All-22 Analysis: Buffalo Bills DE Dawuane Smoot

The Buffalo Bills haven’t made huge moves to their roster to add a ton of big-name outside talent this offseason, but they have been busy working to improve key areas of need with a good amount of depth signings . However, for a team looking to run, depth pieces are also key.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dawuane Smoot might just be someone who qualifies as one of those depth pieces. With AJ Epenesa, Greg Rousseau and Von Miller firmly at the top of the defensive depth chart, Smoot is unlikely to usurp the starting spot.

Buffalo likes to rotate guys throughout games, and injury replacements are never a bad idea. Let’s watch the film to see what Smoot can bring to the Bills in a depth role…

Play 1

As you would expect from a player with over 100 professional matches under his belt, Dawuane Smoot has a few different moves. Starting with a bit of impact (not really a bull rush), Smoot got a little push on this play. They separated after the hit and Smoot attempted a spin move on second contact. None of Smoot’s moves suggest he’s taking control of a game, but they also don’t suggest someone who will be lost in the moment.

Play 2

For this piece, we’ll focus on Smoot engaging in a little hand-to-hand combat. As above, the moves showcase a veteran’s skill, and on this particular game, they are quite effective. It wasn’t a home run, but for a fairly quick passing play, Smoot made an impact in the pocket.

Play 3

Smoot’s 2023 film shows that he lacks a bit of lateral agility. It’s almost as if he injured his Achilles tendon in the not-so-distant past and may still be on the road to recovery. Hint: Yes. At 6’3″ and 275 pounds at age 29, there’s a chance he’ll never return to his pre-injury form — but Buffalo is probably banking on better health.

Play 4

You’ll notice in this play that the pursuit may have saved a first down. It all started with good field vision and the ability to lose contact and start running.

Play 5

This was Smoot’s only sack in 2023. We’ll call it a cover sack. With time winding down in the second quarter, it was either a big play or nothing. Smoot’s persistence ensured it was nothing.

Play 6

The examples of games I looked at for this article were the two in which Smoot exceeded 50% of the playing time. Against the New Orleans Saints, Smoot had arguably his best statistical game. Against the Carolina Panthers, Smoot’s stat line was literally empty.

That’s not to say Smoot didn’t contribute to the victory. On this play, Smoot took the advantage of his man and created a wider lane for his teammate Travon Walker to clean up.

Play 7

Likewise on this game, Smoot witnesses the result. He bounces to the side enough after the initial impact for the guard to chase him wide. This also leads to Smoot taking the double team with the tackle. Josh Allen (not our Josh Allen) is then able to come in cleanly and create a little panic.

The final straw

Dawuane Smoot is pretty much what you would expect in terms of ability and potential. He’s a good veteran in depth who should help keep the Bills’ defensive floor from falling too far. Smoot’s film presents a range of techniques, all feasible or better. While the Jaguars had Smoot as a rotation piece, he was a big presence in the rotation – not just in emergencies.

It’s also worth noting that Smoot had five or more sacks in each of the four years leading up to 2023 – which was the only season where the Achilles injury likely hampered his play. That’s not too bad for a rotating guy. If he does indeed regain a little more agility/agility in his lower body, he could see a similar role with the Buffalo Bills.