Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears: Kaiir Elam Among ‘3 to Watch’ on Defense

The Buffalo Bills will open their 2024 preseason slate on Saturday as they host the Chicago Bears. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. PT at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.

Though many of Buffalo’s most notables are expected to garner some attention during this upcoming matchup, here are three players on defense that might raise an eyebrow when the Bills take the field against the Bears.

Kaiir Elam

Despite a respectable rookie season — one in which he played in 16 games (making six starts) and logging 41 total tackles, four passes-defensed and two interceptions — Elam regressed in 2023. Hindered by the occasional healthy scratch, as well as a lengthy stay on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, the Florida product only earned 14 tackles in three games.

It should be noted that Elam’s collegiate success came by playing in a press-man scheme, which allows him to play closer to the line of scrimmage and press receivers. In coach Sean McDermott’s system, the Bills typically run most of their scheme in zone.

Still, Elam may be poised to take on a larger role to start the season if he performs well during the preseason. Throughout training camp, he has shown prowess in man, as well as an adaptability to zone. Despite his difficulties last season, the Bills have worked with him on his off-coverage assignments — a strategy which may lead to his earning a notable role in Buffalo’s secondary.

Joe Andreessen

Andreessen, a native of Lancaster, NY, spent his final collegiate year (also, his graduate season) playing for the University of Buffalo as one of the team’s top linebackers. He started in all 12 games, having logged 90 tackles (12 of which went for loss,) one sack, two passes-defensed and one forced fumble. The 6-1, 232-pound linebacker showcased his versatility by aligning on multiple spots throughout his tenure. Andreessen took snaps along the defensive line and in the slot in addition to linebacker last season. He was also a mainstay on special teams, particularly on the Bulls’ punt coverage team.

Prior to his time at UB, Andreessen spent five seasons at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Under the tutelage of head coach Chris Merritt, he earned All-America honors for the Bulldogs after recording a school-record 116 tackles in 2022.

DeWayne Carter

Having lost defensive tackle Jordan Phillips to free agency, the Bills added some much-needed depth to their defensive line on Day 2 of the NFL Draft by selecting Duke tackle DeWayne Carter with the No. 95 pick in the third round.

Known for his prowess in defending the run, Carter projects as a 3-tech defensive tackle. During his four years with the Blue Devils, he totaled 87 tackles — 21.5 of which were for a loss — and 11 sacks. At his best, Carter is a tough player, with the size (6-3, 305) to sustain the double team.

Though he will require some refinement to earn notable playing time as a pass rusher, Carter should see the field as a run defender in sub packages sooner rather than later.