Ralph Ventre· Aug 20, 2026
Ventre reports that Deone Walker is the Bills' first-team nose tackle heading into the season and appears set to keep the starting role.
“The Bills have him penciled in as the first-team nose tackle, and he doesn't appear interested in giving up his role.”
published in writing · Sports Illustrated · read the original →
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Deone Walker · 2026 season3 calls from 3 pundits between 1 and 1. Ralph Ventre said 1. the room's median is 1. not settled yet
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- Depth Chart CallsDeone WalkerBuffalo BillsAug 20, 2026
Deone Walker to be 1st on the depth chart
“The Bills have him penciled in as the first-team nose tackle, and he doesn't appear interested in giving up his role.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Randy GurziRoster Spot Calls · Kani WalkerHit · 100Gurzi predicts the Buffalo Bills' final 53-man roster ahead of Week 1 against Houston, naming every player who makes it, who gets cut, and a few depth-chart outcomes (Damar Hamlin as backup safety, Alec Anderson as a new starter on the offensive line, Shane Buechele back on the practice squad).
- Joe MarinoRoster Spot Calls · Kani WalkerHit · 100Joe Marino gives his final projection of the Buffalo Bills' initial 53-man roster after the preseason finale, naming who makes it, who gets cut, and who lands on injured reserve/PUP, along with several starting-job calls (Kyle Allen as QB2, TJ Sanders starting over Landon Jackson, Maxwell Hairston starting opposite Christian Benford, and Tommy Doman winning the punting job).
- Randy GurziRoster Spot Calls · Kani WalkerHit · 100In a preseason winners-and-losers piece, Gurzi says UDFA cornerback Kani Walker likely secured a 53-man roster spot, and that Spencer Brown will again be a consistent starting offensive tackle for Buffalo in 2026.
- John GreenRoster Spot Calls · Kani WalkerHit · 100Green highlights under-the-radar Bills camp risers: he suggests undrafted rookie CB Kani Walker could make the roster as a fourth boundary cornerback, sees Geno Stone as a top reserve safety behind C.J. Gardner-Johnson (whose starting job is his to lose), and wonders whether Keonta Jenkins can go from practice squad to the 53-man roster.
- Danny ParkinsMock Draft Picks · Peter WoodsHit · 88Danny Parkins presented his one-and-only 2026 mock draft, including trades: Mendoza at 1 to the Raiders, David Bailey second to the Jets, the Cowboys trading up to No. 3 for Arvell Reese, the Bears trading up to 16 for Kadyn Proctor, and Ty Simpson going to Arizona at 32 at the end of round one.
- Nick WrightMock Draft Picks · Cade McDonaldMiss · 0Nick Wright unveiled his full 32-pick 2026 NFL mock draft 4.0, starting with Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders at No. 1 and ending with Avion Terrell to the Seahawks at 32. He also called Carnell Tate the best/safest receiver in the class, projected Ty Simpson inside the top 45, said Mendoza profiles as a low-end top-15 NFL quarterback, and expected the Dolphins to lose 15 games.
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- Pat FitzmauriceDepth Chart Calls · Jonah ColemanMiss · 0In his Week 3 waiver column, Fitzmaurice makes several depth-chart calls around injuries: Jonah Coleman leading Denver's backfield, Marcus Mariota taking over in Washington, Michael Penix Jr. starting once healthy, and Malik Washington serving as Miami's top receiver, plus availability expectations for Detroit's injured safeties.