Three defensive line targets for the Buffalo Bills in the 2023 NFL Draft
Defensive linemen are undeniably a favorite early draft target for Bills GM Brandon Beane. The 2022 NFL Draft marked the first time since 2018 that he didn't leave the first two rounds without selecting one.
During last week's news conference, Beane expressed concern about the defensive line's depth, potentially implying he may begin a new streak. DTs Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Tim Settle and Jordan Phillips are all free agents after the season, making now the perfect time to secure a long-term option.
Buffalo holds the 27th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 27-29 in Kansas City, though it could trade the selection depending on how the draft unfolds. Beane told reporters he's "more likely to [trade] back than [trade] up," therefore, here are three defensive line prospects he could target in the first two rounds of the draft:
Mazi Smith, Michigan
Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 323 pounds
Despite allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards last season, Buffalo's defense was exposed in the snowy Divisional Round loss to Cincinnati, surrendering 172 yards on the ground. Last season, Smith recorded 48 tackles, 2.5 for loss and a half-sack, not all that impressive on paper, though rushing the passer wasn't part of his role at Michigan.
The All-Big Ten first-teamer excelled as a run stuffer and was instrumental in the Wolverines' stout rushing defense, which earned the third-highest grade in the category from Pro Football Focus.
Smith opted to forgo on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he did participate in the bench press portion and made the most of his opportunity. During the workout, Smith completed the most reps of the standard 225-pound weight for a defensive tackle (34) and was tied for second among all participants.
Based on his college production and his performance in Indianapolis, the Next Gen Stats Draft Model predicts that Smith will develop into a plus starter in the NFL.
Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern
Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 282 pounds
The 22-year-old built on a career 2022 season (38 tackles, nine for loss, five sacks) by posting one of the finest all-around performances at the NFL Scouting Combine. A versatile defensive tackle/end hybrid, Adebawore clocked a 4.49 40-yard dash, which would've been a combine record for a DT. Unfortunately, he was assigned to work with the edge-rushers.
Adebawore placed in the top eight of his position group in every combine event he attempted, consisting of the 10-yard split, vertical jump, broad jump and bench press. With his talent and intangibles, Adebawore could emerge as a viable replacement for Buffalo's 2024 free agents. Or he could fill in for Von Miller if his recovery from his ACL tear doesn't go according to plan.
ESPN's player projection draft model, which is similar to Next Gen Stats' model, but incorporates scouts' grades, gives Adebawore the highest probability of being a Pro Bowler among DE prospects.
Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 309 pounds
The four-year starter offers both pass-rushing potential and the ability to shut down the opposition's running game effectively. While Benton has just nine career sacks, he recorded half of that total last season, and ESPN's Matt Miller believes he'll only improve under the guidance of NFL coaches.
"With power and quickness off the snap, [Benton] could be a much more productive interior pass-rusher in the pros once he is allowed to attack gaps and get after the quarterback," Miller wrote in his latest seven-round mock draft.
Aside from the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Benton's stats have steadily improved each year, so Miller's assessment could hold up over time. Benton projects as a second-round pick; however, if Beane doesn't trade down, the Badger shouldn't be viewed as a reach at 27, considering he has legitimate starter upside.
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