Updated 53-man roster projection for the Buffalo Bills following minicamp

Linebackers (5)

Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, Tyrel Dodson, Tyler Matakevich, Terrel Bernard

With the wide receiver position getting an extra roster spot, there was a position that needed to lose a spot from the previous 53-man projections after the NFL Draft. Last time, I had six linebackers on the 53-man roster but could see the Buffalo Bills going with just five.

The defensive formation the Buffalo Bills utilize the most is nickel and with only two linebackers on the field at a time, they shouldn’t need more than three backups. The primary backup to Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano would likely be Tyrel Dodson, who would become the starter if either were to miss an extended period of time.

As for Tyler Matakevich, he is primarily a special teams player but one of the best in the league. He should be a part of the 53-man roster and be a key contributor on special teams once again.

This leaves Terrel Bernard, who was a third round pick by the Buffalo Bills this year. He is a smaller linebacker but is someone that could see some playing time as a rookie in sub-packages. If the Bills want to utilize a 4-3 front based on matchups, Bernard would likely be the player to step on the field as that third linebacker.