Bills news: Previewing Jim Leonhard’s new defense

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 13: Ed Oliver #91 of the Buffalo Bills pressures Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter of the game at Highmark Stadium on November 13, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Buffalo Bills hired Jim Leonhard away from the Denver Broncos and are expecting the former Bills safety to overhaul a defensive unit that struggled at stopping the run, getting off the field on third down, and coming up with the big stop in the playoffs during the Sean McDermott era.

Enter Leonhard, who plans to employ a base 3-4 defensive scheme. During Buffalo’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Leonhard has started defining his expectations for how Buffalo’s defensive pieces will operate in his system, and today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by examining what Leonhard’s new defensive scheme will look like this year, including how defensive tackle Ed Oliver is poised to be more disruptive for the Bills.

Check out the assessments and then be sure to leave your thoughts on how you think Buffalo’s defense will fare this year in the comments section.

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Projecting what Jim Leonhard’s defense will look like​

Ed Oliver was a gamechanger when he was healthy last year, but Oliver was only a dominant presence for three whole games, amassing three sacks with four additional tackles for a loss, two additional quarterback hits and a forced fumble before he tore his biceps in a Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Leonhard has big plans for how he will deploy Oliver in his defense in 2026.

“I think Ed’s going to be really disruptive in this defense,” Leonhard said, “the base defense being more different for him than what it’s been in the past and, in all reality, (giving Oliver) a little more freedom than he’s had in the past.”

In a session with the media during OTAs, Leonhard explained how Buffalo’s outside linebackers are expected to play more like defensive ends, traditional defensive ends will shift more inside, and traditional defensive tackles will line up next to the nose tackle in his scheme. He also described why adding veteran pass rusher Bradley Chubb was an essential signing; is excited to see what veteran CJ Gardner-Johnson will bring to Buffalo’s secondary; and says linebacker Dorian Williams has a golden opportunity to seize a starting role opposite Terrel Bernard.

We also project Buffalo’s defensive starters; learn how outside linebacker Michael Hoecht (pictured below) is progressing nicely in his return following an Achillies injury; and find out how bulked-up defensive end Landon Jackson is embracing a new role on defense.

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• Why Jim Leonhard is taking a steady approach to players as he installs Bills defense – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• Bills OTAs | Jim Leonhard defines his defensive terminology, Year 2 players aim to take a jump – BuffaloBills.com
• Bills Leonhard offers early read on four key defenders – Democrat & Chronicle
• New Bills DC says ‘more freedom’ will make Ed Oliver ‘disruptive’ – The Athletic (subscription required)
• Bills By The Numbers: Projecting Starting Roles And Fiercest Competitions On Defense – BuffaloBills.com
• Early Glimpse of Bills Defense Emerging Under Jim Leonhard in Buffalo – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
• Michael Hoecht eyes Bills training camp as his target in recovery from Achilles injury – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• Bills linebacker embracing fresh start after tough season – Democrat & Chronicle
• Bigger and stronger, Landon Jackson embraces Bills’ defensive changes – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• Landon Jackson “The New Defense Is Something I’ve Thrived At” – BuffaloBills.com
• Bills Up-and-Coming Homegrown Talent Finally Rising in Linebacker Ranks Under Jim Leonhard – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
• Ed Oliver Talks Disruptive New Scheme – BuffaloBills.com
• T.J. Sanders On Preparing At OTAs – BuffaloBills.com

Even more Bills news​

Exploring how quarterback Josh Allen has made improving his deep ball accuracy an offseason priority. Plus, why the Bills offense is still putting too much pressure on Allen to do it all; previewing the milestone home games for the Bills this year; an Allen trading card sells for a record price tag; and more!

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• Bills’ Josh Allen is focused on one specific throw this offseason, and it’s exactly what Buffalo needs – newyorkupstate.com
• Supporting Cast Rankings Show Bills Still Putting Too Much on Josh Allen – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
• Big milestone games coming to new Highmark Stadium in 2026 – Democrat & Chronicle
• With Bills stadium demo starting, final collectibles pulled from building and put up for sale – Buffalo News (subscription required)
• New flights connect Bills fans for select road games next season – WGRZ
• Josh Allen trading card bought by grandma sells for $1.35M before it’s even made – Democrat & Chronicle
• Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen trading card sells for record $1.35 million – newyorkupstate.com

Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings​

• Bills should feel optimistic about Michael Hoecht’s progress – Buffalo Rumblings
• Results of Bills “seller” trades in Brandon Beane era – Buffalo Rumblings
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• Bills most likely to be in Alex Tuch-like situation after 2026 – Buffalo Rumblings
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