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Buffalo Bills: 3 players who could be surprise picks in first round

By Brandon Croce

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Offensive Lineman Creed Humphrey #56 from Oklahoma of the National Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Offensive Lineman Creed Humphrey #56 from Oklahoma of the National Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane runs in a touchdown after intercepting a pass thrown by Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 23: Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane runs in a touchdown after intercepting a pass thrown by Noah Johnson #0 of the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on October 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Zaven Collins, LB (Tulsa)

The Buffalo Bills not only brought back Matt Milano but signed two free agent linebackers in Tyrell Adams and Marquel Lee. However, both Adams and Lee signed one-year deals and likely are not long term answers.

In addition, the Bills are going to have to make a decision on whether or not to pick up Tremaine Edmunds’ fifth-year option. While it is likely it will happen, if it doesn’t the Bills could lose their starting middle linebacker after this season.

A player like Zaven Collins could be a great addition to this defense and would have a role even if Edmunds were to remain in Buffalo long-term. He is a big linebacker at 6’4″ and 260 pounds but moves well and in particular has shown an ability to get after the quarterback. The Buffalo Bills could still use a player to replace what Lorenzo Alexander brought to this defense and that is where Collins could fit.

The selection also gives the Bills a backup plan if Edmunds were to leave after this season, or after the 2022 season, as Collins could then step in as the team’s starting middle linebacker.

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