Buffalo Bills Hosting Sleeper D-Line Prospect For Visit

Western Michigan's Marshawn Kneeland could be an under-the-radar prospect for the Buffalo Bills.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Western Michigan defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland (DL41) / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After losing multiple key defenders this offseason, it's up to Brandon Beane and co. to rebuild the Buffalo Bills' defense, likely through the draft.

The Bills may not use their first-round pick on a defensive player as receiver appears to be their most-pressing need, but investing on that side of the ball early on would be a wise decision.

At the very least, it seems that the Bills are doing their due dilligence on high-end defensive prospects. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Buffalo is hosting Western Michigan Broncos edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland for a visit.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Western Michigan defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland (DL41) / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

At first glance, Kneeland's stats aren't especially eye-catching. In four seasons at Western Michigan, he totaled just 150 total tackles and 13 sacks. Him being a converted tight end explains some of that lack of production, but still, those stats leave something to be desired.

However, Kneeland's intangibles are simply excellent. He ran a 4.75-second 40-yard dash at the combine, which is very impressive for someone who comes in at 6-3 and 267 pounds. Scouts have also praised his strength at the point of attack, while noting that he has enough finesse to mix it up when needed.

Rapoport notes that Kneeland is "known far more to teams than media," indicating that he could go much earlier than many expect him to. Considering that he has 16 visits scheduled, he could be an early second-rounder or even a late first-rounder, so the Bills may have to be bold if they want him.