Bills hunting new defensive ID with explosive Penn State DT Zane Durant

TL;DR

The Buffalo Bills are targeting Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant to enhance their defense under new coordinator Jim Leonhard. Durant, known for his athleticism and speed, is expected to play a key role in passing situations despite concerns about his run defense.

Key points

Buffalo Bills targeting Zane Durant for defense
Durant is 6'1”, 290 pounds with significant athleticism
He ran a 4.75 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine
Concerns about his run defense and ability to play all downs
Durant expected to be a rotation player on passing downs

Mentioned in this story

Penn StateJim Leonhard

Buffalo BillsZane Durant

STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 8: Zane Durant #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lionsreacts after a play against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium on November 8, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Buffalo Bills are in a very new era of defense under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The selection of Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant is a perfect reflection of that. The 6’1” 290-pound Durant is the kind of player you pick to spice up the explosive elements of your team on the front. Durant plays bigger than his size suggests and he has massive hands for a player of his size (10 5/8”), which actually help him significantly. This is a player to put on the field in passing downs and turn him up. There’s a lot to like about his athleticism, and he tested as such at the NFL Scouting Combine with a ridiculous 4.75 40-yard dash. The downside with Durant is the size. He gets washed out in the run game routinely and he has problems holding up against the point of attack. He’s also a bit slow to react to where blocks are coming from in that vantage point. As of right now, he has no ability to play all three downs. Durant will need to be schemed up and kept clean as much as possible so he can work. Durant is one of the rare designated pass rushers who is a defensive tackle and will be a fascinating departure from history. It’s a completely new day for Bills defensive football, and Durant will fill a role as a potential rotation player on passing downs.

Q&A

What are Zane Durant's strengths as a defensive tackle?

Zane Durant's strengths include his impressive athleticism, highlighted by a 4.75 40-yard dash time, and his ability to excel in passing situations.

How does Zane Durant fit into the Buffalo Bills' new defensive strategy?

Durant fits into the Bills' new defensive strategy by serving as a designated pass rusher, enhancing the team's explosiveness on the front line.

What are the concerns regarding Zane Durant's performance in run defense?

Concerns about Durant's performance in run defense include his tendency to get washed out and his slow reaction to blocks, limiting his effectiveness on all three downs.