Round 5, 163rd Overall: Matt Milano, LB (Boston College)
The biggest steal looking at all of Sean McDermott’s drafts to this date has to be the selection of Matt Milano in the fifth round. Milano has been a mainstay on the Bills defense ever since his rookie season, and over the last two seasons has been the weak side starter alongside Tremaine Edmunds.
Despite only starting 5 games his rookie season there was no doubt that the Boston College standout was better than the incumbent starter Ramon Humber, who was eventually passed by Milano. The rookie linebacker had an interception and a fumble return for a touchdown showing his big playmaking ability.
In his sophomore season Milano was enjoying a breakout year with 78 tackles, 1 sack and 3 interceptions, becoming one of the most essential players on the Bills defense. He would fracture his fibula on a gruesome play in which he lost his season in week 13.
Going into his third year with now a full season of starting experience Milano was poised to breakout this season and despite not putting up gaudy numbers was excellent. The linebacker would put up 101 tackles along with 1.5 sacks and a career high 9 passes defended.
The former fifth round pick has built a formidable tandem with Tremaine Edmunds that the Bills rely heavily on in their 4-2-5 base defense which excels in pass coverage.