2025 NFL Scouting Combine Day 1 analysis: DT targets for Buffalo Bills

The Bills need another DT good thing this draft is deep

Join me as I embark on an article series reviewing each position group from the NFL Scouting Combine and give my opinion on who the Buffalo Bills should consider on each day of the 2025 NFL Draft. For reference:

• Day 1 = Round 1
• Day 2 = Rounds 2 & 3
• Day 3 = Rounds 4-7

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The Bills have more depth at defensive tackle this offseason than when they entered last offseason when they only had one interior defensive lineman under contract. This year they have Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, and DeWayne Carter all under contract for 2025.

Jones is 33 years old and Buffalo could save 5.5 million on the cap if they released him after June 1. He could be a cut candidate if they load up on defensive tackle in the draft and free agency. However, I believe the Bills like his veteran presence and he played well enough last season to warrant a roster spot.

Regardless, Buffalo needs to find a playmaker in the interior of the defensive line. They could use another big body as a run stuffer, but they could also use a guy to push the pocket. Anyone to take the pressure and double teams off of Oliver is a plus.

There’s good news for the Bills, because this year’s class is deep at defensive tackle. Let’s review some of the defensive tackles who appeared at the NFL combine that I believe Buffalo should consider in the 2025 NFL Draft.

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Day 1 Considerations

Derrick Harmon (Oregon)

Harmon would be a fantastic addition to Buffalo’s defensive line considering he can play either defensive tackle position and offers a nice blend as a block eater and also a pocket pusher. Harmon has long arms and possesses enough strength to take on double teams and free up the second level to make a tackle.

I’m guessing the Bills like his versatility and would consider him an instant contributor. Harmon possesses the physical attributes and athletic traits to be a big-time player in the NFL.

• Height: 6’ 4 1/2”
• Weight: 313 pounds
• 40-yard dash: 4.95 seconds
• 10-yard split: 1.74 seconds

Note: Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is in play for the Bills in Round 1, but due to a hamstring strain he didn’t participate at the combine. Grant might not make it to pick 30 for Buffalo, but he would provide the Bills with a massive physical presence at nose tackle (6’4”, 331 pounds). Hopefully he can test at his pro day, but he’s one to keep an eye on.

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Day 2 Considerations

Darius Alexander (Toledo)

I’m higher on Alexander than most. I love the potential he brings and I believe he improved his stock at the combine — and I get the feeling Alexander won’t be around when the Bills pick at 56, so this might be a trade-up situation.

Alexander is long and converts his length into power, which shows up in his ability to stop the run. His 34” arms pose problems for blockers. He only had 3.5 sacks during his senior season, but Alexander was a playmaker and I believe he has the opportunity to carry this trait at the pro level. I would love it if the Bills could pick him up on Day 2.

• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 305 pounds
• 40-yard dash: 4.95 seconds (fifth)
• 10-yard split: 1.72 seconds (fourth)
• Vertical jump: 31.5”
• Broad jump: 9’3”
• 3-cone drill: 7.6 seconds
• Shuttle: 4.79 seconds

Tyleik Williams (Ohio State)

Williams is a big man who could help the Bills clog up the run game. He’s surprisingly quick for his size, putting his mobility on display during the positional drills at the combine.

Williams is thick and looks explosive in his lower half, often knocking his blockers back with his initial attack. Even though Williams didn’t do any athletic testing at the combine, he did well in the positional drills. We should get some testing numbers at his pro day.

• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 334 pounds

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (Georgia)

Ingram-Dawkins is super fascinating to me. Some may consider him an edge player now that he’s slimmed down to 276 pounds after being over 300 pounds in college, but I believe he can be a player who’s deployed to take advantage of mismatches along the offensive line.

He has everything you could want in a prospect that has a chance to develop into a game-changer. If the Bills draft Ingram-Dawkins on Day 2 and can find a way to unleash his potential, watch out.

• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 276 pounds
• 40-yard dash: 4.86 seconds (T-2nd)
• 10-yard split: 1.69 seconds (T-1st)
• Vertical jump: 36” (1st)
• Broad jump: 10’4” (1st)
• 3-cone drill: 7.28 seconds (1st)
• Shuttle: 4.34 seconds (1st — extremely good)

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Day 3 Considerations

Ty Robinson (Nebraska)

Robinson is my favorite Day 3 defensive tackle prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. A scrappy player who shows physicality in the trenches, Robinson performed well at the combine and likely improved his stock.

His effort and playing style will get him on the field in the NFL even if he isn’t a top-tier prospect.

• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 288 pounds
• 40-yard dash: 4.83 seconds (1st)
• 10-yard split: 1.71 seconds (3rd)
• Vertical jump: 33.5” (4th)
• Broad jump: 9’11” (2nd)
• 3-cone drill: 7.58 seconds
• Shuttle: 4.5 seconds

C.J. West (Indiana)

West isn’t the biggest defensive tackle, but he tested well and looked good in the positional drills. This all comes after a solid performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

West would likely be a rotational piece, but he shows enough explosion and burst to make him intriguing on Day 3.

• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 316 pounds
• 40-yard dash: 4.95 seconds
• 10-yard split: 1.73 seconds
• Vertical jump: 33”

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The bottom line

The Bills will have plenty of options at defensive tackle in the draft, and I expect them to use at least one of their eight draft picks on an interior defensive player. Buffalo needs some more juice up the middle and I believe the 2025 NFL Draft is a perfect way to bolster their unit.

Stay tuned, next up we review the defensive ends from the combine!