Buffalo Bills All-Drought team: Defensive tackle

On Wednesday we talked about the big, punishing nose tackles who played with the Buffalo Bills during their playoff drought. Today we’re checking out the disruptors who played under tackle, the defensive tackle more inclined to line up outside a guard’s shoulder and penetrate into the backfield. Of course, one man owned this position for twelve of the eighteen drought years. Let’s give our congratulations to Kyle Williams for his spot on the All-Drought team.

Sam Adams

Adams was a tremendous athlete and a first round pick out of Texas A&M, and signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2003 for his age-30 season. He played three seasons with the Bills, starting 40 games over that span. Adams was the disruptive playmaker next to the immovable Pat Williams at the time, and he recorded 13 sacks during those three years. His most memorable performance was his first game with the team, as he sacked Tom Brady and returned an interception for a touchdown in a 31-0 beatdown of the Patriots.

Ahead of the 2006 season, the Bills released Adams due to salary cap issues. He played two more seasons in the NFL before retiring.

Kyle Williams

One of the greatest players in Buffalo Bills history, Williams joined the team as an unheralded fifth round pick from LSU. By October he was already starting games as a rookie, ahead of first round pick (and eventual bust) John McCargo. Over twelve seasons since his debut, Williams has started 162 games, playing in five Pro Bowls. He was also named a second-team All-Pro by The Associated Press in 2010. His 43.5 career sacks is a franchise record for defensive tackles, and ranks fifth among all Buffalo Bills.

In addition to his pass rushing prowess, Williams has been lauded throughout his career for a top-notch work ethic, excellent leadership, and positive community impact. He finally saw his efforts rewarded when the Bills qualified for the postseason in 2017.

Voting time! Please cast your ballot in the poll below. Next week we’ll continue to round out the defense, starting with an edge rusher.