Building the 2026 Defense Thread

[Rocbillsfan1]

Got a few questions about building this defense this offseason. If the Bills go after Trey Hendrickson this offseason he would be one of the OLB. Would this be the same position that we have Groot penciled in for right now though or would be play opposite Groot. Wouldn't one of these guys have some more coverage responsibilities? Would this be Groot's spot if we had both? Would Groot be able to do that?

 

Is there any way Bernard can play one of the OLB roles or are we stuck with him as one of the ILB? I kind of wanted to bring back Thompson  and Leo Chenel but with Bernard's contract he is going to have to be used somewhere. Wondering if we are just stuck with him as one of the ILB's.

 

Trying to think of a starting lineup with Hendrickson, Oliver, Free Agent NT or rookie NT, Walker, Rousseau, then Thompson Bernard ILB. Taron still in the slot, Max and Benford  outside corners, Bishop and a rookie/free agent safety. I'm leaning towards another rookie here.

 

Hoecht could rotate in OLB, Groot could rotate with Oliver in 4I position. Walker could rotate in DT role, Sanders can rotate in at DE. Buffalo Joe backup ILB. Dorian Williams situational OLB. 

 

Really want to add Trey Hendrickson but biggest question is again does this make Groot expendable? Can they both be on the field together. If so that is a hell of a front 5 with Hendrickson, Oliver, NT, Walker, Groot. 

[SoonerBillsFan]

Honestly we don't have an answer. I see talking heads saying this guy and this guy can fit this and that. BUT they don't know.  Its up to Leonhart to decide as its his defense.  He said after his presser he was going to sit down and watch all our games, then look at the individuals and talk to Brady and Beane. So we have no idea and honestly will not until about the time the season starts. 

 

He needs to see who is what, how they can fit then talk to Beane about what type player he needs in what position. It literally could be most of our DL and LB's dont fit. Or most all of them can.  

 

It human nature to want to  know these things, but we just dont and wont for awhile.

[RunTheBall]

I hope Leonhard has huge input on the DL. I have no faith in Beane building a defensive line, he’s proven he sucks at it. The amount of assets we’v spent on the DL in draft picks and free agent money compared to the complete lack of production from that group, especially in the playoffs, is a fireable offense in most franchises.

 

Even with Hendrickson, that is not a “hell of a front 5”. Glass Oliver hasn’t survived a season since  I can remember. Walker has potential but had many more breakdowns than splash plays (I understand it’s his first year). Sanders is a bust for a high 2nd round draft pick, but part of that is McD playing him at DE. In no universe should Sanders have been needed to play DE. Groot is Groot, a starting caliber defensive end who sets the edge (except against Mahomes in the playoffs) and makes near zero impact in the post season. IDK about Hendrickson but can almost guarantee with Beane’s track record, his production will not come close to what it would take to get him.

 

Unless Leonhard is a scheme wizard and can unleash some untapped potential, we need a complete defensive line overhaul and that will take years.

 

The lack of impact from the defensive line, lack of player development, and the lack of production from players who go elsewhere and play well will be a big part of the McD legacy.

 

[Rocbillsfan1]

haha, no offense but was looking for a little more then we have no idea. I think it's pretty obvious that even if people aren't a total fit we are going to have to make some of this work just based off of contracts alone. I'm open for trading players like Bernard but probably no market for him or Oliver which there would be a market for but not as big of a return as we hope. Taron is also a problem that they cannot just cut and walk away from IMO. Probably going to restructure him at best. 

[Gregg]

I have seen mock drafts predicting the Bills take Georgia LB CJ Allen at 26

[Rocbillsfan1]

3 minutes ago, RunTheBall said:

I hope Leonhard has huge input on the DL. I have no faith in Beane building a defensive line, he’s proven he sucks at it. The amount of assets we’v spent on the DL in draft picks and free agent money compared to the complete lack of production from that group, especially in the playoffs, is a fireable offense in most franchises.

 

Even with Hendrickson, that is not a “hell of a front 5”. Glass Oliver hasn’t survived a season since  I can remember. Walker has potential but had many more breakdowns than splash plays (I understand it’s his first year). Sanders is a bust for a high 2nd round draft pick, but part of that is McD playing him at DE. In no universe should Sanders have been needed to play DE. Groot is Groot, a starting caliber defensive end who sets the edge (except against Mahomes in the playoffs) and makes near zero impact in the post season. IDK about Hendrickson but can almost guarantee with Beane’s track record, his production will not come close to what it would take to get him.

 

Unless Leonhard is a scheme wizard and can unleash some untapped potential, we need a complete defensive line overhaul and that will take years.

 

The lack of impact from the defensive line, lack of player development, and the lack of production from players who go elsewhere and play well will be a big part of the McD legacy.

 

I am no where near as pessismistic as this post. Oliver has not been made out of glass. Groot is a very solid player but would probably look better when the DLine is fully healthy and the scheme is a little different. Sanders I give a pass because he got hurt and then was asked to play out of position for most of the year. Walker while having some holes in his game made a lot of splash plays and has a lot of verstility to bring to this Dline. As long as he isn't asked to play NT fulltime I think he will be very good in his role moving forward. Hoect is a nice depth rotational edge, Dorian probably is another weapon they can use on the outside. 

 

If the Bills add Hendrickson who is a top rusher and add a solid vet NT to go with lets say a 2nd or 3rd round NT I think that has the makings of a very good line. As long as they can get both Hendrickson and Groot on the field together. 

2 minutes ago, Gregg said:

I have seen mock drafts predicting the Bills take Georgia LB CJ Allen at 26

you don't say lol 

 

Althought I always thought it was the case that he would be taking one of the ILB positions. For the first time today I heard someone say he would be playing OLB? Was kind of shocked by that. 

[HoofHearted]

31 minutes ago, Rocbillsfan1 said:

Got a few questions about building this defense this offseason. If the Bills go after Trey Hendrickson this offseason he would be one of the OLB. Would this be the same position that we have Groot penciled in for right now though or would be play opposite Groot. Wouldn't one of these guys have some more coverage responsibilities? Would this be Groot's spot if we had both? Would Groot be able to do that?

 

Is there any way Bernard can play one of the OLB roles or are we stuck with him as one of the ILB? I kind of wanted to bring back Thompson  and Leo Chenel but with Bernard's contract he is going to have to be used somewhere. Wondering if we are just stuck with him as one of the ILB's.

 

Trying to think of a starting lineup with Hendrickson, Oliver, Free Agent NT or rookie NT, Walker, Rousseau, then Thompson Bernard ILB. Taron still in the slot, Max and Benford  outside corners, Bishop and a rookie/free agent safety. I'm leaning towards another rookie here.

 

Hoecht could rotate in OLB, Groot could rotate with Oliver in 4I position. Walker could rotate in DT role, Sanders can rotate in at DE. Buffalo Joe backup ILB. Dorian Williams situational OLB. 

 

Really want to add Trey Hendrickson but biggest question is again does this make Groot expendable? Can they both be on the field together. If so that is a hell of a front 5 with Hendrickson, Oliver, NT, Walker, Groot. 

Trey and Groot would play the same position if they both projected as OLBs. I'll admit Groot isn't a great fit as an OLB in this defense, but unless he's able to add considerable weight he's not going to hold up as a 4i either. I think we could get away with him being a boundary backer in Leonhard's defense just because of his length allowing him to get into passing windows without having to be great in drops, but it's not an ideal fit.

Bernard is strictly an inside backer in this defense, and more suited for the Will position than the Mike.

[Kirby Jackson]

Here’s a swing at it:

 

- Pay cut for Taron

- Re-sign Cam, Milano & Epenesa if you can. You have some void dollars to play with on Milano and Epenesa that should make their cap hits work. Milano’s number should actually go down if he’s on the team.

- Sign Leo Chenal, Boye Mafe, John Franklin-Meyers and PJ Locke.

- Draft (I’m assuming that the 1st is traded for a WR). Let’s say BTJ for this.

- Draft Dillon Thieneman in round 2 & Jacob Rodriguez in round 3. From there add another CB, and front 7 player.

 

 

 

Edited February 11 by Kirby Jackson

[Rocbillsfan1]

7 minutes ago, HoofHearted said:

Trey and Groot would play the same position if they both projected as OLBs. I'll admit Groot isn't a great fit as an OLB in this defense, but unless he's able to add considerable weight he's not going to hold up as a 4i either. I think we could get away with him being a boundary backer in Leonhard's defense just because of his length allowing him to get into passing windows without having to be great in drops, but it's not an ideal fit.

Bernard is strictly an inside backer in this defense, and more suited for the Will position than the Mike.

This was my fear because I'd really like to add Trey but I realize that this isn't fantasy and they are going to have to figure out a way to make it work with the players they have as well. If this is the case then I'm going to try and trade for Crosby by dealing Groot plus a pick. 

 

I like a lot of the lbers in this draft but I do like the idea of Thompson at the MIKE. Looks like Chenal, Groot, Hendrickson, Crosby, Watt would all be SAMs.

 

I see now rumors of Watt potentially being moved. 

 

I'm just going to throw it out there that I'd be ok with trading Groot as I think he would have decent trade value if the Bills were going to go after Crosby or Watt. 

[SoonerBillsFan]

13 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Here’s a swing at it:

 

- Pay cut for Taron

- Re-sign Cam, Milano & Epenesa if you can. You have some void dollars to play with on Milano and Epenesa that should make their cap hits work. Milano’s number should actually go down if he’s on the team.

- Sign Leo Chenal, Boye Mafe, John Franklin-Meyers and PJ Locke.

- Draft (I’m assuming that the 1st is traded for a WR). Let’s say BTJ for this.

- Draft Dillon Thieneman in round 2 & Jacob Rodriguez in round 3. From there add another CB, and front 7 player.

 

 

 

Milano is washed.  Time to move on from him.

[Rocbillsfan1]

I don't think Milano is washed. Think he could be alright for a couple more years. After reviewing the Bills situation guess I'd be open to it since he could play the outside weakside LBer. Would he take a hometown discount though considering how much money we have given him the past few years?

 

 

Epenesa though is a guy that doesn't fit anything the Bills need moving forward. 

[NewEra]

35 minutes ago, Rocbillsfan1 said:

 

 

Althought I always thought it was the case that he would be taking one of the ILB positions. For the first time today I heard someone say he would be playing OLB? Was kind of shocked by that. 

I think that someone doesn’t know what they are talking about.  He may blitz often, but he’s an inside guy in Leonard scheme imo

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

25 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Here’s a swing at it:

 

- Pay cut for Taron

- Re-sign Cam, Milano & Epenesa if you can. You have some void dollars to play with on Milano and Epenesa that should make their cap hits work. Milano’s number should actually go down if he’s on the team.

- Sign Leo Chenal, Boye Mafe, John Franklin-Meyers and PJ Locke.

- Draft (I’m assuming that the 1st is traded for a WR). Let’s say BTJ for this.

- Draft Dillon Thieneman in round 2 & Jacob Rodriguez in round 3. From there add another CB, and front 7 player.

 

 

 

Most analysis I've seen believes we do not have the NT on our roster and will need to obtain one or two.

[SoonerBillsFan]

36 minutes ago, HoofHearted said:

Trey and Groot would play the same position if they both projected as OLBs. I'll admit Groot isn't a great fit as an OLB in this defense, but unless he's able to add considerable weight he's not going to hold up as a 4i either. I think we could get away with him being a boundary backer in Leonhard's defense just because of his length allowing him to get into passing windows without having to be great in drops, but it's not an ideal fit.

Bernard is strictly an inside backer in this defense, and more suited for the Will position than the Mike.

Groot cant drop and cover like the OLB's we will need

[oldmanfan]

I’m not so sure Epenesa isn’t a fit; he might do better standing up as a 3-4 OLB.  Groot I think is going to be a great fit in a 3-4.  We’ll need inside LB help; Thompson should work but a bigger guy like a Chenab could help.  Perhaps we trade Bernard.

 

And as always, I will ask for us to draft a big tub of goo to put in the middle.  Walker is OK, but I’d like to see more of a 6’ 330 fireplug kind of guy.

[Kirby Jackson]

19 minutes ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

Milano is washed.  Time to move on from him.

I thought he played pretty well this year. There’s a realistic world where he costs less to keep than to move on from. 

[Rocbillsfan1]

5 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I think that someone doesn’t know what they are talking about.  He may blitz often, but he’s an inside guy in Leonard scheme imo

Yea it was one of the Bills podcast bros that said it and it made me raise my eyebrows when I heard it. 

 

I think my biggest takeaway today is that if the Bills want to go out and make a big splash free agent signging or trade that the odd man out might actually be Groot and not Oliver which is the opposite of what everyone has been saying since we got the news of the hiring. 

 

Oliver would play the 4I position which is the same position as Milton WIlliams who is 6-1 290. Oliver is 6'1 290 and also plays a penetrating style. 

[SoTier]

43 minutes ago, Rocbillsfan1 said:

haha, no offense but was looking for a little more then we have no idea. I think it's pretty obvious that even if people aren't a total fit we are going to have to make some of this work just based off of contracts alone. I'm open for trading players like Bernard but probably no market for him or Oliver which there would be a market for but not as big of a return as we hope. Taron is also a problem that they cannot just cut and walk away from IMO. Probably going to restructure him at best. 

 

Reality is that we have no idea.  The DC has had the job for less than 2 weeks.

 

26 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Here’s a swing at it:

 

- Pay cut for Taron

- Re-sign Cam, Milano & Epenesa if you can. You have some void dollars to play with on Milano and Epenesa that should make their cap hits work. Milano’s number should actually go down if he’s on the team.

- Sign Leo Chenal, Boye Mafe, John Franklin-Meyers and PJ Locke.

- Draft (I’m assuming that the 1st is traded for a WR). Let’s say BTJ for this.

- Draft Dillon Thieneman in round 2 & Jacob Rodriguez in round 3. From there add another CB, and front 7 player.

 

 

 

 

BTJ isn't worth a first round pick in 2026.  He was drafted at #23 in 2024 and had an excellent rookie season, but he had a terrible 2nd year on an ascending team last year when his QB actually looked like a decent NFL starter.   He started out terrible and never improved as the season went on.  

[Rocbillsfan1]

So I'm not saying Groot isn't a fit for the OLB role. The problem would be if the Bills wanted to go out and get a Crosby, Hendrickson, Watt player. Then what?

 

If we are going to pencil in Groot for OLB then I guess those other guys are out of the question which would leave more money and room available in the draft for other needs. 

Edited February 11 by Rocbillsfan1
additional remarks

[Kirby Jackson]

1 minute ago, SoTier said:

 

Reality is that we have no idea.  The DC has had the job for less than 2 weeks.

 

 

BTJ isn't worth a first round pick in 2026.  He was drafted at #23 in 2024 and had an excellent rookie season, but he had a terrible 2nd year on an ascending team last year when his QB actually looked like a decent NFL starter.   He started out terrible and never improved as the season went on.  

He wouldn’t be my pick. He was just used as an illustration (in part because of his low cap number).