Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams established himself as a dependable replacement when starters Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard were sidelined by injury in recent years. Now, at least one NFL analyst believes a breakout is imminent for the 2023 third-round pick.
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso named Williams as one of the third-year players he’s projecting to take a notable leap in 2025.
“Williams is that dude, and as the other linebacker starter next to Terrel Bernard while Milano nursed a biceps injury, Williams, playing a grand total of 58 percent of the defensive snaps, tallied 117 tackles, five tackles for loss, and a forced fumble,” Trapasso wrote. “This hulking specimen has sub-4.5 speed and has learned the nuances of Sean McDermott’s complex defense. Milano will likely begin the season as Buffalo’s starting outside linebacker. Williams should mosey his way into increased time on the field as the season progresses in Year 3.”
His other choices for breakthrough seasons were Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cory Trice, Steelers tight end Darnell Washington and Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange.
Bills’ Dorian Williams Selected as 2025 Breakout Contender
Analyzing Williams’ Track Record in Buffalo
Williams was drafted as a reserve but he’s still managed to make 34 appearances (13 starts) across his first two years with the Bills. He’s recorded 157 total tackles, three fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a pass defended in those contests.
The 23-year-old Tulane product has also played in all five of Buffalo’s playoff games during that span. That’s allowed him to gain valuable high-pressure experience. He’s mostly responded well to the challenge, including an eight-tackle game against the Steelers in the 2023 Wild Card Round.
A guy I really like a lot is LB Dorian Williams, He has his flaws when it comes to the passing game. But I don’t know anyone on the Bills roster is a better run defender.pic.twitter.com/FYa6oKTAr4
— Bills Report (@BillsReport_) April 27, 2025
Bills head coach Sean McDermott doesn’t want Williams to plateau after two solid seasons of development, though.
“Continued improvement. We know who he is, and you talk about physicality—he’s as physical as there is on our football team,” McDermott recently told reporters. “He loves the noise. He loves contact. Now, it’s can he continue to grow in playing the position, right?”
It starts with making quicker reads to establish the correct pursuit angle. It’s one area the South Carolina native has struggled at times in the NFL.
“When you’re up close to the line of scrimmage, the game moves faster and faster because of the indicators, the triggers,” McDermott said. “So, the ability to process, you’ve got to be able to process quickly and add up one plus one. And, he’s really grown in that area, and I think he’s closing that gap every day.”
Where Linebacker Stands on Bills’ Depth Chart
Buffalo only uses two linebackers in its base defense. Slot cornerback Taron Johnson stays on the field in all situations. It gives McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane the option to carry as few as five linebackers on the team’s final 53-man roster.
Meanwhile, the Bills recently signed veteran Shaq Thompson, which added battle-tested depth but also created a numbers crunch at the position. Milano, Bernard, Williams and Thompson are joined by Baylon Spector, Edefuan Ulofoshio and “Buffalo Joe” Andreessen.
Welcome to Buffalo, Shaq Thompson
pic.twitter.com/eSAU9pu7JH
— BillsMuse (@BillsMusee) June 10, 2025
At least one, and possibly two, of those linebackers will get cut barring injuries. While Williams is almost assuredly safe, the competition for playing time behind Milano and Bernard is fierce. It’s not a guarantee he’ll be the first backup called upon if one of the starters gets hurt.
So, although that depth is good for Buffalo, it could limit Williams’ true breakout potential.
What To Expect From Williams in Year 3
While Williams has occasionally flashed high-impact ability, he’s lacked consistency. That’s evidenced by his lackluster 61.6 Pro Football Focus overall grade last season. It’s part of the reason why the Bills probably opted to sign Thompson for additional insurance at the position.
So, is a breakout year possible? Of course. His size (6’2”, 230 pounds), athleticism and aggressiveness give him the tools to become a key defensive piece for Buffalo. He still has a lot of work to do, however, most notably in terms of pursuit angles.
Some thought the Bills may move on from Matt Milano and pivot to Dorian Williams as the full-time starter at WLB next season. But Milano and the team restructured his contract and he’s back for 2025. Here’s what @Matt_Bove and I had to say about it on the podcast! pic.twitter.com/7XemtBNwtK
— Sal Capaccio
(@SalSports) March 20, 2025
Williams is going to get his chances to play in 2025. History suggests it’s a long shot both Milano and Bernard play all 17 games (plus any postseason contests). The Bills also heavily prefer players with scheme knowledge, so he’ll probably remain the No. 3 LB over Thompson, at least to open the campaign.
Yet, there’s still a wide range of future outcomes. Perhaps an injury arises and he emerges as a starter-level talent, allowing him to take over for Milano, an impending free agent, in 2026. It’s also possible he doesn’t take a step forward and ends up buried on the depth chart, though.
Main Image: Grace Hollars – Imagn Images
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