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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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STILLWATER, OK – SEPTEMBER 26: Center Ry Schneider #50 and offensive lineman Josh Sills #72 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys block linebacker Tony Fields II #1 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the third quarter on September 26, 2020 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. OSU won 27-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK – SEPTEMBER 26: Center Ry Schneider #50 and offensive lineman Josh Sills #72 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys block linebacker Tony Fields II #1 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the third quarter on September 26, 2020 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. OSU won 27-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Tony Fields II – Arizona & West Virginia (Late Rounds)

Last but not least is Tony Fields II who started his collegiate career as a true freshman all-American at Arizona and then transferred to West Virginia this past season.

Similar to a lot of the other linebackers on this list, Fields is an excellent athlete that personifies the modern linebacker position. At 6’1 and 220 pounds, Fields is best out in space with the ability to use his speed to pursue the ball carrier. However, Fields actually has very good run-stopping instincts despite the typical stigma against smaller athletic linebackers.

His combination of play recognition, ability to navigate through trash, and pursuit speed makes for a solid run-stopping linebacker. Additionally, his short area quickness and change of direction skills make him a solid asset in coverage as well.

Fields has a very well-rounded game, but could use a slight improvement in all of these well-rounded areas. The one area he could use the most work is in blitz production. While at Arizona and West Virginia, Fields had plenty of blitz reps but outside of his freshman season he struggled to produce off of the blitz. His speed made it easy for him to rush around the edge to the QB or stunt inside the guard, but outside of a straight line speed rush to the QB, he doesn’t have much of a plan when it comes to pass rush.

Although the lack of production off the blitz is a concern, he has all the tools to improve in this area at the next level with the right coaching. Overall, Fields’ well-rounded game is something that should be very attractive to the Buffalo Bills in the late rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Next. Tight ends the Bills should target in free agency. dark

If the Buffalo Bills decided to wait on the linebacker position, Fields could end up being one of the better value picks in the draft, similar to drafting Milano in the 5th round just a few years ago.

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