Buffalo Bills Draft Targets: Top DT Prospects to Fix the Run Defense

Mason Graham, Michigan Wolverines DL
Buffalo Bills Draft Targets: Top DT Prospects to Fix the Run Defense | The Wandering Buffalo

1. Mason Graham
6’3” 320 lbs
Projected Top 5 Pick

Graham projects as an every down three-technique who can penetrate. He brings not only quickness and agility to the table, but his strength is another positive as well as the fact that he is one of the most consistent players available in this year's draft. A former wrestler, Graham has been described as someone who has a relentless motor, has the ability to make powerful short bursts and also defend from hash to hash. He also is a 2-time first team all-big ten, and was a first team all-American during his Junior year.

It’s no secret that the Buffalo Bills would love to get their hands on a player like this. Graham is one of the best prospects in the draft, and if Buffalo were able to get their hands on a player like this it would involve a massive trade that Brandon Beane probably isn't in the market for at the moment. But if we did swing for the fences to pair another elite DT next to Ed Oliver it could re-shape the entire defense. Ideally, the extra pressure put on opposing offenses by our new top of the league DT pairing would help to improve the entire defense and take a lot of stress off the other positions.

2. Walter Nolen
6’4” 305 lbs
Projected Pick 11-17

Walter Nolen comes into the draft as a guy who can play in all situations for you. His specialty is in run defense, but with 14 tfl and 6.5 sacks his junior year he is also someone who has the ability to penetrate. Nolen began his career at Texas A&M before transferring to Ole Miss, which also adds to his versatility, being able to be successful in 2 different programs. Nolen has been dominant across his 3 seasons in the SEC, and at the next level looks like someone who can be dominant and “take over” games.

Two years ago the Bills had Daquan Jones next to Ed Oliver, and the pair performed as one of the best DT duos in the league. This past season Jones took a step back and it not only had an impact on his performance, but also affected Oliver's season as well. With no one commanding a double team the opposition had a relatively easy time against the Bills front, especially in the run game. Drafting Walter Nolen would probably involve trading up in some fashion, but if Beane were able to land him it could solve one huge issue the Bills had last year, the run defense. It is important to prioritize the trenches as shown by recent Super Bowl champion Philadelphia, and Defense is a need for the Bills; this is one of my favorite “trade up” scenarios.

3. Kenneth Grant
6’4” 330 lbs
Projected Pick 16-26

Grant didn’t arrive at Michigan as a 5 star recruit. He was an overweight 3 star, but managed to get into shape and become an “athletic freak” who the Michigan training staff would refer to as “a gift from the gods”. Grant has all the ability, and can play in all situations. He is an elite run defender, and can also rush the passer with enough quality to stay on the field in obvious passing situations; which is a good quality for someone who is 6 '4 " 330.

The Bills would benefit greatly from someone like Grant. Last season it was fairly obvious to anyone who follows the Bills that they lacked in run defense. Grant would immediately shore up that issue. Pairing him next to Ed Oliver would give the Bills one of the best and most athletic defensive tackle duos in the NFL. Growing up I can remember the days of Pat Williams and Ted Washington and Kyle Williams after that. Buffalo LOVES good DT play and Grant would be a great fit here in Buffalo.

4. Derrick Harmon
6’4” 313 lbs
Projected Pick 26-40

Harmon spent his first 3 years at Michigan State before transferring to Oregon and finally breaking through to become an impact player. His most common professional comp is Daquon Jones. Harmon entered college as a 3-star recruit, but by the end was dominating double teams and proving to be valuable in both the run and pass game. He excels in the run game but can also provide enough push in the passing game to stay on the field in obvious passing situations, which is important if you plan on taking a DT with your first round pick.

The Buffalo Bills need someone to anchor the defensive line next to Ed Oliver. Many Bills fans are under the impression that Oliver has underachieved compared to his draft position and could use some help. The Bills struggled in run defense last year, which isn’t news to anyone who watched the games last year, and Harmon could go a long way in helping to fix that. The Offensive and Defensive line are where everything begins, and as with some of the other top DT prospects in this years draft, Harmon could go a long way to shoring up one of the only issues the Bills have with their roster.

5. Tyleik Williams
6’3” 334 lbs
Projected Pick Late 1st-Early Second Round

Williams comes in as a mountain of a man, weighing in at the combine at 334 lbs. He actually checks in about 30 lbs lighter than his freshman year. Williams came into college as a 4 star recruit and really grew into a disruptive player in his collegiate career. In his time at Ohio State, Williams displayed his versatility playing positions from 0-5 technique.

Versatility is something that we have seen the Bills’ brass covet at many positions. What I find most intriguing about Williams is athleticism at his size, turning in a 4.68 forty yard dash at 334 pounds.

We have seen Ed Oliver be a real serious problem for opposing offenses, but he is at his best with a nice complimentary piece. This started with Star Loutouleilei and was followed by DaQuan Jones. Jones seemed to take a step back last year, and I think it is time to get another stud next to Oliver. DeWayne Carter was brought into the mix as a third round pick last season and had flashes, but did not show anything that should preclude the Bills from making a significant investment at the position.

6. T.J. Sanders
6’4” 297 lbs
Projected Pick 2nd Round

Sanders came to South Carolina as a three star recruit out of high school. Sanders really burst onto the scene in 2024 earning First-Team All-SEC, and Third-Team All-America honors. Sanders showed the ability to be a consistent problem in the opposition's backfield, racking up 4 sacks and 7 TFL.

While he has shown the ability to be a disruptor in the back field, my concern with Sanders would be his size profile lined up next to Ed Oliver. Personally, I would love to see a little more beef added to eat up blocks along the offensive line.

---