While much attention will be placed on their new-look offense, the Buffalo Bills defense has the chance to catch some eyes during training camp.

Despite the losses of secondary mainstays such as cornerback Tre’Davious White and safety Jordan Poyer, as well as the potential retirement of defensive back Micah Hyde, the Bills front seven should be a formidable force — thanks in part to the prowess of defensive tackle Ed Oliver.

In fact, one prominent Bills’ analyst recently projected that Oliver will lead the team in sacks this season.

“After a career year that included 9.5 sacks, 65 pressures, and 48 quarterback hurries along with the historical precedent of a Sean McDermott defense that has had a defensive tackle lead all defensive linemen in snap percentage each of the last three years, Oliver looks primed for another heavy workload relative to his line running mates,” wrote SB Nation’s Bruce Nolan. “With the return of DaQuan Jones on a two-year deal, Oliver appears likely to once again thrive in an environment that should allow him to lead the team in QB takedowns.”

Oliver was originally selected by Buffalo in the first round with the ninth overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. Since that time, the former Houston Cougar has become a key component in the Bills’ front seven. During his five seasons in Buffalo, Oliver has compiled 202 total tackles, 24 sacks, 14 passes-defensed, five forced fumbles and one interception. Last season, Oliver played the highest percentage of Buffalo’s defensive snaps (68.1 percent) among defensive linemen.

Having combined for only 11.5 sacks last season, the trio of Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa and Von Miller will need to significantly raise their production if Buffalo hopes to maintain its defensive prowess in 2024. Free-agent acquisitions Dawuane Smoot and Casey Toohill, and fifth-round draft selection Javon Solomon are also expected to play notable roles in the Buffalo’s front seven.

Still, Oliver nearly single-handedly eclipsed the sack total compiled by Rousseau, Epenesa and Miller combined. Should he continue to be reliable and durable, the Bills’ pass rush may return to fearsome form in 2024.