The Buffalo Bills have been aggressive in reshaping their front seven, signing veteran defensive end Joey Bosa to bolster their line. Their team is now preparing themselves for the 2018 NFL draft. It’s happening in just under a month! With 10 overall picks, including three in the top two rounds, the Bills are looking to bolster their lineup further. Though they somewhat addressed their defensive line issues, there are still questions surrounding the unit’s performance.
Bosa, who only suited up for 14 games last season, saw action on 41% of the overall playtime. He admitted that he was going at 60-70% full throttle in 2024. To add insult to injury, a gluteal strain was irritating his sciatic nerve. As Bosa approaches the age of 30 this coming July, he’s navigating a career filled with physical adversity. He understands that overexerting himself on 70-plus snaps in a 17-game schedule is unsustainable. He thinks the perfect range for keeping elite production going is 35 to 45 plays.
"You hit that sweet spot around 35, 40, 45 plays and play all of them at a really high level. And, yeah, come Week 17, you're still ready to go," said Joey Bosa.
Bosa's Impact and Challenges
Throughout his short career, Bosa has displayed disruptive skill that ranks amongst elite edge defenders. From 2017 to 2021, he was fourth in edge pass rush win rate among qualifiers. His quickness potential in beating his block in less than 2.5 seconds is one of the most impressive markers, at 25% of the time. Despite these achievements, Bosa has faced challenges with injuries, having played in just 28 of 51 games over the last three seasons. To put it in perspective, he has played 15 or more games just three times in nine career seasons.
His late-season form indicated that he was starting to return to his former self as he continued to heal from his injury. His experience and skill will be a significant addition to the Bills’ lineup. It also introduces doubt about his durability and the kind of long-lasting effect he’ll have on the gridiron.
"He plays the game violent, he plays reckless, without care for his body, which you love," remarked Brandon Beane.
Preparing for the Draft
The Bills are not just entering the upcoming draft with a severely wounded knee jerk. Armed with ten picks overall and three in the first two rounds, they are set up to add talent all over the roster. The complex world of the defensive line’s resiliency and effectiveness still raises gaps and questions that this draft poses a terrific chance to fill.
While the Bosa addition is certainly exciting, it does highlight the importance of having a complete team. Position sustainability The Bills have benefitted thus far from keeping their most impactful players on the field. The draft will be pivotal in determining how effectively they can build a robust lineup capable of competing at the highest level.
The Road Ahead for the Bills
The road ahead For the Bills, it includes seeing to any lingering questions out of their new-look defensive line. Athletes such as TE Greg Rousseau all understand this plight and are ready to lift their performances above the noise.
"We know we've got to be better. I know I've got to be better. I'm excited to put my best foot forward out there when it matters most because that's what's important. We're trying to get to the Super Bowl and win a Super Bowl…. Nobody is hiding from that," stated Greg Rousseau.
Rousseau’s dedication is a testament to the overall resolve of a hardworking team to step up and meet the moment. The championship mentality still holds as all eyes are set on first class operations and the goal of winning the big one, a Super Bowl.
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