Bills Pre-Camp Position Preview: Defensive End - Projected Starters, One to Watch
As the Buffalo Bills prepare for the upcoming season, several roster hopefuls will use the coming weeks to make their respective cases to earn a spot on the 53-man final product.
With the Bills having concluded mandatory minicamp, all eyes will soon be on training camp for position battles and individual performances. Still, their defensive ends combined for only 11.5 sacks last season. Buffalo clearly needs to significantly raise their production if they hope to maintain their defensive prowess in 2024.
In that vein, here is our early positional preview at defensive end:
USA TODAY
Current Depth:
Greg Rousseau, Dawuane Smoot, Casey Toohill, Kameron Cline, A.J. Epenesa, Von Miller, Javon Solomon, Kingsley Jonathan
Projected Starters: Greg Rousseau (Left), A.J. Epenesa (Right)
Rousseau has become one of Buffalo’s most talented pass rushers. The University of Miami product had a stellar rookie season, finishing with four sacks, 50 total tackles, one interception, four passes-defended, and one forced fumble. Throughout his three seasons in western New York, the 24-year-old has compiled 129 total tackles, 17 sacks, 12 passes-defended, three forced fumbles and the aforementioned interception.
Epenesa has compiled 64 total tackles, 15 passes defensed and 15.5 sacks during his tenure in Buffalo. At his best, the 25-year-old has the physical tools, production and technical refinement which could allow him to become a starter. Yet, he has the extension skills needed for two-gapping duties as a five-technique. Though he is projected to continue in his role as a rotational presence in Buffalo’s front seven, he may earn greater responsibilities with a strong showing in 2024.
One to Watch: Javon Solomon
Solomon, who was selected at No. 168 overall in the fifth-round has the potential to be an intriguing prospect. Having converted from outside linebacker to defensive end during his final season at Troy, Solomon was a dangerous pass rusher for the Trojans in 2023. The 6-2, 249-pound defender compiled 16 sacks, 55 tackles and three forced fumbles. Accordingly, the 23-year-old had a solid season at the position, as he was named an All-American for his efforts.
Though some have considered him to be a bit undersized for the position at the pro level, Solomon plays with both a speed and strength which allows him to impact each play on which he aligns. As Buffalo moves deeper into its season preparations, look for Solomon to be given the chance to earn a spot as designated pass rusher who contributes in sub packages.
Best of the Rest: Von Miller
Despite his prime years having passed, Miller is still capable of being a potent pass-rusher in Buffalo’s defense. The 35-year-old compiled eight sacks, 21 tackles (10 for loss), two passes-defensed and one forced fumble in 11 games during his first season with the Bills in 2022. The totals would have undoubtedly been higher had he not suffered an ACL injury in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions, which sidelined him through the start of the 2023 season.
Though he may have his difficulties, Miller’s wisdom and experience should be enough to keep him in a prominent role within the Bills’ defense.