Buffalo Bills: Scouting the NFL Draft for an Inside Linebacker

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Preston Brown (52) tackles New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, we will be examining each position and players the Buffalo Bills should be considering — this time with inside linebackers.

The Buffalo Bills will be looking at a completely new defensive scheme next season, so the NFL Draftwould be a great way to add young talent that could stay for a while.

With that being said, the Bills only have two inside linebackers under contract next season.

Reggie Ragland(23, 3yrs remaining)

Preston Brown(24, 1yr remaining)

Improvement Need: MED-HIGH

The linebacker position is another important need to be addressed this off season. The Buffalo Bills only have 2 inside linebackers on the roster with Zach Brown and Brandon Spikes set to become free agents in 2017.

Draft importance will also depend on which type of defense will be put in place. Coach McDermott has run more of a 4-3 defense, but he has said there would be an evaluation process to determine what defense he would put in place in Buffalo.

There is a possible talent worthy of being the 10th pick in the draft, and it is…

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Reuben Foster – Alabama

Senior

2016 Statistics: 115 tackles and 5 sacks

Foster has been rated as high as a top-20 pick and as low as the 2nd round. He played alongside Ragland at Alabama and they were a dynamic force. If the Bills decided to stay with a 3-4 defense, they could solidify a major part of the defense for a long time by taking Foster at No. 10.

Foster is known for his pass coverage ability, which could be crucial in covering premier tight ends and running backs out of the backfield.

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Foster has a great combination of size and explosiveness needed at inside linebacker. He has been noted for his speed to cover the perimeter from sideline to sideline. Foster is also known for his big-hit capability and finishing the tackle by wrapping up after delivering that big hit.

Suggested weaknesses on Foster include being too aggressive resulting in some errors in over pursuit. He also has been noted to lock on to the quarterback in pass coverage, resulting in losing track of the receiver and being able to be fooled by the quarterback’s eyes.

If the Bills don’t select Foster, let’s examine who could be found later in the draft…

Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) lines up against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Raekwon McMillan – Ohio State

Junior

2016 Statistics: 102 tackles, 2 Sacks and 2 FF

McMillan is rated as a 1st or 2nd round pick in the draft and has the size perfect for inside linebacker at 6-2, 240 lbs.

Bills Projected NFL Draft Round: 2

He also has the strength to match that size and is known for shedding blocks and being a powerful tackler.

Suggested weaknesses include a lack of ability to change direction in tight spaces, which would limit his abilities to stop today’s elusive NFL rushers. There is also questions about Foster’s pass coverage, with the notion he keeps his eyes too focused on the backfield.

There’s one more name that could be useful.

Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) against the Missouri Tigers during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jarrad Davis – Florida

Senior

2016 Statistics: 60 tackles and 2 sacks

Davis is rated as a 2nd round draft pick. He is known for his football intelligence and anticipation of the play.

Bills Projected NFL Draft Round: 2-4

His anticipation helps him in pass rush and locating the ball to make plays. Davis also has the speed to chase down ball carriers from behind and close passing windows.

There is concern with his ability to shed blocks, as well as his durability and his size.

Which inside linebackers will you be looking at in this year’s NFL Draft, if any? Leave your comments below!