We have assessed from every angle the Buffalo Bills defensive overhaul from Sean McDermott to new coordinator Jim Leonhard this offseason, now it’s time for the players to provide their thoughts.
In a scrum with media following OTA practice, second-year defensive lineman Deone Walker had plenty to say, including some foreshadowing about his linemate, Ed Oliver.
The full interview in video-form can be found in The Feed right here
And this was the exact exchange I want to highlight:
Sal Capaccio: “Coach
talked last week about Ed (Oliver) being a little more free… what’s that going to do for Ed, being able to do that in this defense?”
Walker: “I’m just going to say I’m scared… I’m going to be happy… but I’m scared for what he’s going to do.”
Right before Capaccio’s question, Walker specifically explained the difference in responsibilities between playing 3-technique and 4i, saying:
“It is different… 4i is playing a little bit more passive, while 3-tech is going out and gettin ‘em.”
*picture courtesy of PFF
That is an important distinction to hear directly from a Bills defensive lineman. Because conventional wisdom suggests bigger, almost oversized trench players are needed in odd-man fronts, Oliver originally began the offseason as someone many believed could be traded, cut, or simply phased out of Leonhard’s defense.
Oliver’s still a member of the Bills, and Walker’s comment suggest the opposite of the latter.
Oliver will retain his familiar, attacking 3-technique position in this scheme, and there will be more variation across the defensive front around him with Walker, Landon Jackson, T.J. Sanders, and Co.
When healthy, Oliver has become a pass-rushing force on the interior, with a crazy-high pressure rate (17.8%) in his short stint on the field in 2025 that followed back-to-back disruptive, higher volume seasons in 2023 and 2024.
In this new Leonhard scheme, next to Walker inside, it’ll be fascinating to watch Oliver work.
