Buffalo Bills: Predicting the LB depth chart entering training camp

Backup Outside Linebacker: Andre Smith

Andre Smith was a consistent member of the special teams unit for the Buffalo Bills in 2021. Smith only saw 47 (four percent) of Buffalo’s defensive snaps in 2020, but he never played fewer than 53 percent of the team’s special teams snaps in any of the twelve games he appeared in. Smith is clearly valued as a special teams contributor for the Bills, and that alone may earn him a roster spot over a promising player like Tyrel Dodson.

Backup Middle Linebacker: Tyler Matakevich

The Bills signed Tyler Matakevich in the 2020 offseason specifically because of his special teams abilities. Matakevich has played in 79 games in his five-year career and has never seen less than 61 percent of his team’s special teams snaps in any season.

Considering how much Sean McDermott values special teams contributors, he is a roster lock as a special teams leader.

Backup Outside Linebacker: Tyrell Adams

Tyrell Adams played just 21 games in his first four seasons in the NFL with the Raiders and Texans. Adams broke out in a big way during the 2020 season, however. Prior to 2020, Adams had just 34 combined career tackles; he recorded 125 combined tackles in 2020.

Last season was the first time that Adams had played more than six games in a season, and he made the most of his opportunities. His breakout 2020 season does not guarantee him a roster spot, however.

Adams will be competing against Tyrel Dodson and Joe Giles-Harris for the sixth and final spot on the linebacking depth chart for the Bills in 2021. Adams will have to prove that he does not need a large number of snaps to be an efficient linebacker