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.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are actively preparing for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, focusing on strengthening their defensive line after a disappointing run defense in the previous season. With only Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton remaining as reliable starters, the team is critically evaluating potential defensive tackle prospects. Five players have attracted their interest, all of whom possess qualities that align with the Steelers' needs for enhanced defensive performance.

Leading the list is Jamaree Caldwell from Oregon, who resembles former Steelers great Casey Hampton with his size and dedication to absorbing double teams. Joshua Farmer from Florida State has surged up draft boards, showcasing versatile skills as both a pass rusher and run defender. JJ Pegues of Ole Miss brings an intriguing dual-threat capability, while Yahya Black from Iowa is seen as a developmental prospect. Lastly, Elijah Roberts from SMU stands out as a 3-4 defensive end option, though he diverges from the primary interior run defense focus.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move in the 2025 free agency by signing veteran defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale from the New England Patriots. Ekuale, who stands at 6'3" and weighs 310 pounds, has had an impressive career, playing for teams like the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018. In the 2024 season, he started 17 games, showcasing his potential as a valuable defensive lineman.

This acquisition comes at a crucial time for the Steelers, who have been struggling with their defensive line. The Larry Ogunjobi experiment is winding down, and the aging roster necessitates a rejuvenation. Ekuale, with his six seasons of NFL experience, has recorded six sacks, 91 tackles, and eight tackles for loss over 57 games, indicating he brings considerable strength to the defensive front. He is expected to start alongside veteran DT Cameron Heyward and NT Keeanu Benton, solidifying a crucial area of need for Pittsburgh as they also look to bolster their defensive line through the upcoming draft.

The Buffalo Bills have made significant moves in free agency, particularly to enhance their defense. However, they will face challenges as new signings Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht are set to serve six-game suspensions for positive PED tests. Ogunjobi, who recently signed a one-year deal worth $8.3 million, had a positive result before finalizing his contract, while Hoecht's three-year, $21 million contract was signed with the knowledge of his impending suspension. Both players acknowledged their responsibility regarding the positive tests and will be absent during the initial weeks of the regular season.

Despite this setback, Ogunjobi and Hoecht are allowed to participate in offseason training activities. The Bills are looking to maintain momentum, having also added Joey Bosa and Darrick Forrest, while retaining key players like Greg Rousseau and Damar Hamlin in a bid for a strong season ahead.