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Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady
The Buffalo Bills could have some shifting around in their depth chart after the NFL draft, with a rookie edge rusher predicted to jump ahead of a veteran in the defensive line rotation.
The Bills underwent a transformation this offseason when they jettisoned head coach Sean McDermott and hired Jim Leonhard as defensive coordinator. That could mean some position changes for the team’s edge-rushing group, giving Parker a chance to earn a significant role in his rookie season.
T.J. Parker Could Get Play for the Bills
SI.com’s Ralph Ventre broke down the Bills rookies most likely to see significant playing time this season.
“Being the Bills’ first selection, Parker will naturally face expectations to contribute in Year 1,” Ventre wrote. “The good news for the rookie is that there’s a clear path to playing time behind starting edge rushers Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb.”
Ventre added that Parker could benefit from the injury to edge rusher Michael Hoecht, who appeared in just two games last season before going down. Parker could also surpass another veteran who might start ahead of him on the depth chart.
“Veteran chess piece Michael Hoecht is recovering from a torn Achilles, and it could take him awhile to round back into form,” Ventre wrote. “Javon Solomon, a 2024 fifth-round pick, appears to carry more value as the Bills switch to a 3-4 front, but he likely won’t stand in the way of Parker’s reps.”
Bills Rookie Ready for the Challenge
Parker said he was excited to get started with the Bills, adding that he has a skill set that will help the team right away.
“Very physical player who loves using hands, doesn’t shy away from contact in the run or the pass game. Very powerful with my long arms and my speed, the power,” Parker said.
“[I’m] one guy who could change up and use a little speed, a guy who’s going to try to play with attitude, run to the ball, get there as fast as possible and put pain on somebody. [I’m] playing fast, physical football … and I’m trying to bring the nasty to the defense.”
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Previously he wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as the assistant editor of athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management and Training & Conditioning. He is based out of Rochester, New York, and loves everything football. More about Nathan Dougherty
