Matt Milano ranked in top-10 LBs for Madden as Bills look to find Edmunds replacement
The Buffalo Bills have a linebacker problem. Specifically, they don't currently have an answer at the middle linebacker position. With the upcoming release of Madden, EA Sports is slow-dripping the content for the upcoming game. Today, they released the rankings for the linebacker position that had Matt Milano sixth overall at an 88, beating out […]
The Buffalo Bills have a linebacker problem. Specifically, they don't currently have an answer at the middle linebacker position.
With the upcoming release of Madden, EA Sports is slow-dripping the content for the upcoming game. Today, they released the rankings for the linebacker position that had Matt Milano sixth overall at an 88, beating out former Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds who sits at 87.
Edmunds walked and found a new home on the Chicago Bears after he and the Bills organization were unable to come to an agreement with a new deal. With a few pen strokes, Buffalo has found themselves without a starting middle linebacker. With camp set to start, all eyes are going to be on Buffalo and whatever happens at the position.
The Bills have a few options that are currently on the roster that could potentially fill the void that Edmunds left behind. First, Brandon Beane and the front office had looked to the draft by taking former Tulane LB Dorian Williams. Now, this wasn't without controversy as both Beane and Sean McDermott gave conflicting comments on Williams' role on the defense. Whether Williams will get reps in the middle or outside linebacker position is yet to be seen, but the rookie could step in and make an immediate impact on the roster.
Next, we have former Texas A&M and now 4th-year linebacker Tyrel Dodson who is hoping to make some noise this season. Previously going undrafted after dominating for the Aggies, Dodson is a dark horse to take this spot. In three seasons, Dodson has seen 42 games and has amassed 38 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks.
Realistically, there are probably two more linebackers who are fighting to earn that spot. Terrel Bernard and Baylon Spector, who are both newcomers to the defense and were taken in last year's draft. Spector is the least likely to take over Edmunds's former position, playing only 12 defensive snaps in six games last year. Bernard, on the other hand, appeared in all 16 games and even got a start while Milano was injured.
Edmunds previously lead the entire defense in tackles during all five years he played for the Bills, played almost 95% of the snaps, and was a part of all but seven games. His physicality and almost larger-than-life frame allowed Buffalo to play five defensive backs frequently.
Whether its Williams, Dodson, Spector or Bernard, McDermott taking over the playcalling on defense has his work cut out for him this season. Luckily, he has a superstar in Matt Milano who should be able to help along the way.
Bills: Brandon Beane says Dorian Williams will start the year as an outside linebacker
The fanbase is divided.
Featured image via JAMIE GERMANO / USA TODAY NETWORK
