Buffalo Bills: Early look at key training camp battles on defense

Linebacker

A.J. Klein vs. Tyrell Adams vs. Marquel Lee

The Buffalo Bills technically run a 4-3 defense which would make A.J. Klein the starter alongside Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano. However, the Bills mostly operate out of the nickel which means they have only two linebackers on the field and Klein plays more of a reserve role for the team.

While Klein did play well in place of Milano during the season last year, he could be pushed for that role during training camp by two free-agent additions. The first is Tyrell Adams, who this past season was with the Houston Texans. After they lost Bernardick McKinney to a season-ending shoulder injury, Adams stepped in as starter and played very well. He finished the year with the 12th most total tackles in the league with 125.

The other interesting option is Marquel Lee, who recently was with the Las Vegas Raiders and started 19 games from 2017 to 2019 but missed all of last season due to an injury. If he is fully healthy, he should also push Klein for that third linebacker spot.