When the 2022 season concluded, Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano had become one of the top linebackers in the game. The original thought was that the Boston College product would continue to be one of the best players of the era.
That hasn't happened, and injuries have been the biggest reason why.
Despite Milano dealing with major injuries over the last couple of years, Buffalo's defense hasn't missed as much of a beat as many would have expected. The reason?
Former third-round pick Dorian Williams.
The Tulane product was not on the team during Milano's All-Pro season in 2022. Despite that, he was able to step up last season in a major way when the Bills needed him most.
So much so that Tom Blair, NFL Media Original Content Editor of Special Projects, listed him as the most underappreciated member of the Bills heading into the 2025 season.
”Buffalo turned to WillIams as an injury replacement for Matt Milano at one of the most underappreciated positions in the league,” Blair said. “And the 2023 third-rounder thrived, recording nine or more tackles in eight of his 11 starts. He finished with more tackles (117) than anyone else on the team, also chipping in a forced fumble.”
The Bills have a plethora of young linebackers they believe in even if Milano is unable to perform for a full 17-game season.
If Williams' season in 2025 is anything like the one he had last year, the Bills will be in even better shape than originally thought. … Whether Milano plays or not.