Buffalo Bills free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 23: Minnesota Vikings running back Latavius Murray (25) runs with the ball during a regular season game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions on December 23, 2018 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – SEPTEMBER 23: Oakland Raiders Defensive Tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the NFL football game between the Oakland Raiders and the Miami Dolphins on September 23, 2018, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. DT Johnathan Hankins (Oakland Raiders)

It’s been an issue for this team or any number years and it really reared its ugly head a season ago – even though the Bills managed to reach the playoffs. Stopping the run is not been a team strength for this club in recent seasons. And now the franchise must look for a replacement in the trenches for defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who announced his retirement after 13 seasons with the organization. The 13-year pro and six-time Pro Bowler will be sorely missed by the club for a variety of reasons.

In both 2016 and ’17, Buffalo allowed the fourth-most rushing yards in the NFL. A year ago, including the playoff loss at Jacksonville, the Bills surrendered 158.8 yards per game on the ground in their final 10 outings. In ’18, the team actually ranked 16th in the league is yards allowed on the ground. But the numbers were indeed deceptive as the club limited eight opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing while allowing three opponents to run for at least 220 yards.

Last offseason, the organization signed former Carolina Panthers’ first-round pick Star Lotulelei to a big contract. And in the 2018 draft, Buffalo added defensive tackle Harrison Phillips in the third round. And don’t be surprised if GM Brandon Beane looks for some help in this area early in late April. So could the addition of massive defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins aid the Bills in this area? He could be a big help if he recaptures the form he showed early in his career with the New York Giants.

Next: No. 2

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