Linebackers have taken on a much greater role over the past decade with the multitude of sets and hybrid schemes that defensive coordinators expect of this group. They have to stuff the run, get after the quarterback, and drop into coverage.
The Bills are a perfect example of this. Sean McDermott’s defensive scheme calls for mainly two linebackers. Others in the AFC East could have groupings of three or four.
Nevertheless, this analysis will explore the divisional units as a whole. Here’s Bills Wire’s rankings of the linebacker groups across the AFC East:
1. Buffalo Bills
There’s a growing theme of the Bills having the best defensive roster in the division. Tremaine Edmunds is growing into a larger force, and it’s only in time that the NFL will give him more praise. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl last year, and more accolades are bound to fall on his shoulders. Edmunds recorded 115 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, safety, and nine passes defensed in 2019. He’s following the Luke Kuechly path of linebacker development in McDermott’s defense.
Matt Milano has been the biggest steal in the 2017 draft. He is strong in coverage and it’s rare to find mistakes on his part. He had a career-high 101 total tackles last year. His ability to do everything well at his position will force the Bills’ hand to get a contract extension moving sooner than later. Like others on Buffalo’s defense, he’s been overlooked for national recognition which will hopefully soon follow.
But the Bills did have one void to fill this offseason behind Edmunds and Milano. While Lorenzo Alexander did not play every defense snap week in and week out like Edmunds and Milano, he did play many different roles that the Bills will use a committee to replace.
Buffalo brought in AJ Klein to fill the void left behind the retirement of Alexander. The Bills could also feature Vosean Joseph and even Corey Thompson in replacing Alexander’s skill set.