Predicting the Buffalo Bills 2020 Depth Chart: Linebacker
By Daniel Bruce
Practice Squad: Tyrel Dodson
Dodson out of Texas A&M played out his first season on the practice squad in Buffalo after coming close to making the roster.
Suspended initially for six games on September 12th, Dodson didn’t get off to the start he would of liked in the NFL, but after getting his suspension he was added to the practice squad a few weeks later. He was signed to a reserve/future contract in January and it looks like Dodson will be spending another season on the practice squad.
Practice Squad: Mike Bell
One of the more intriguing players at the linebacker position for Buffalo is Mike Bell, who was a safety during his time with Fresno State from 2016-18. However, now has bulked up to transform into a linebacker.
Running a 4.83 40-yard dash at the 2019 scouting combine, Bell doesn’t have the speed to play safety at the next level, a move to linebacker was a rational move. Bell tried out with the Bills following the 2019 NFL Draft and didn’t end up signing but did enough for Buffalo to keep their eye on him.
24/7 sports reported on the signing and apparently Bell has added a significant amount of weight:
"Buffalo announced their signing of Bell on Monday afternoon, listing him as a linebacker. Bell began his Bulldog career at cornerback and started at safety for the Bulldogs from 2017 to 2018. He has added almost 20 pounds since his junior season at Fresno State as he transitions to a new position."
Bell should be an interesting player to monitor during training camp.
Practice Squad/Cut: Del’Shawn Phillips
Phillips was an undrafted free agent in 2019 and signed with the Atlanta Falcons where he would end up being one of the final cuts before the season.
Signing with the Bills practice squad in October and going on to eventually sign a reserve/future contract in January.
Phillips enjoyed a solid last two seasons with Illinois, in 2018 he appeared in 12 games, with 95 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 4 interceptions, a playmaker in college, Phillips will try to prove his ability to the Bills. Most likely spending another season on the practice squad.