Who replaces Lorenzo Alexander?
While it isn’t a huge issue, the top question for the Buffalo Bills entering training camp is who will replace Lorenzo Alexander. The veteran linebacker was a leader for this defense and did provide some value on the field but recently he has provided the most value in the locker room.
The Buffalo Bills won’t be able to replace that easily but on the field they have some options. One of the reasons this isn’t a huge concern is that the Bills spend alot of time in nickel so they only have two linebackers on the field a majority of the game.
The team did add A.J. Klein in free agency, who is a veteran and has played a number of years in Sean McDermott’s defense during their time together with the Carolina Panthers. He likely enters camp as the favorite and is the easiest transition for the Buffalo Bills.
However, the one player that could actually elevate the position, and possibly even give them more production that Alexander, is last year’s fifth round pick Vosean Joseph. He is in the similar mode of Edmunds and Milano in that he is an athletic linebacker that packs a powerful punch when he tackles.
If A.J Klein wins the starting job, then the position will remain status quo but if Joseph wins the job it would be a boost for the defense.