Following the 2023 NFL draft, most in western New York do not expect Dorian Williams to factor into the race to replace Tremaine Edmunds.
That’s because Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane stated that. Following the selection of the third-round pick, Beane noted that Williams’ initial role with the Bills would be as an outside linebacker where Matt Milano plays.
But ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler thinks otherwise is still possible.
The NFL insider for the former world-wide leader did a “key intel roundup” for every team in the NFL following the draft. For the Bills, much of the breakdown involved the explanation of what first-round selection Dalton Kincaid will bring to Buffalo’s offense.
But before the end, there’s a note that involves Williams and the defense. It’s Fowler’s belief that Williams will factor into the discussion to replace Edmunds, despite what we’ve heard.
Here’s Fowler’s analysis:
One other Buffalo note: Watch for third-round linebacker Dorian Williams to make an immediate impact. Buffalo needs a starter to replace Tremaine Edmunds. Williams is an explosive player (4.49 speed at 228 pounds) who was considered a late-bloomer at Tulane: He weighed around 190 pounds when he enrolled in 2019.
Based on what Beane stated, that the replacement for Edmunds is likely already in-house, that brings Tyrel Dodson and Terrel Bernard into the equation as well.
Bernard, a third-round pick in 2022, is similar to Williams. He does not profile as an Edmunds’ replacement in terms of size, but if the Bills are looking to change the profile of their mike linebacker from Edmunds to a quicker, leaner build, than all three players could be suitable replacements.
Truthfully, it’s unlikely we’ll have any hints at an Edmunds replacement until Buffalo takes the field for spring workouts and training camp. But ESPN is suggesting every option could be on the table, including Williams.
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