NFL
By: Randall Slifer
It is very obvious that one of Buffalo’s biggest flaws is defensive line pressure, especially in the interior. Ed Oliver has had constant up-and-down years throughout his tenure in Buffalo, and it seems like the defensive line cannot work cohesively in the postseason, where it matters the most. So, what makes Ed Oliver play his best? A large human next to him, taking some of the pressure off the line to give him more 1 on 1’s to excel. Example: he was at his best before Daquan Jones tore his pec in 2023. A prolific Defensive Tackle on the Buffalo line will cause a ripple effect letting the rest of the line eat, as well as the rookie himself. Luckily, this class is loaded with talented defensive tackles so let’s look at my top 3 (in order) in the early rounds of the draft that I believe are realistic targets for Buffalo:
- Kenneth Grant (Michigan)
Measurables: 6’3 ½, 331lbs., 33” arms, 81.25” wingspan, 9 5/8” hands
Kenneth Grant was a force in Michigan for 2 years, including winning a national championship. He was able to play beside a blue-chip player in Mason Graham, but I would say that Kenneth Grant helped Mason Graham get that moniker of a blue-chip player. He took on a good number of double teams throughout the two years, and he handled them relatively well. He accounted for 36 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks attacking the A gap and the B gap. PFF has also accredited him with 41 defensive stops, which is defined as a tackle that constitutes a “failure” for the offense. Kenneth Grant has the ability to be impactful in run defense as well as interior pressure immediately in the NFL. So, Buffalo should even consider a small trade-up to acquire this prospect.
- Alfred Collins (Texas)
Measurables: 6’5 ½, 332lbs., 34 5/8” arms, 85” wingspan, 10” hands
One of Buffalo’s biggest defensive issues was size and run defense. We allowed 117.7 rushing yards per game, which ranked 13th in the league for a team that had visions of a Super Bowl. Here steps in Alfred Collins. Alfred Collins is a mammoth of a prospect on the defensive line who is arguably the 2nd best run defender in the draft. 2024 was his first year fully starting as he had the likes of T’vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy playing in front of him until they were drafted. This year, he accounted for 55 total tackles, 27 solo tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. He was also credited with 18 pressures and 27 defensive stops. He did not run the forty this week, but his tape screams athleticism and strength. He powers through double teams, and he has a relentless motor that led him to Superman strip at CJ Brown against my Arkansas Razorbacks. His athletic ability and highlighting his vertical jump led him to take the top spot in batted balls with 6 in 2024. Some of the community believes he has no pass rush, but as he may not hit the QB often, his presence and pressure force quarterbacks to make rash decisions. Brandon Beane spoke at the combine and referenced that he needs defensive lines that can stop the run, but also bring pressure from the interior. Specifically referencing pressure from the interior is what caught my ear. Alfred Collins has the strength and length to push back guards and centers and step back to create chaos in the pocket that forces a QB to adjust. Combining that with Greg Rousseau’s length and power coming from the edge, Alfred is setting them up, while Greg will continue to knock them down.
- Derrick Harmon
Measurables: 6’4 ½”, 313lbs., 34 3/8” arms, 83 ¾” wingspan, 10 3/8” hands
Derrick Harmon is an incredible athlete who started at Michigan State and dominated in his final collegiate year in Oregon. He is a 313lb pound freak who ran a 4.95 at the combine and he’s very versatile on the defensive line. He accounted for 55 pressures with 5 sacks and 7 QB hits. At his size, he has an impressive repertoire of pass rush moves including spin moves, bull rush, and rips. He is a unique prospect in his size and what he is good at; He is going to fit into the NFL and be very impactful. The NFL has compared him to the likes of Daquan Jones, so familiarity could reign supreme on their decision to choose a defensive tackle. The reason I have him at 3, is that for Buffalo’s sake, I am looking for a defensive tackle that majors in run defense with a minor in pass rush, and Derrick Harmon is more of an interior pass rusher with a minor in run defense. Derrick Harmon has a missed tackle rate of 26.7%, but he is a workhorse who can fix that problem with an NFL coaching staff.
Who are your favorite early round defensive tackles in the draft for Buffalo, or in general? Leave a comment here or reach out to me on X @RandallSlifer to let me know your thoughts.
