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\What does Tre’Davious White bring to the secondary?

NFL: Buffalo Bills at Washington Commanders

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Plus, a deal between the Bills and St. John Fisher to hold camp there each summer appears imminent.

Former Pro Bowl cornerback Tre’Davious White was a salary cap casualty during the 2024 NFL offseason, but returned to Orchard Park, NY as a member of the Baltimore Ravens during Buffalo’s AFC Divisional Round triumph over Baltimore in last year’s playoffs.

This offseason, with the Bills searching for help at cornerback, White returned to Western New York on a one-year deal worth up to $6.8 million, and today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off with thoughts on the competition to win the CB2 job opposite Christian Benford and what White brings to Buffalo’s secondary.

What does Tre’Davious White bring to the secondary?​


When head coach Sean McDermott arrived in Buffalo, his first player drafted was White, the 27th overall selection out of LSU in the 2017 NFL Draft. One year after the Bills released him, White is back and is expected to bring experience and a veteran perspective to a Buffalo defense that has undergone changes this offseason. White, 30, is also expected to compete for a starting role on the outside of Buffalo’s secondary opposite Christian Benford.

According to Bills cornerback coach Jahmile Addae, so far this offseason, Addae has firsthand observed White’s twitch, or his ability to see and react and have limited waste of movement in coverage, saying White “is elite and he still is.”

Bills, St. John Fisher nearing long-term deal​


Ever since 2000, the Bills have called St. John Fisher University in the Rochester, NY suburb of Pittsford their home for training camp, and that tradition will continue this summer when the Bills open camp on July 23. In an interview with Democrat & Chronicle Bills beat reporter Sal Maiorana, Pete Guelli, the Chief Operating Officer of the Bills and Buffalo Sabres, said that a long-term deal between the Bills and Fisher is imminent.

Even more Bills news​


Get to know massive rookie defensive tackle Deone Walker; see where Sean McDermott finds himself among the list of best returning head coaches; get the latest breakdown on how rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston is adjusting to life in the NFL; debate whether Josh Allen or Hall of Famer Jim Kelly is the best quarterback in franchise history; and more!

Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings​

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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...sean-mcdermott-christian-benford-dane-jackson
 
Does athletic FCS DE Hayden Harris have a shot at the Bills’ 53-man roster?

NFL: Buffalo Bills Minicamp

Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Does an athletic FCS product have a shot at the 53-man roster?

The Buffalo Bills definitely have a type at defensive end they seek to add to the team. Bigger, longer players intermix with bendier, more agile players to give the team some variety in its edge rushers. At the start of the Sean McDermott/Brandon Beane regime, the Bills seemed to prioritize those longer “edge-setters” over the more explosive agile types. Now, the Bills have a healthy mix of both.

In some instances, Buffalo’s edge players themselves are actually a mix of both the bendy, agile-type in a bigger frame. Greg Rousseau is a good example of that. And, while the subject of today’s edition of “90 players in 90 days,” shouldn’t be expected to be Groot as a rookie, he’s certainly an intriguing prospect at defensive end.


Name: Hayden Harris
Number: 52
Position: DE
Height/Weight: 6’5”, 255 pounds
Age: 24 (25 on 11/4/2025)
Experience/Draft: R; signed with Buffalo following the 2025 NFL Draft
College: Montana
Acquired: UDFA signing

Financial situation (per Spotrac): Harris signed a three-year deal worth a total of $2.975 million. For the season, he carries a cap hit of $843,333 if he makes the final roster. The Bills will carry a dead-cap charge of $10,000 if he’s released.

2024 Recap: Harris finished his decorated career with Montana by making Second-Team All-Big Sky. He was also voted team defensive MVP. He played in 14 games, amassing 52 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, an interception, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two pass breakups. He led the league in forced fumbles, was second in fumble recoveries, and finished third in both sacks and tackles for loss on the season.

While he wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, he did have a productive Pro Day. Harris benched 225 pounds a total of 25 times, ran a 4.81-second 40-yard dash, leapt 9’7” in the broad jump, and finished the three-cone drill in 7.4 seconds. He was the No. 11 overall pick in the CFL Draft, and he has Canadian citizenship through his mother, who was born in Vancouver, B.C.

Positional outlook: Harris is one of eight defensive ends on the roster. A.J. Epenesa, Greg Rousseau, Joey Bosa, Javon Solomon, Landon Jackson, Paris Shand, and Michael Hoecht are the others.

2025 Offseason: Harris is healthy and participating in offseason work.

2025 Season outlook: Harris definitely has some intrigue and upside, as he has the requisite size (in addition to his height-weight measurements, he has 32.125”-long arms) and strength to play the edge in Buffalo’s defense. The question is whether he’ll be able to handle the jump in competition.

Prior to playing at Montana, Harris attended UCLA, playing in only five games across three seasons, totaling two tackles. While it’s possible that he will be ready given the fact that he’s grown — both physically and emotionally — over the last two seasons, it’s just as likely that he can’t hack it against better competition.

Even if Harris has a great preseason, looking at the depth chart doesn’t give much hope for his chances right now. Bosa, Rousseau, and Epenesa all figure to be big parts of the rotation. Jackson was a third-round draft choice this season, and Solomon showed promise as a rookie last year. And while Hoecht is suspended for the first six games thanks to a positive PED test, the Bills didn’t give him a three-year contract this off-season for no reason.

Harris has potential as a practice-squad addition at the end of the preseason, and that’s really the role I think he’s auditioning for this summer.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...efensive-end-hayden-harris-2025-nfl-offseason
 
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen nominated for 2 ESPY awards

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: Denver Broncos v Buffalo Bills

Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images

Could a tremendous season land Allen additional hardware?

Getting married and winning the NFL MVP. How can things get better for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen? Perhaps by winning two awards at the 2025 ESPY awards, as Allen has been nominated in the categories of Best Male Athlete and Best NFL Player.

Allen is coming off a 2024 NFL season where he had 3,731 passing yards with 28 touchdowns and only six interceptions. That’s only half of the Allen experience however as he added 531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

Winning the Best Male Athlete won’t be easy for Allen because he’s the only entrant who didn’t win his sport’s championship in 2024. Other nominees include Saquon Barkley, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Shohei Ohtani.

The same can be said for the Best NFL Player as yes Allen won the MVP, but other nominee Lamar Jackson was voted a First-Team All-Pro this past season. Barkley set tons of records on his way to a Super Bowl win and offensive player of the year, while Patrick Surtain II was the defensive player of the year.

Do you think Allen has a chance at either of these awards?
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...lls-qb-josh-allen-nominated-for-2-espy-awards
 
Can you guess this Bills safety in today’s in-5 trivia game?

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Can you name this Buffalo Bills player in five clues or less?

Hey Bills fans! We’re back for another day of the Buffalo Rumblings in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

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Buffalo Rumblings in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Bills player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2025/6/29/24458213/sb-nation-bills-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Have you played the Bills’ produce trivia challenge?

Miami Dolphins v Buffalo Bills

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It’s a noble game of skill, steeped in trivia and one unique game of catch.

It’s the weekend and we here at Buffalo Rumblings are all about kicking back and enjoying the fruits of one’s labor when able. The offseason naturally provides those of us who cover the Buffalo Bills and fans of the team a little bit extra time to dive into those long-held projects around the home or, perhaps, scratching some non-football bucket-list items off your ever-growing bundle of Post-it® notes.

Say, perhaps, the produce trivia challenge. The what now? Bear with me, and no, I’m not talking about baring fruit. Full disclosure: I had no idea this was a thing until the Bills posted their video earlier this week. Now that I know the produce challenge exists (and maybe has for ages in this or other forms), it feels like the perfect game for almost any occasion — in the fair-weather salad days of the offseason or otherwise.

If you’re like me and this is all new to you, first... welcome aboard! Hopefully you’ve studied. (Wait... what?) Hear me out. Some of you are going into this blind, I get it. But there’s an advantage for those with strong recollect, a passion for mundane history and facts, and a fair bit of ability as a multi-tasker. Kind of like Steve Tasker? Well, no. No one can be Steve Tasker other than Steve.

This isn’t even about how well you arrange or stock produce while a random customer has you in their sights — someone who simply must know your thoughts about the shape of bruises on one very ripe papaya. They’re a trap, meant to narrow your focus.

If you’re hesitant to read on and participate, fear not: The only things potentially harmed here could be your ego, intelligence, athletic self-assessment, and... yes, likely some produce. Has this build-up done enough to entice your gamesmanship? I’d be willing to bet it has.

Here’s what you’ll need to take part in the produce trivia challenge:

  • Two to three people: One participant; one to ask questions and dole out fruit (heh, puns); one to film, if you’re feeling an itch for social media engagement.
  • A LOT of produce — which is dependent on how many question enter the fray. Stumble too long over any one question, and you’ll be decidedly void of a fruitful summer cornucopia.
  • A LOT of questions about seemingly random topics such as pop culture, geographical facts, sports, history, and perhaps a few zingers to catch your subject off guard.
  • Absolutely no receiving gloves allowed.

Honestly, it’s just better if you watch the video below to find out how the produce trivia challenge is played. Are you in? If so, hit up the comments section and let everyone know how you did — or what hilarity ensued. Trust me, hilarity will ensue.

This seems like a fantastic icebreaker game to play at your office’s next boring meeting called just to discuss what topics should be covered at the monthly meeting at week’s end.

Without further delay...
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...ers-take-part-in-the-produce-trivia-challenge
 
Do you remember your first Bills game at Highmark Stadium?

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Buffalo Bills

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The 2025 season is Buffalo’s final campaign in the original Highmark Stadium.

The 2025 NFL season will mark the final year the Buffalo Bills play at 52-year-old Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. With the new (and improved) Highmark Stadium set to open across the street in 2026, Bills Mafia are feeling a bit nostalgic as it relates to what many are already referring to as the “old stadium.”

This past week I spent some time thinking about the first game I attended at the current stadium, and how much I could remember. My first Bills game was the 51-3 playoff victory over the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship game. I do realize that this is one of those games that everyone claims they attended, but I promise you I was there. Being completely honest, I don’t remember too many specifics from the game. Maybe I was just too young to remember specific plays on the field, but I will always remember how I felt that day.

The memories from that afternoon were less about specific plays, and more about the overwhelming atmosphere that engulfed the stadium that day. It was a party-like setting as there was no doubt that the Bills were heading to the Super Bowl, and being in the crowd felt magical. I was lucky enough to attend the game with my dad, along with one of my best friends and his father (who were both Raiders fans). It was obviously a much better day for us, and I still remember walking back to the car after the game — trying not to gloat too much over such a resounding victory.

While I can look back after all of these years, that will always be one of the best days. Again, it wasn’t about a specific play on the field, but more just a feeling of being so happy that day. I will always feel fortunate that I’ve gotten to experience many different sporting events in my life, but this one will always top the list.

With me feeling a bit nostalgic, hopefully you’ll join in for a stroll down memory lane. If you have a memory from your first Bills game, please feel free to share it in the comments section below. For those old enough to have experienced the move from The Rockpile to Rich Stadium, what memories do you have?
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...ber-your-first-bills-game-at-highmark-stadium
 
What role might Buffalo Bills OT Richard Gouraige play in 2025?

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills

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Now in his third year with the club, can the former UDFA make the 53-man roster out of camp?

The Buffalo Bills have an enviable stable of offensive line depth, with “stable” carrying two meanings in this case. Not only do the Bills have plenty of bodies there, but those bodies have been on the roster together for quite some time. The stability of the stable makes for easy communication among the big men up front.

Does that mean that newcomers are less likely to make the team than those who have been with the club for a bit? Not necessarily. What it shows is that general manager Brandon Beane is always looking for ways to upgrade his team on the fringes of the roster.

In today’s edition of “90 players in 90 days,” we discuss an offensive lineman hoping that the third time trying to break camp with the 53-man roster is the charm.


Name: Richard Gouraige
Number: 75
Position: OT
Height/Weight: 6’5”, 306 pounds
Age: 26 (27 on 10/15/2025)
Experience/Draft: 2; signed with Buffalo following the 2023 NFL Draft
College: Florida
Acquired: UDFA signing

Financial situation (per Spotrac): At the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season, Gouraige signed a reserve/future contract with Buffalo. That two-year pact is worth $1.853 million in total. For the 2025 season, Gouraige carries a cap hit of $844,000 if he makes the club. If he’s released, Buffalo will carry a dead-cap charge of $8,000. That number matches the total signing bonus on the contract.

2024 Recap: Gouraige once again spent the offseason with Buffalo, and he once again was released as part of the final cuts before the regular season started. He re-signed to the practice squad for the second straight year, as well. This time, though, he was elevated for one game, and it was a big one: Buffalo’s regular-season matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Gouraige appeared on three offensive snaps, and he was pressed into duty for one huge play on what became the game-winning drive.

After Dion Dawkins was injured on second down, Gouraige played right tackle on a third-and-two Ty Johnson run that went for no gain. That brought the game to the two-minute warning, and Dawkins returned to the field for what Jim Nantz called “the play of the year in the NFL.” Gouraige did not appear in any other games.

Positional outlook: Gouraige is one of a host of offensive tackles on the current roster. Spencer Brown, Dion Dawkins, Tylan Grable, Ryan Van Demark, Chase Lundt, Travis Clayton, and Alec Anderson (who also plays the interior line) are the other listed tackles. Mike Edwards is listed as an offensive lineman (OL), but he mostly plays guard.

2025 Offseason: Gouraige is healthy and participating in offseason work.

2025 Season outlook: It’s unlikely that Gouraige is anything more than a practice-squad member at this point, as Buffalo returns all of its tackles from last season and added another player at the position through the draft in Lundt, as well. Gouraige knows the offense and the coaching staff knows him, so he’s a good player to have around just in case of injury. However, the competition for a spot on the practice squad will even be better than it was last season thanks to Lundt’s addition and Clayton having another year playing American football.

Gouraige’s best bet at making a 53-man roster is likely by going elsewhere. If he has a strong preseason, perhaps he’ll be able to parlay it into a role on another team. However, I expect that he’ll be on Buffalo’s practice squad again this year.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...ys-tackle-richard-gouraige-2025-nfl-offseason
 
Naming the best Buffalo Bills front-7 defenders from the last 25 years

New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills

Set Number: X82905 TK1 R3 F81

If the Bills had to win a game today assembling an all-star team of defenders from the last 25 years, who makes the roster?

Over the course of the last 25 years, the Buffalo Bills and their fans have ridden a roller coaster of football emotions, from a 17-year playoff drought and no true answers at quarterback, to a well-run organization that’s now won five consecutive AFC East division titles as a perennial playoff participant and Super Bowl contender.

It’s true that during the last two-and-a-half decades the defense hasn’t always been a powerhouse. That said, some very talented defenders have come through the doors at One Bills Drive, helping keep Buffalo afloat during some very lean seasons early in the 21st century.

As the first installment in this series — one where I’ll look back at the rosters during the last 24 years of Bills football — my focus is on constructing what would be Buffalo’s ultimate defense. Longevity won’t be valued more than peak performance in this exercise. I’ve tried to define the best players as the ones who were more dominant in their primes.

Good players who were good for a longer period won’t beat out the most-talented ones on their best days here. I’ll pick this team as if the Bills had to win a single, quarter-century Super Bowl against another franchise’s roster, and I’ll have first-, second-, and third-team choices made.

Without further ado, here is my Bills' quarter-century front 7 selections. Do you agree with my choices for the definitive Bills front 7 of the 2000s?

Defensive Line​

Starters​

  • DE: Aaron Schobel (2001-2009)
New Orleans Saints v Buffalo Bills
Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Schobel’s 2006 season (14 sacks, 53 tackles, 3 forced fumbles) was a pass-rushing masterpiece, shredding offensive lines with a blistering first step and relentless motor. During his career, he consistently showed an ability to collapse pockets and chase down runners to force critical errors.

Schobel’s prime was a perfect blend of speed, power, and instinct. His ability to disrupt elite quarterbacks ensures he’s one of the two starting edge rushers of this defensive front, capable of consistently altering the opponent’s rhythm when healthy during his career.

  • DT: Kyle Williams (2006-2018)
New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills
Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Kyle Williams’ 2013 season (10.5 sacks, 42 tackles, 14 quarterback hits) showcased his interior disruption, blowing through double-teams with explosive quickness and low-leverage power. Always dominant in clogging run lanes and collapsing pockets, often the first out of his stance and living on opponents' backfields, Williams never lacked game-wrecking ability, no matter what players lined up alongside him.

At his peak, he was a one-man force, indispensable for controlling the line of scrimmage against both power runs and quick-passing attacks in a must-win scenario. And how about his leadership, on and off the field? The ultimate Buffalo Bill, Williams is a no-brainer choice.

  • DT: Marcell Dareus (2011-2017)
San Diego Chargers v Buffalo Bills
Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Marcell Dareus’ 2014 season (10 sacks, 49 tackles, 12 quarterback hits) was a clinic in interior havoc, overpowering guards with a rare blend of 330-pound strength and agility. In his first four years with the team, he consistently dominated the interior, drawing double-teams to free edge rushers like Mario Williams and Jerry Hughes. “Mr. Big Stuff” was an asset in short-yardage situations with his run-stuffing prowess.

Despite the frustrating end of his Bills career, one filled with off-field issues, there hasn’t been a more dominant DT in Buffalo during the last 25 years. In his prime, Dareus’ ability to disrupt both pass and run made him an anchor for this line, ensuring the versatility that only elite DTs can offer.

  • DE: Mario Williams (2012-2015)
Buffalo Bills Oakland Raiders
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Mario Williams’ best year as a Bill happened in 2014 (14.5 sacks, 42 tackles, 3 batted passes), where he unleashed his 6’6”, 300-pound frame to terrorize tackles all season long. His freakish athleticism, combining speed and power, was way too much for the opposition more often than not. His length also helped disrupting passing lanes and batting passes down.

Despite the feeling that he lacked consistency, few players in the history of the game showcased the ability to completely take over for stretches and terrorize opposing quarterbacks. At his peak, Super Mario was a game-wrecker, capable of dismantling even the most sophisticated game plans, making him the perfect edge for this Bills team.

Backups​

Buffalo Bills v San Francisco 49ers
Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
  • DE: Jerry Hughes (2013-2021)

Jerry Hughes’ 2014 season (10 sacks, 53 tackles) showcased his lightning-fast first step and relentless pursuit, overwhelming tackles. His ability to bend the edge makes him a dynamic pass-rusher, ideal for clear passing downs. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking his run-stopping abilities, though. Despite the lack of ideal size for those purposes, at his best, Hughes could set the edge and hold his own against the run as well.

  • DT: Sam Adams (2003-2005)

Big Sam Adams was at his best as a Bill in 2004 (5 sacks, 41 tackles) using his 6’4”, 350-pound frame to anchor the run defense on his way to a Pro Bowl selection. For three seasons, his size and stout presence made it almost impossible for the opposition to run up the middle against Buffalo’s defense. That fumble recovery touchdown against Tom Brady and the Patriots won’t ever be forgotten.

  • DT: Pat Williams (1997-2004)

Before becoming a superstar in Minnesota, Big Pat Williams was very good for Buffalo, as shown by his 2002 season (92 tackles, 0.5 sacks). An immovable object in the middle of the defense, he clogged interior lanes, freeing linebackers with his run-stuffing prowess. If only the Bills had Williams today — Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano would reap the benefits.

  • DE: Von Miller (2022-2025)

Despite the sad post-injury portion of his time in Buffalo, culminating in his release this offseason, Miller’s start as a Bill was very promising. In the 2022 season (8 sacks, 21 tackles in 11 games pre-injury), he was exactly what the team needed with his elite pass-rushing skills on full display. His very short prime with the Bills showcased his veteran savvy and clutch skills.

Third Team​

Buffalo Bills v Jacksonville Jaguars
Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images
  • DE: Chris Kelsay (2003-2012): The ultimate pro, “The King of the almost sack” — Kelsay had some good seasons with Buffalo, and always brought hustle and run-stopping versatility, plus a relentless motor. He will always have my respect.
  • DT: Ed Oliver (2019-2025): During the 2023 season (9.5 sacks, 51 tackles) Ed showed what he can do with his explosive interior burst, ideal for pass-rushing situations. Oliver’s lack of size hurts him in his case against my top choices.
  • DT: Marcus Stroud (2008-2010): Despite being a shadow of his dominant Jaguars self in Buffalo, Marcus Stroud had three solid years as a Bill, providing run-stuffing strength and some ability to push the pocket against the pass. Stroud’s solid is better than most DTs good years.
  • DE: Greg Rousseau (2021-2025): Groot is coming off his best season as a pro (8 sacks, 53 tackles). He offers amazing run-stopping ability for an edge and can be disruptive as a pass rusher as well. Consistency and adding some moves to his repertoire are key to taking the next step and climbing this list.

Every-Down Linebackers (Wills and Mikes)​

Starters​

  • LB: Takeo Spikes (2003-2006)
Buffalo Bills Takeo Spikes...
SetNumber: X69038 TK1

A horrific injury cut it short, but how awesome was TKO as a Bill? Oh boy, I loved every second of Spikes’ 2004 season (97 tackles, 5 interceptions, 3 sacks). He was a three-down masterpiece, blending bone-crushing hits and uncanny coverage instincts. His ability to erase tight ends and running backs in the passing game, always playing full gas and no breaks, was special.

At his peak, Takeo Spikes was a defensive quarterback, bringing leadership and versatility to shut down multifaceted offenses, making him indispensable to this team, even though there’s no shortage of good linebacker options for the Bills from the last 25 years.

  • LB: London Fletcher (2002-2006)
Detroit Lions v Buffalo Bills
Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Ironman. Tackling machine. Leader. London Fletcher was a heat-seeking missile ready to identify his target, attack, and destroy it. His 2005 season (158 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries) was a tackling clinic, with sideline-to-sideline range and elite coverage. His ability to disrupt offenses, stuffing runs and covering backs in the flat was ahead of his time.

Fletcher’s play making, sideline-to-sideline ability, and dependability made him the leader of the Bills’ defense from 2002 to 2006. He’s the ideal complement to Spikes here, as he was back in the day, ensuring a dynamic linebacker duo for this team.

Backups​

New York Jets v Buffalo Bills
Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images
  • LB: Matt Milano (2017-2025)

Matt Milano’s 2022 All-Pro season (99 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 interceptions) showed how he can excel in coverage and blitzing. A versatile player who can impact the game in several different ways, Milano has been a defensive stalwart for the Bills over the years.

  • LB: Terrel Bernard (2022-2025)

Terrel Bernard’s 2023 season (143 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 interceptions) was awesome. Some people believe he fell down to Earth a bit in 2024 — I don’t buy it. He’s asked to do a lot as the quarterback of the Bills’ defense, and his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s following in Milano’s footsteps with his situational versatility, but his leadership adds an extra layer, and I can see him being the better linebacker overall when it’s all said and done.

Third Team​

New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills
Photo by: Rick Stewart/Getty Images
  • LB: Sam Cowart (1998-2001): His best season as a Bill was in 2000 (130 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions), earning Pro Bowl and secon-team All-Pro honors. A physical MIKE linebacker who could do it all, Sam Cowart was a true difference maker in the middle of the Bills' defense.
  • LB: Paul Posluszny (2007-2010): Poz was a true leader and could do it all: run, tackle, and cover the middle of the field (3 INTs in 2009). I always felt good about the MLB spot when Posluszny was the starter.

Strongside Linebacker (12th man)​


This defense will be built towards the more modern style of the game, counting on their Nickel 4-2-5 as the base formation. However, on situational occasions, we’ll have to take the nickel CB off the field and bulk up the front seven with an extra linebacker to complement the four-man front. Here are my top choices for this role.

Starter​

  • LB: Lorenzo Alexander (2016-2019)
Buffalo Bills v Pittsburgh Steelers
Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Offering leadership, dependability, but especially versatility and special teams prowess, Zo is essential as the top choice here. Alexander’s 2016 season (12.5 sacks) was magical, but his ability to line up almost anywhere on defense as an x-factor is what sets him apart.

Backup​


LB: Angelo Crowell (2003-2007): Crowell played the strongside role when it was a bigger part of defensive plans, and was very good at it. His best seasons were in 2005, replacing the injured Takeo Spikes as an every-down ‘backer, and then again in 2007, his last season as a pro, amassing over 120 tackles and recording at least one interception on both seasons.

Third Team​

  • LB: Nigel Bradham (2012-2015): Bradham’s best season as a Bill was in 2014 (104 tackles, 2.5 sacks). A physical specimen, Bradham could run from sideline to sideline and hit hard. He wasn’t a true strongside linebacker, playing consistently as the team’s WILL instead, but with his physicality and production, I believe he could line up in this position if necessary.

Final Thoughts​

Cleveland Browns v Buffalo Bills 9-23-2012
Photo by David Dermer/Diamond Images/Getty Images

I really believe this front seven is as good as any other team in the entire league, and I’d confidently go to battle against any franchise’s quarter-century team with this group. A lot of players on the second team could replace the starters without the roster missing a beat, and even upgrade some aspects of the group due to their unique on-field characteristics. The third team also has quality and unique skill sets, offering great depth.

That’s it for my quarter-century front seven, fellow Rumblers. I can’t wait to read your comments and interact, I’m pretty sure you’ll bring good arguments about different choices in different areas of this group.

Let me know if I forgot somebody, and let’s discuss! (“The Legend of Kiko” was under consideration, but I just couldn’t fit him in). Of course, 2025 is the final year during the first quarter of the 21st century, and Buffalo has yet to play a meaningful down this season. That means in time, this list could change. I’ll be back soon with the defensive backfield and coordinators, Go Bills!


Catch up on all this and more with the latest edition of Leading the Charge
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...rter-century-team-2000-2024-defensive-front-7
 
Poll: Where will the Buffalo Bills finish in the AFC East?

Buffalo Bills v Miami Dolphins

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Is a six-peat in store, or will the rest of the division catch up in 2025?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Buffalo Bills fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Buffalo Bills enter the 2025 NFL season as five-time defending AFC East champions. It’s a feat never accomplished by the Bills teams that made four consecutive Super Bowls in the 1990s.

But much like those incredible teams, today’s Bills feature one of the game’s best quarterbacks — who just happened to win an NFL MVP award for his 2024 season, and continuity at head coach and general manager. The 2025 season marks the ninth campaign at the helm for Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane, while Josh Allen enters year eight.

In the NFL, when a team figures out the right coaching-quarterback formula, good things usually follow. Though this era’s Bills have yet to reach a Super Bowl, they have been a perennial playoff team — twice reaching the AFC Championship game.

Will Buffalo’s (mostly) good fortune and sheer dominance of the AFC East continue in 2025, or are their divisional foes ready to meaningfully compete for Eastern bragging rights? Vote now, telling us where you believe the Bills will finish in the AFC East in 2025.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...vey-where-will-buffalo-finish-in-the-afc-east
 
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