The edge defender market took one of its first hits overnight, as the Buffalo Bills agreed to terms on a five year contract with Jerry Hughes. Acquired via a trade with the Colts in April 2013, Hughes has shown the kind of first round talent with the Bills that he only rarely flashed during his time in Indianapolis. Keeping him in Buffalo ensures that Rex Ryan has the high caliber pass rushers to deploy off both edges that he lacked during his time in New York.
In two seasons in Buffalo, Hughes has racked up 120 pressures (23 Sk, 18 Ht, 79 Hu), 13th best among all 3-4 outside linebackers and 4-3 defensive ends since the start of the 2013 season. That places him alongside the likes of Tamba Hali, Jared Allen and Elvis Dumervil in terms of total production. In terms of a rate of production he fares even better, with his 12.5 Pass Rushing Productivity rating placing him eighth among all edge defenders with at least 150 pass rushes in the last two seasons.
In 2013 Hughes played under Rex Ryan’s former defensive coordinator Mike Pettine giving him recent experience of Rex Ryan’s scheme, that familiarity should help him continue his fine performances from the last two seasons. Performances which haven’t been as a one dimensional pass rusher either. Last season his +9.7 run defense grade was eighth highest among all 4-3 defensive ends, and included a particularly impressive display (+3.0) against the Browns and Joe Thomas, which certainly caught the eye and bodes well for the Bills.
© 2024 PFF - all rights reserved.