4. Buffalo Bills: A-
Bills' OL grade: A
Bills' DL grade: A-
There is an "on paper" element of the Buffalo Bills' defensive front that is slightly scary when it comes to their projection, but this is a team with top-tier talent...on paper...on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
Defensively, a lot hinges on guys staying healthy and certain young players progressing. Ed Oliver, Bradley Chubb, Greg Rousseau, Michael Hoecht -- those are all players who have been very productive when healthy. And what will happen if the Bills get healthy seasons out of those guys, as well as development and progression from recent draft picks like Deone Walker (an absolute steal last year), TJ Sanders, and Landon Jackson?
Buffalo's offensive line is also just a well-oiled machine at this point. They lost David Edwards to the Saints in free agency, but it's time for Alec Anderson to step up next to Dion Dawkins with Austin Corbett waiting in the wings if things don't go well.
3. Philadelphia Eagles: A
Eagles' OL grade: A
Eagles' DL grade: A
One of the primary reasons why a team like the Eagles has had such a large margin for error in recent years is their play in the trenches. This is a squad that had legitimate struggles last year offensively that might have sunk most teams, but they still won their division (and 11 regular season games).
The offensive line could take on some major changes after the season with Lane Johnson declaring this year his final season in the NFL, and Tyler Steen also set to hit free agency. Even with the departure of legendary OL coach Jeff Stoutland, the expectation will be for this Eagles' offensive line to be outstanding once again.
Defensively, the question marks are coming off the edge, but there is really no question about the interior defensive line for Philly. Jalen Carter is not only well-paid, but a huge problem for offenses weekly. Jordan Davis has become a star as well.
The Eagles need a little bit more from guys like Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith, especially if Jonathan Greenard is going to miss time at the beginning of the year.
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