'Physical and relentless' | 3 things to know about Bills NFL Draft pick DT Zane Durant

1. A relentless defensive tackle

Durant played collegiately at Penn State for four seasons (2022-25). He played in 54 games and made 40 starts for the Nittany Lions. Throughout those four seasons, Durant totaled 10 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, 89 total tackles and one interception.

He had a career-high four sacks in 2025 and a career-high 11 tackles for loss the season prior.

At 6-foot-1 and 290 pounds, Durant is known for his athleticism. He's twitchy and has short-area quickness. The DT also has big, violent hands at 10 5/8 inches that he uses to strike offensive linemen. The rookie described his game in a few words.

"Violent, fast, physical and relentless," Durant said of what he does best.

The newest Bill was itching to know where he would be drafted. Now that Buffalo's his new home, Durant is feeling relieved.

"To be honest, I'm no waiting guy," Durant said. "I like to get stuff done but that's a part of the process. I'm just blessed and I'm grateful for the opportunity."

2. Offers versatility across the defensive line

Durant offered Penn State versatility across the defensive line. The DT played mostly at three-technique but moved to different spots thanks to his burst. Durant said the Bills didn't nail down his role yet, but he's happy to help wherever.

"I'm a three tech at heart, but I played all around in college," Durant said. "I'm ready for whatever."

Durant believes his explosivity will fit right in with players like Ed Oliver and Deone Walker.

"I'm fast off the ball and I'm explosive, I'm strong at the point of attack," Durant explained. "So, (I'm) trying to get that down with how they play ball up there and learn as much as I can."

The new rookie also brings a leadership element to his game as he was a team captain in 2025.

"(I) lead by example. I don't ask nobody to do nothing that I don't do myself."

3. Athleticism runs in the family

Zane isn't the first in the Durant family to play sports at a high level. His father, Marcus, played on the offensive line at Florida A&M from 1990-94. Two out of his three sisters also were college athletes.

His older sister, Arielle, played forward for FIU women's basketball from 2010-14. Another sister, Gabby, was a shot put and hammer thrower at UCF from 2015-19.

Durant explained growing up in that environment made for competition all the time.

"Some of them being older than me (and) trying to compete with them ever since I was a baby, I used to lose, but I never stopped and always tried to win," Durant explained. "So, that's how I always keep my mentality: whatever happens, you continue to work. One foot in front of another and get better."

Durant continued to work leading up to playing football in college. He started as a running back and linebacker at the early age of eight years old. It wasn't just football either. Durant was named athlete of the year in eighth grade for competing at a high level in basketball, football and track.

He moved from linebacker to defensive end during his freshman year at Lake Nona High School. The athletic DT actually played on the offensive side as well during his senior season and scored five touchdowns. He left the high school owning school records for sacks (24.5) and tackles for loss (57).

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