The Buffalo Bills are riding high with an impressive 3-0 start to the 2025 NFL season, and a significant part of their early success can be attributed to the stellar performance of edge rusher Joey Bosa. Despite the Bills’ defense needing some fine-tuning, Bosa has been a disruptive force on the field, collapsing pockets and forcing three fumbles in just the first three games. Signed to a one-year deal, Bosa is proving he remains a dominant presence in the league, potentially setting himself up for a lucrative contract in the offseason. However, with his future in Buffalo uncertain, the Bills are already looking ahead to secure their defensive line for years to come.
Wisconsin v Alabama
In a surprising projection from NFL Mocks, analyst Tarringo Basile-Vaughan has the Bills selecting Alabama edge rusher LT Overton with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This bold move signals Buffalo’s commitment to maintaining a formidable defensive front, especially with the possibility of losing not only Bosa but also A.J. Epenesa, who is also in a contract year. Basile-Vaughan highlighted Overton’s potential, noting:
“With Joey Bosa on just a one-year deal, the Buffalo Bills use their first-round pick on edge rusher LT Overton. The Alabama star has just 1 sack so far in 2025, but his blend of size, athleticism, and power makes him worth a late-first round pick to take a chance on for the Bills. The team could double-dip at this position later in the draft.”
Overton’s college performance at Alabama, while not yet translating into massive sack numbers, showcases a player with the physical tools to thrive in the NFL. His combination of size, speed, and raw power makes him an intriguing prospect for a Bills team that has historically invested heavily in its defensive line. General Manager Brandon Beane has a track record of prioritizing this unit, with first-round selections like Ed Oliver in 2019 and Greg Rousseau in 2021, alongside second-round pick Boogie Basham in the same year. If both Bosa and Epenesa depart in free agency, Overton could be the next cornerstone to bolster Buffalo’s pass rush.
While Bosa’s Pro Bowl-caliber production this season could tempt the Bills to offer him an extension, the team’s long-term strategy appears to focus on youth and potential. Overton, though not a household name yet, fits the mold of a high-upside prospect who could develop into a game-changer under Buffalo’s coaching staff. The Bills’ front office has shown a knack for identifying and nurturing defensive talent, and selecting Overton would align with their philosophy of building a sustainable, hard-hitting defense.
As the Bills prepare for their final game of the first month, the excitement around their early success is tempered by the looming decisions about their defensive stars. If Bosa continues his dominant play, his value may skyrocket, potentially pricing him out of Buffalo’s budget. Meanwhile, Overton represents a calculated gamble—a player who could fill the void and keep the Bills’ defense among the league’s elite. For Bills Nation, the prospect of drafting a new edge rusher in 2026 is both a shock and a sign of the team’s relentless pursuit of greatness.