The Buffalo Bills are positioned as strong Super Bowl contenders following an impressive 2024 season that nearly saw them conquer the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship. Quarterback Josh Allen, last season's MVP, remains pivotal to their success. The team bolstered its defense with key acquisitions including Joey Bosa, Larry Ogunjobi, and Michael Hoecht, while prioritizing defense in the draft with their first five picks. This strategic focus sets the stage for a serious Super Bowl run in the upcoming season.

The Buffalo Bills are set to face a favorable 2025 schedule, ranking as the ninth easiest in the league. However, their plans have been complicated by the six-game suspensions of newly signed defensive linemen Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi due to PED violations, which will impact their run defense early in the season. Despite these setbacks, the Bills' overall schedule offers a more manageable path as they navigate the challenges of losing key players.

Buffalo is expected to leverage the depth of their roster and strategic matchups to mitigate the absence of Hoecht and Ogunjobi. As the defending AFC East champions, their ability to adapt will be crucial as they look to maintain their status while integrating new talent into their defensive schemes, potentially finding ways to exploit weaknesses in their opponents’ offenses during the early games.

The Buffalo Bills are addressing their defensive weaknesses this offseason, having recognized that while their offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen, was effective, the defense fell short in critical moments. General manager Brandon Beane has actively sought to bolster the defense through free agency, making notable acquisitions.

Among these signings are standout players like Joey Bosa and Larry Ogunjobi, who should significantly enhance the defensive line. Bosa's pass-rushing abilities paired with Ogunjobi's run-stopping skills will provide the Bills with a more formidable front. The addition of Michael Hoecht and Darrick Forrest also aims to deepen the defensive rotation, ensuring they have adequate depth and versatility to handle the rigors of the NFL season. These strategic moves signal the Bills' commitment to improving their defense and maintaining their competitiveness in the league.

The Buffalo Bills are set to enhance their defensive line once again, a position they consistently focus on during the offseason. After signing Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht during free agency, the Bills still find themselves in need of additional depth, especially with both players suspended for the first six games of the upcoming season.

In a recent 2025 NFL mock draft by NFL.com, the Bills are projected to select edge defender Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College with their first-round pick, at No. 30 overall. Ezeiruaku had a standout senior year, accumulating 21 tackles for loss and an impressive 16.5 sacks in just 12 games, propelling him up the draft boards. This selection could provide the Bills with a short-term rotational player and a long-term solution to bolster their defensive front.

Furthermore, the addition of Ezeiruaku allows Buffalo to ease him into the NFL alongside veterans like Joey Bosa and Greg Rousseau, maximizing their pass-rushing capabilities while developing Ezeiruaku's skills.

Michael Hoecht, the Buffalo Bills' latest addition to their defensive line, comes with a mix of intrigue and challenges. At 27, he signed a three-year deal but will miss the first six games of the 2025 season due to a suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. Despite this setback, Hoecht embodies the underdog spirit; he went undrafted in 2020 before making a name for himself with the Los Angeles Rams, where he showcased remarkable versatility, playing multiple positions on defense. His background is unique, having grown up in Ontario and Ohio, which adds to his narrative of resilience.

Hoecht's skill set is noteworthy, particularly his ability to block field goals, as evidenced by his impressive three blocks last season. He also holds a Super Bowl championship from 2021, where he was part of the Rams squad alongside Von Miller. Hoecht's journey reflects his commitment to the sport, having adapted to training challenges during the pandemic by creating a makeshift gym with friends. With a solid academic background from Brown University, he not only brings athletic prowess but also intelligence to the field. As the Bills look to enhance their defensive capabilities, Hoecht's potential impact could be significant, albeit delayed.