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Buffalo Bills: 6 Players to draft as replacements for Matt Milano

By Kendall Mirsky

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills moves on the field after a play during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New England defeats Buffalo 16-10. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills moves on the field after a play during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New England defeats Buffalo 16-10. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NC – SEPTEMBER 28: Chazz Surratt #21 of the University of North Carolina reacts after making a tackle during a game between Clemson University and University of North Carolina at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC – SEPTEMBER 28: Chazz Surratt #21 of the University of North Carolina reacts after making a tackle during a game between Clemson University and University of North Carolina at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

Chazz Surratt – North Carolina (Round 3 or 4)

Chazz Surratt is another interesting linebacker prospect mostly because of his developmental potential. Surratt has only played the linebacker position for 2 seasons now after changing from the quarterback position between 2018 and 2019.

Although he may be more of a developmental pick, Surratt has progressed much faster than expected and has plenty of upside moving forward. At 6’2 and 225 pounds may actually have the most comparable size and body dimension to Milano on this list of prospects.

Surratt is much more than just a prototypical size to replace Milano, the way they play the game is very similar. As I mentioned before, although Milano is slightly undersized for the prototypical linebacker position he plays the game with an unmatched level of tenacity and physicality that makes up for any lack in strength and size.

Surratt plays the position in a very similar way, all gas no breaks. Sometimes that can get him into trouble, like over pursuing the ball carrier and losing gap integrity on run plays. Other times it can be the reason for success, like how he takes on running backs in pass protection when he is blitzing the quarterback.

Overall, the only thing that would allow Surratt to fall in the draft is the general fear from teams in his developmental process and how long it may take for him to be a viable starter. Aside from that fear, he has all the tools. He is plenty athletic, adequately physical for the will linebacker position in the modern NFL, good change of direction, productive on blitz pressures, and has good coverage instincts.

He was much more statistically productive in his 2019 season compared to 2020, but his 2020 game tape shows that he is coachable enough to develop into a quality linebacker at the next level. If he falls into the 3rd or 4th round, Surratt could be an excellent value pick for the Bills.

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