Buffalo Bills' continued success developing talent will lead to tough choices having to be made late in the season
The Buffalo Bills have a clear strength — developing defensive players. Time and time again, they've brought in players with later draft picks that, when called upon, have been ready to play. Most recently, we saw it last year with linebacker Terrel Bernard, who was thrust into a starting role and became a cornerstone of the […]
The Buffalo Bills have a clear strength — developing defensive players. Time and time again, they've brought in players with later draft picks that, when called upon, have been ready to play.
Most recently, we saw it last year with linebacker Terrel Bernard, who was thrust into a starting role and became a cornerstone of the Buffalo defense. Through the first half of the season, a similar progression is currently taking place with linebacker Dorian Williams.
Among all linebackers, Williams currently has the fourth-most tackles in the NFL with 51, one behind Roquan Smith and Robert Spillane who are each ties for the second-most in the league with 52.
Williams also checks in with tied-second with 29 stops, and has held opposing players to 6.5 yards per reception — the lowest of any linebacker.
Williams by no means is perfect. Sometimes his eyes will be in the wrong spot and misdirection will lead to him getting caught out of position, but his progress as the season has gone on has been undeniable. He's an incredibly athletic run-and-chase linebacker that's capable of laying big hits. Especially when he and Bernard are on the field at the same time, it's a lethal combination.
What's going to be interesting for Buffalo is how they approach the inevitable return of longtime stud linebacker Matt Milano, whose injury is the reason Williams is getting as much playing time as he is. On one hand, it looks as though the Bills can afford to let Milano take his time before returning. On the other, Williams has more than deserves a spot on the field.
Will the Bills play more three-linebacker looks to get both of them on the field? If they do, how does that impact the playing time of nickel Taron Johnson? It's a good problem to have, and one that I'm sure the Bills have begun having conversations about. One thing is for certain — Buffalo's development of Williams continues to point to their coaching, especially on defense, being some of the best in the league.
Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp.
