2 weeks Ago
As we mentioned in an earlier post, the Bills must add to the defensive tackle postiion in this years draft. The team currently rosters only 6 tackles, and will need to add two more that can make the roster and play rotationally. It is quite likely they draft more than one defensive tackle in the 2025 FL Draft.
SOLID SECOND ROUND DT OPPORTUNTIES Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State . Big body that has a relentless motor. NFL.
com describes Williams as more of a 2 down DT exceling against the rush: "Drain-clogging run defender with violent first contact and nimble feet for impressive tackle production. Williams flashes an ability to play through or around the block. He physically dominates man-on-man matchups but inconsistent pad level and shorter arms hinder his double-team take-ons.
He needs to focus on developing his hands to keep longer NFL guards from getting into him and neutralizing his power. Williams should pressure the pocket from time to time but might not win on his own enough to see many third-down reps. The knock-back pop and ability to eat up runners in his general vicinity could help him become an impactful, run-stuffing three-technique.
" Hometown: Manassas, VA Senior and 4 year starter at Ohio State Height: 6’ 3’’ Weight: 334 lbs Arm: 32’’ Hand: 10 1/4’’ Combine Score: Total Score 80 which ranks 3rd for DTs Williams' College Career: 2024: Started 13 games for the national champions (46 tackles, 8 TFLs with 2.5 sacks, PBU). Missed 3 games due to injury.
Third-team All-Big Ten. 2023: Tied for the team lead with 10 TFLs. Played in all 13 games with 12 starts (54 tackles, 10 TFLs with 3 sacks, 5 PBUs).
Third-team All-Big Ten. 2022: Played in all 13 games as a reserve (21 tackles, 2.5 TFLs with 1 sack, 2 PBUs).
Honorable Mention All-Big Ten. 2021: Played in 12 games as a reserve (16 tackles, 6.5 TFLs with 5 sacks, 2 PBUs, FF).
Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference. Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State. Bills had Farmer in for a visit to One Bills Drive and are in constant communication with Farmer as the draft nears.
Not as big as some of the first round propsects, but has a solid frame with long arms and versatile abilities to play various roles along the defensive line. NFL.com likes Farmer as a run stuffing rotational tackle with a great body type: "Broad-shouldered interior defender worth consideration as a 3-4 end or a 4-3 interior lineman.
Farmer needs to play as a two-gapper who muddies the pocket. He’s powerful, with long arms and strong hands. His anchor is average but should improve if he’s allowed to use that length to gain early control at the point of attack.
There is nothing tricky about his rush, but he can jar blockers backward with a single punch. His traits will be coveted but his upside might be as a rotational defender with average starting potential." Hometown: Port St.
Joe, FL R-Junior Height: 6’ 3’’ Weight: 305 lbs Arm: 35’’ Hand: 10 1/4’’ Combine Score: Total Score 69 which ranks 17th for DTs 40-Yard Dash: 5.11 Seconds 10-Yard Split 1.77 Seconds Vertical Jump 29’’ Broad Jump 9’ 4’’ Bench Press: 26 reps Family history: Father passed away when Joshua was 2 from internal bleeding during stomach surgery.
Mother passed away when Joshua was 11 from a brain aneurysm. He has 6 older siblings. Farmer's College Career: 2024: Started all 12 games (32 tackles, 8 TFLs with 4 sacks).
Honorable Mention All-ACC. 2023: Started 13 games (32 tackles, 7 TFLs with 5 sacks, 2 PBUs, FF). Second-team All-ACC and voted Team's Most Improved Defensive Player.
2022: Played in all 13 games as a reserve (15 tackles, 6 TFLs with 2 sacks). Team's Defensive Freshman of the Year. 2021: Redshirted.
Played in 4 games as a reserve. Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi. Explosive with the ability to beat interior blockers.
Bills have shown interest by meeting with Nolen at the NFL Combine. Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said this about Nolen, "He's probably the twitchiest D-tackle in this draft. So if you are looking for a pass rusher three technique, he's the one that I think you're going to get fired up on.
I think he'll more than likely hear his name called in the teens, in the early 20s probably at the latest." Jeremiah believes Nolen may not last until the Bills second round picks at 56 and 62, stating, " I would say it's unlikely that he falls that low (into the second round). He's just too explosive and in a passing league, I can't see him getting there, but if you asked me if Nolan Smith was going to get there, I would have said no.
If you would have asked me if Cooper DeJean was going to be there in the second round, I would have said no." Hometown: Powell, TN Junior Height 6’ 4’’ Weight 296 lbs Arm 32 1/2’’ Hand 9 1/2’’ Combine Score: Total Score 80 which ranks 2nd for DTs Nolen, in his lone season at Mississippi, became just the 14th consensus All-American in program history. “I feel like I can do it all,” Nolen continued .
“Aaron Donald did it all at the highest level. I’m a younger, upcoming version of Aaron Donald. I just can’t wait to show everybody that when I get this opportunity I’m being blessed with.
” RELATED: Next Gen Stats analyst Mike Band gives Ed Oliver help with DT Nolen pick Nolen's College Career: 2024: Tied for the team lead with 14 TFLs. Finalist for the Outland Trophy (nation’s top OL/DL). Started all 13 games (48 tackles, 6.
5 sacks, 3 PBUs). First-team Associated Press All-American. First-team All-SEC.
2023 (Texas A&M): Played in 12 games with 10 starts (37 tackles, 8.5 TFLs with 4 sacks, PBU). 2022 (Texas A&M): Played in 10 games with 4 starts (29 tackles, 2.
5 TFLs with 1 sack, FF). High school: No. 1 overall recruit nationally.
Notable quote about Nolen from NFC Scout via NFL.com : “Nobody questions how talented he is and how hard he plays. Super twitched up and really explosive.
" RELATED: HOME RUN DEFENSIVE TACKLE OPTIONS AT THE 30TH SELECTION — Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI — More Buffalo Bills News: NFL MVP Josh Allen voluntarily arrives at Bills' facility for work Bills drop defensive tackle and tight end from roster one week before NFL Draft Actress Hailee Steinfeld reveals obvious reason why Bills will win Super Bowl NFL exec addresses America's chances seeing Bills in Christmas Day triple header Bills making serious push to bring future NFL Draft to new Highmark Stadium.
