The Buffalo Bills have made significant efforts to boost their pass rush in recent years, including signing All-Pro Von Miller to a $120 million contract and using several first- and second-round draft picks on edge rushers.
However, despite these major investments, the Bills have continued to struggle with generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks—a weakness that was especially evident during their AFC Championship game loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
An insider suggests that the Bills are likely to make another move this spring, possibly using their first-round draft pick on a “rugged” pass rusher who can add versatility to their defensive line.
Bills Snag National Champion Defender
Kyle Dvorchak of NBC Sports has predicted that the Buffalo Bills will use their No. 30 overall pick in the upcoming draft to select edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau, who just helped lead Ohio State to a national championship. Dvorchak pointed out that the Bills are in need of help on the defensive line, and Tuimoloau, along with his teammate Jack Sawyer, could be solid options.
Dvorchak highlighted that the Bills ranked 21st in pressure rate and 24th in sack rate last season. Additionally, Von Miller’s status is uncertain, with the team able to save $17.4 million in cap space by releasing him after June 1. Dvorchak noted that Ohio State has two potential first-round edge rushers in Tuimoloau and Sawyer, but he believes Tuimoloau has the edge due to his production and physical attributes.
“Tuimoloau had a significant advantage in sacks (12.5 vs. 9), TFLs (22 vs. 9) and is a year younger than his teammate,” Dvorchak wrote. “Sawyer has the edge in some other metrics, like pressures and PFF’s pass-rush grade, but I’ll side with the younger, larger, and better run defender in Tuimoloau.”
With Von Miller’s future in question, the Bills might have an opening at edge rusher. Many insiders are speculating that the team could part ways with him, as his base salary for 2025 is $17.5 million, and releasing him would save around $8.5 million in cap space.
Despite the uncertainty, Miller has expressed his desire to stay with the team, stating after the season-ending loss to the Chiefs that he hopes to contribute again next season. “However long my key card works in this building, I’m gonna keep coming up in here and trying to make [a Super Bowl] happen,” Miller said. “I want to be here. I plan on being a Buffalo Bill for sure.”
J.T. Tuimoloau Predicted to Become Solid NFL Contributor
In a pre-draft profile, NFL.com predicted that J.T. Tuimoloau would develop into a “good NFL starter,” although it was noted that he is “unlikely to become a star.”
The report highlighted that Tuimoloau stepped up in key moments, recording 6.5 total sacks in just four games during the College Football Playoff.
Describing his playing style, the report stated, “Rugged edge defender with the size, length, and toughness to play up or down in hybrid fronts.” Tuimoloau’s game is built on power and force; he uses well-timed strikes and his length to stay separated from blockers and shed them effectively. However, the report also pointed out areas for improvement, noting that he has average pursuit quickness outside the box and struggles to hold his ground against drive blockers in-line.
Leave a Reply