The Buffalo Bills are heading into training camp with some serious questions swirling around their linebacker depth, all thanks to a controversial decision by General Manager Brandon Beane in the 2026 NFL Draft. Beane, after working his way out of the first round, grabbed outside linebacker/edge rusher T.J. Parker with the 35th overall pick in the second round. This move came despite an “obvious need” at inside linebacker, especially with Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson now off the team and still unsigned in free agency. Instead of addressing the glaring hole, Beane opted for pass rush help and waited until the fourth round to bring in Kaleb Elarms-Orr, the lone piece of new competition for inside linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams.
The Draft Day Head-Scratcher That Left Fans Scratching Their Heads
This pick felt questionable from the jump. Beane had a clear shot at several highly-regarded inside linebackers like Jacob Rodriguez, Josiah Trotter, Jake Golday, CJ Allen, or Anthony Hill, all of whom got picked before the second round was over. The need was undeniably there. Bernard, after a strong 2023 season as a first-time starter, took a step back in 2024 and then struggled with injuries in 2025. Dorian Williams, on the other hand, has spent his first three seasons as an inconsistent backup, with his 22 starts only happening because Milano or Bernard were hurt. Williams is also entering the final year of his original rookie deal, which screams “get help here” for Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 base defense. It just wasn’t the prudent play at the time.
Dangerously Thin Ice at Inside Linebacker
Now, the Bills’ inside linebacker room looks dangerously thin. Beyond Bernard and Williams, the depth chart boasts Elarms-Orr, Joe Andreessen, Keonta Jenkins, and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. Collectively, these four players have a grand total of 13 NFL starts, with 10 of those coming from Flannigan-Fowles, who’s mostly been a special teams guy in his six-year career. Leonhard’s defense needs versatile players, and Bernard, for his part, sounds optimistic. He thinks the new scheme fits his play style and strengths, especially his athleticism for man-to-man coverage and blitzing, something he did a lot in 2023 but not much in the last two years. Coach Leonhard even called Bernard a “pro” during the offseason program, impressed by his focus and communication. But that confidence relies heavily on Bernard’s health and a complete return to his 2023 form, which is vital to quell some of these growing concerns. As they head into training camp, the Bills are clearly skating on thin ice at a crucial position.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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