The most discussed and obvious need for the Bills is at wide receiver.
But it's that defense that continues to defeat comeback king Josh Allen and his loyal Bills Mafia year after year.
Defensive starters in 2023 who will not return include safety Jordan Poyer, middle linebacker Tyrell Dodson, outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, safety Micah Hyde and cornerback Tre'Davious White.
So targeting a defenseman in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft could be a smart move for the Bills, whose defense is seemingly on the decline.
Analyst Tom Fornelli talks about CBS Sports' latest mock draft.
Buffalo has made defense a draft priority by taking Illinois defensive tackle Jarzan Newton in the first round.
PFF rated Newton as one of the top prospects for Interior's D-line, saying, “Newton is a solid pass rusher at Interior and has really grown his game over the past two years. Over the past two seasons, he has thrown 102 passes. 12 sacks – pass rush win percentage of 14.9%, he earned a PFF grade of 90.9 in true pass rush during this span, ranking him 9th among players at his position and among NFL teams. He will bring immense value to the run defense. He has grown in that aspect in college, posting an impressive 29.8% positive run play percentage (only 8.8 negative play percentage). %).
Newton is ranked No. 2 in PFF's 2024 NFL Draft position rankings. While the interior defensive lineman noted his “physical limitations due to his size and natural lack of flexibility,” his “pass rush tools and block-evasion ability allow him to be very productive in the game.” I highly praise it. All the adjustments you can make as a 3-5 technique player. ”
November 25, 2023. Champaign, Illinois, USA.Battle of Illinois Illinois defensive tackle Jarzan Newton
Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
The 6'2″, 295-pound Newton used his quickness to break through, recording 7.5 sacks and 52 tackles in last year's 5-7 loss to the Fighting Illini. He also led the FBS with four tackles for loss. He also showed a penchant for special teams, blocking kicks, and was solid in 2022, recording 5.5 sacks and 59 tackles.
The NFL's Lance Zierlein has listed Newton as a round 1-2 candidate, recognizing his lean, muscular physique and athleticism as traits that will help him thrive at the next level. The strengths are listed as follows.
- Agility and suddenness allow you to release slide and slap movements and quickly take down guards.
- The tape shows a player capable of rushing forward with purpose and a plan.
- Excellent instincts and timing to beat the edge of blockers.
- Foot speed creates a mismatch with slower pass protectors.
- An edge-to-edge offensive mindset creates secondary pressures and sacks. ”
November 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.Illinois Fighting Illinois defensive lineman Jarzan Newton
Matt Krohn – USA TODAY Sports
RELATED: NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah also covers Bills landing Illinois DT Jazan Newton
2023 Illinois Honors:
- First Team Associated Press All-American.
- Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
- First team All-Big Ten.
- Nagurski Trophy finalist (top defender in the country).
- He led the team with 7.5 sacks.
- He led the FBS with four successful kick blocks, a school record.
- Played in 12 games, started 11 (52 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 2 PBU, FF).
WATCH NEWTON'S 2023 HIGHLIGHTS
Big Baller Beane is known for making smart moves on draft day to acquire players the staff believes will be a good fit for the Bills' plans. If there is a run at wide receiver in the first round and Beane chooses to acquire receiving talent in the second round instead of going after a WR with the 28th pick, this defensive addition would be a solid addition. It might be a movement.
