Buffalo Bills: 5 offseason needs in 2019

3 of 5

BUFFALO, NY – NOVEMBER 04: Star Lotulelei #98 of the Buffalo Bills warms up before the start of NFL game action against the Chicago Bears at New Era Field on November 4, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

3. Replace DT Kyle Williams

Stopping the run has been a shortcoming of the Bills’ defense for more than a season now. In fact, even before head coach Sean McDermott arrived in 2017, this club was gashed on the ground a lot more than it should have been. But we’ll stick to the current coaching regime as this problem continues to rear its ugly helmet.

During the first seven games of the Sean McDermott/Leslie Frazier Era in Orchard Park, Buffalo was off to a 5-2 start and the defense was stout up front. The club allowed a total of allowed 561 rushing yards (80.1 average). But things have deteriorated greatly ever since. Including last season’s 10-3 loss at Jacksonville in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs, McDermott’s team has played a total of 26 games and own a 10-16 record. Over that span, the club has surrendered a disappointing 132 yards per contest on the ground.

Last offseason, the Bills sunk big money into adding defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. They also used a third-round selection on defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. The latter played in all 16 games and did not make a start but racked up 35 tackles. Is he ready to slide in and take over for six-time Pro Bowler Kyle Williams? It’s important to note that even with Williams starting all 16 games in 2018, Buffalo finished 19th in the NFL against the run. Even if Phillips wins the starting job, the club could look for more interior help in the draft or free agency.

Next: No. 2

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