The Buffalo Bills, in the midst of a transition to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, seem to have a large need at the nose tackle position. According to president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane, however, that spot is going to be filled by second-year defensive tackle Deone Walker.
Appearing on WGR earlier Monday morning, Beane said that “If we trotted the ball out right now, Deone [Walker] is going to start at nose for us.” The 6’7” 331-pound second-year player certainly has the mass for the job, as (at least in the traditional sense) it’s the nose tackle’s role to occupy space, often holding down multiple blockers or plugging multiple gaps to open up room for his teammates.
However, Walker was at his best last season when playing a more attack-oriented position, often lining up at more of a “three-technique,” which is the defensive tackle aligned on the outside shoulder of either left or right guard. As a nose tackle, Walker will often line up as a “zero-technique,” putting him directly over the center, or as a “one-technique,” which would put him on either shoulder of the center.
Buffalo seems to have plenty of defensive tackles who thrive in that “three-technique” mold. Ed Oliver and T.J. Sanders are both built in that mold, as is 2026 fifth-round draft choice Zane Durant. DeWayne Carter, who missed last season with an Achilles injury, has also been touted as a player who could slot in at the nose this season. But Walker did his best work during his rookie season as a penetrating three-technique player.
The Bills do have a pair of veterans with experience at the one-technique or nose guard positions. Both Phidarian Mathis and Zion Logue have played the position before, and each player has a sturdier build than the aforementioned group of three-technique players. Logue (6’6”, 325 pounds), in particular, has the frame to eat space, while Mathis (6’4”, 312 pounds) had success doing so in relief of DaQuan Jones last season.
As Chris Trapasso mentioned earlier today in his piece discussing the NFL Draft, the Bills don’t necessary need a Ted Washington-sized behemoth in the middle of their 21st-century defense. After all, the Denver Broncos, with whom Leonhard coached last season, were third in points allowed and second in rushing yards allowed with a defensive line that featured just two players who weighed over 300 pounds.
To paraphrase Austin Powers’ father, Nigel Powers, it might not be the size of the defensive lineman that matters, but the ability that player has that will determine the team’s success against the run.
Beane’s comment also should be taken with one important caveat, a note he makes in introducing his point. By saying “If we trotted the ball out right now,” Beane acknowledges that this roster is not yet a finished product. Walker might look like the starter at nose tackle in April, but games won’t be played until September. Buffalo has time to add players if they so choose, and the Bills’ defensive staff has the ability to play individuals where they will best help the team win.
Buffalo is in the process of adding undrafted free agents, and there are still veterans who remain unsigned who might be able to help. For now, though, Beane thinks that Walker is the best fit to anchor the defensive line among the team’s current personnel.