8 takeaways from Bills’ Sean McDermott at the NFL Combine

Takeaways from Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott at the 2020 NFL Combine.

Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander. Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Replacing Zo

Like Beane, Buffalo’s head coach acknowledge how important linebacker Lorenzo Alexander was to the team. He did it all. A pass rusher, defensive back and special teamer all in one. But for McDermott, he has to replace something a bit more in regard to Alexander, too. Where will that leadership come from?

McDermott mentioned a few veterans and younger guys already on the roster that are going to have to step up as a leader, while perhaps multiple players will have to fill his shoes physically on the field.

“Lorenzo was such unique player because of the skill set. He could play linebacker, dropping into coverage. He could rush the passer. He was a big force for us on special teams. Sometimes that takes more than one player to fill that,” McDermott said.

“We look at the guy we have. The Lee Smiths of the world, the Micah Hydes. You look Josh (Allen) and Tremaine (Edmunds) at their growth and development. They’re going to need to take on some of that ownership and responsibility as well,” McDermott added. “That’s part of the next step for them and they’re ready for it. They have the respect of their teammates and they’ve earned that.”