Buffalo Bills training camp preview: Linebacker

The Buffalo Bills are putting the final touches on their preparations for training camp in 2020, one that’s not going to be like any other.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, everyone from fans to the organization knows things aren’t going to be the same during 2020’s camp. Safety precautions between players and owners are still being discussed and worked out.

Still, the end goal for training camp is the same as usual. The Bills need to trim their roster down and find the best bunch of guys to send into battle together on game day.

Bills Wire will go group-by-group, breaking down each position ahead of camp’s expected start on July 28. This round is the linebacker position:

Players (age)

• Mike Bell (22: Rookie)
• Tyrel Dodson (22: 2nd season)
• Tremaine Edmunds (22: 3rd season)
• Vosean Joseph (22: 2nd season)
• AJ Klein (28: 8th season)
• Tyler Matakevich (27: 5th season)
• Matt Milano (25: 4th season)
• Del’Shawn Phillips (23: 2nd season)
• Corey Thompson (26: 3rd season)

2019 recap

Traditionally a unit where you’re used to seeing three or four starters, the Bills’ linebacker position really only has two. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott often plays a nickel defense with Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano featured on the field. And that’s pretty much been the status quo for the Bills over the past two season. Edmunds has developed into one of the NFL’s best young middle linebackers, while Milano’s turned into your prototypical, modern-day smaller linebacker that can make plays.

But even with the base two linebackers the Bills play, Lorenzo Alexander also had his important role the past few seasons which we’ll get into. Behind the starting group, the No.1 fill-ins have been Corey Thompson and Julian Stanford in recent seasons, both of which have also played special teams. However, in an effort to bolster that unit, Stanford was replaced heading into 2020.

Now here’s a rundown of storylines to follow in this position group:

How is Lorenzo replaced?

Despite potentially hinting at a return to the field, the Bills can’t bank on Alexander being in the fold when the 2020 season gets underway, so they’re going to have to replace his important role on the field. In regard that, Alexander, like in his complete career, did just about everything for the Bills. He defended passes in coverage, got after the quarterback, and all while lining up as a stand-up linebacker and sometimes with his hand in the dirt. Alexander was legitimately all over the field for the Bills and it’s hard to find one guy who can do that again.

Moving forward, enter… well, a few guys. Buffalo signed AJ Klein this offseason, who previously has experience in McDermott’s defense in Carolina. But he’s not exactly known as a pass rusher or do-it-all type of guy. Perhaps there’s a spot where Vosean Joseph comes into the fold, too. Joseph missed his entire rookie season in 2019 due to injury, but as a bit more athletic guy, he could find himself on the field. Don’t overlook Corey Thompson, either. He’s backed up for both Edmunds and Milano over the past two years, so his versatility could help him take some of Zo’s snaps as well. Guys like Tyler Matakevich, Tyrel Dodson and Mike Bell have better looks making the roster on special teams. The Bills will figure all this out in training camp.