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4 players who could be surprise first round picks for the Buffalo Bills

By Caleb Holfoth

Nov 20, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Zion Johnson (77) against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Zion Johnson (77) against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo BIlls
Leo Chenal, Wisconsin (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

Leo Chenal, LB (Wisconsin)

Leo Chenal is one of the top linebackers in this draft. The surprise here is less that he is going towards the end of the first round but that the Buffalo Bills are drafting a linebacker. The Bills already have a great duo in Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds, so why draft a linebacker in the first round? The answer is simple, Tremaine Edmunds’ contract is up after this season, and it is difficult to see Brandon Beane committing a large portion of the salary cap to the linebacker position.

Chenal is a big linebacker for today’s NFL. He stands 6-2 and 250 pounds, so he would ideally be put in the middle of the defense. While Chenal does not have the elite speed to be a sideline to sideline type of linebacker, he is an outstanding athlete for his size.

He is an exceptional run defender and does a great job of plugging holes if he is not directly making plays on the ball. Chenal may not have the pass coverage pedigree that Edmunds has, but he could quickly shut down the middle of the field and the run game for an offense.

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