The Buffalo Bills are headed to an overhaul on defense after parting ways with head coach Sean McDermott, which one insider predicts will include an infusion of young talent into the linebacking corps.
Reporter Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus predicted the Bills would use their first-round pick on a new linebacker, one who could signal a new direction as the team could part ways with longtime leader Matt Milano.
Bills Add Athleticism to Linebacking Corps in Mock Draft
In his early mock draft, Wasserman predicted the Bills would use the No. 26 overall pick on Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen. Wasserman suggested that Allen would bring an immediate upgrade to a unit that struggled often during the 2025 season.
Wasserman added that the Bills could have some openings, with the Bills possibly cutting ties with Milano this offseason.
“Buffalo’s linebacker unit ranked 22nd in PFF grade this season, and veteran Matt Milano’s contract voids this offseason,” Wasserman wrote. “With limited options alongside Terrel Bernard, the Bills could turn to Georgia’s CJ Allen with this pick. While Allen still needs to improve in coverage, he profiles as one of the most instinctive run defenders in the class, backed by an 88.6 run-defense grade this season.”
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder called Allen a “very good athlete and smooth mover to cover tight ends and running backs when playing man coverage or tighten throwing windows in zone.” Holder noted that Allen has the athleticism and hand-eye coordination to make plays on balls that most other linebackers won’t, along with strong speed to carry wide receivers on vertical routes.
Holder added that Allen would also be a big help in run defense, one of the weakest areas for Buffalo’s defense last season.
“As a run defender, Allen can defeat blocks with his athleticism and a shoulder dip move,” Wasserman wrote. “Also, he takes on blocks with his hands and has good pad level to get some extension and be solid at holding his ground. Sure tackler who wraps up and consistently brings running backs to the ground, has had very few misses in his career.”
Changes Ahead for the Bills
It’s not clear how much Buffalo’s defensive priorities could change after parting ways with McDermott and announcing on Tuesday that he would be replaced by offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
The Bills are expected to move on from defensive coordinator Bobby Babich, with reports that former Bills safety turned Denver Broncos coach Jim Leonhard is a top candidate to replace him.
As SI.com’s Randy Gurzi noted, Leonhard has a different defensive philosophy than McDermott or Babich — but is ready to adapt to whatever personnel his team has available.
“When it comes to defensive scheme, Leonhard typically runs a 3-4 defense. He does, however, consider his defense a hybrid 3-4,” Gurzi wrote.
“That means he often adapts to a four-man front based off the personnel he has. Leonhard has said this is a necessity when coaching at the collegiate level since players leave often. In the NFL, it can be just as beneficial to have a coach who isn’t rigid with their defense.”
Bills Predicted to Add ‘Athletic’ Linebacker Amid Coaching Overhaul