Bills Host Standout All-Big 12 Run-Stopper for Visit

Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter could help address Buffalo's need for interior defensive line depth.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:38pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the overlapping, colliding forces of a football defensive line, rendered in muted earth tones.A cubist interpretation of a defensive lineman's battle in the trenches, capturing the raw power and geometric chaos of interior line play.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Bills will host Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter for a pre-draft visit as they look to bolster their interior defensive line. Hunter is an elite run-stopper who recently slimmed down to 318 pounds, improving his quickness and pass-rushing ability. However, he did not test well at the NFL Combine, causing his draft stock to drop. The Bills need to address their run defense after allowing the fifth-most rushing yards and the most rushing touchdowns last season.

Why it matters

The Bills are transitioning to a 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, and they need to find a run-stuffing nose tackle to anchor the middle of their line. Hunter could be an ideal fit, as he has the size, strength, and length to control the interior, even if he lacks elite pass-rushing skills.

The details

After losing key interior defensive linemen like DaQuan Jones, Larry Ogunjobi, and Jordan Phillips in free agency, the Bills are left with Deone Walker and T.J. Sanders as their projected starters at nose tackle and defensive end, respectively. Hunter, who recorded 41 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in his senior season at Texas Tech, could provide an immediate upgrade against the run. However, his poor testing numbers at the Combine, including a 21.5-inch vertical jump and a 4.07 RAS, have caused his draft stock to plummet, potentially dropping him to the third round.

  • The Bills will host Lee Hunter for a pre-draft 30-visit on April 13, 2026.
  • Hunter recently slimmed down from 330 pounds to 318 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The players

Lee Hunter

A defensive tackle from Texas Tech who is an elite run-stopper with limited pass-rushing production, earning First-Team All-Big 12 and Third-Team All-American honors in 2025.

Deone Walker

The Bills' projected starting nose tackle, who carved out an important role in his rookie year, filling in for Ed Oliver and starting 16 regular-season games.

T.J. Sanders

The Bills' projected starting defensive end, who missed five games due to a knee injury and logged fewer than 300 snaps in a rotational role last season.

Ed Oliver

A veteran defensive tackle for the Bills who is expected to start alongside the new additions to the interior defensive line.

Jim Leonhard

The Bills' new defensive coordinator, who is transitioning the team to a 3-4 defense.

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What’s next

The Bills will evaluate Hunter's performance during the pre-draft visit and determine if he is a good fit for their defensive scheme and roster needs.

The takeaway

The Bills are being proactive in addressing their interior defensive line depth, particularly their need for a run-stopping nose tackle, as they transition to a 3-4 defense. Hunter's potential selection could provide a significant boost to their run defense, which was a major weakness last season.