BB5: Defensive Break-Out Candidates
In this edition of BB5, I will review defensive players who I think will have their best seasons in 2024.
Greg Rousseau. Rousseau has shown flashes since the Bills drafted him in 2021. He has all the tools to be a dominant pass rusher in the NFL for years to come even though his stats may not indicate that currently. His career high, of 8 sacks, came in 2022, the last time he played with a healthy Von Miller. Miller starting 2024 healthy, on top of the interior DL returning, will only help Rousseau continue his growth in reaching the potential the Bills saw when they drafted him in the first round 3 years ago.
2024 Projection: 55 tackles, 16 TFL, 11.5 sacks
Taylor Rapp. Rapp had an interesting first season in Buffalo. It seemed like they never really found a role for him until injuries forced him into the lineup late in the season. Learning from Hyde and Poyer for a year before moving into a full-time starting role will only help Rapp as the Bills’ defense moves into a new era at the safety position. I foresee Rapp taking a more vocal role in the secondary along with Taron Johnson as they take over the leadership of the secondary.
2024 Projection: 90 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5 pbus
Kaiir Elam. Elam is entering the heralded “Year 3” in a lot of Bills draft picks who have seen their best seasons. Elam has had two years to learn from a very talented room and, if healthy, should be the third outside DB on the depth chart to start the season. Elam's confidence in the Steelers game after a poor start needs to carry over into 2024 for a chance at securing a starting role in 2024.
2024 Projection: 50 tackles, 9 pbus, 3 INT
Dark Horse Candidates
Dorian Williams. This will depend on Matt Milano’s health. If Milano cannot start the season, Williams will get every opportunity to make a name for himself at the LB position. His speed and a year of experience will play a key factor in helping Milano fully recover before returning to the field.
Mike Edwards. Could Edwards come in and impact the team similar to how Poyer did when he joined Buffalo in 2017? Edwards is a known ballhawk with championship pedigree that the Bills defense will need to feed off of. If Edwards assimilates to his new role quickly, this could be a signing similar to the beginning of the Poyer/Hyde Era.
