Buffalo Bills Face Dilemma in Defensive Overhaul: The Nose Tackle Question
As the Buffalo Bills gear up for a shift to a 3-4 defensive scheme, the spotlight is on the potential need for a true nose tackle. With Brandon Beane at the helm as president and general manager, the question is whether this role is as critical as it seems.
New defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, fresh from his stint with the Denver Broncos, might offer some clues. In Denver, Vance Joseph’s defensive strategy often bypassed the traditional nose tackle setup. Instead, players like Zach Allen and DJ Jones were positioned in a three-technique or 4i technique, rather than directly over the center.
This approach might explain why head coach Joe Brady downplayed the absence of a prototypical nose tackle on the Bills’ roster. When pressed, Brady confidently stated, “We do have nose tackles on our roster that honestly fit the prototype that we have,” leaving fans to speculate on who might fill that role.
Current Options on the Roster
Before diving into the draft or free agency, let’s examine the Bills’ existing interior linemen. Ed Oliver and TJ Sanders, both under 300 pounds, don’t fit the bill for a traditional nose tackle.
Phidarian Mathis, at 312 pounds, is an option but might need significant development to take on the role effectively. Meanwhile, Tommy Akingbesote and Zion Logue, weighing in at 316 and 325 pounds respectively, remain on the fringes after being re-signed to reserve/future contracts.
Perhaps the most intriguing candidate is the 330-pound Deone Walker. However, his towering 6-foot-7 frame could pose challenges in terms of leverage and pad level, potentially hindering his pass-rushing capabilities if slotted into the nose tackle position.
Flexibility is Key
Brady emphasizes the importance of versatility on the defensive front. “The big thing is that if we can have flexibility across the defensive line... it makes it a little tougher on opposing offenses,” he explained. The ability to adapt and move players like Oliver, Sanders, and Walker into different techniques could be crucial.
For Mathis, Logue, or Akingbesote to surprise everyone and claim the nose tackle role, they’ll need to show significant improvement before the 2026 season. Given the team’s struggles against the run last year, a fresh approach is necessary.
Stopping the Run: A Priority
Leonhard shares a similar philosophy with Brady, focusing on run defense as a cornerstone. “The No. 1 way to control the tempo of a game is stopping the run,” Leonhard said. This strategy aims to make opposing offenses more predictable, allowing the defense to dictate the game.
The Bills’ performance against the run last season left much to be desired, ranking 28th in the league. They allowed an average of 136.2 yards per game and struggled with yards per rush and runs of 10 yards or more.
In contrast, Leonhard’s Broncos were second in rush yards allowed and excelled in limiting big plays. His experience could be pivotal in turning around Buffalo’s run defense.
The Nose Tackle’s Resurgence
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah points out that nose tackles are regaining importance as offenses lean into heavier personnel to bolster the run game. This shift means defenses need bigger linemen to counteract.
“Their value is based on the way the games are played,” Jeremiah noted, highlighting the cyclical nature of the position’s significance. The Bills might need to invest in a true nose tackle through the draft or free agency to enhance their defensive diversity.
As the Bills navigate this transition, finding the right pieces to fortify their run defense will be crucial. Whether it’s through internal development or new acquisitions, the path forward requires strategic decisions to build a formidable defensive front.