final two seasons at Arkansas.
Epenesa is stout against the run, but he’s not a disruptive pass rusher. The Bills are taking a cautious approach with Bosa to ensure that he’s available and productive when the season starts. They are counting on Rousseau to continue to his ascent and Solomon to build off his promising Week 18 performance. More contributors are needed on the edge, though, especially during Hoecht’s absence.
The two undrafted rookies − Paris Shand and Hayden Harris − have flashed. And the approach by every first-year player on the defensive line has shown the coaching staff that the group is ready for the challenge that awaits in the coming weeks.
“It really excites me that these guys love football,” said defensive line coach Marcus West. “It’s one checkmark that we got it right – we’ve got rookies who love football and they’re ready to earn everything they get.”
