6 takeaways from the Buffalo Bills first depth chart for 2022

Tyrel Dodson is listed as starting weakside linebacker

The Buffalo Bills may have their replacement for A.J. Klein, who was released this offseason. The Bills have typically only had two linebackers on the field in nickel formations but when they did play in a 4-3 formation, it was Klein that got the start.

Dodson, who has been with the team the past three seasons has typically been a backup and behind Klein on the depth chart. He has two starts in his career, with both occurring in the 2020 season.

If Dodson does replace A.J. Klein, he could be looking at a sizable bump in snaps on defense and may play around 30% based on how much Klein played during his time with Buffalo.

Terrel Bernard, who was the team’s third round pick is listed as the backup to Tremaine Edmunds at middle linebacker.

Nick McCloud listed as a safety

Nick McCloud played cornerback in college and last year with the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. However, this offseason the team tried him at safety during offseason workouts, and that position switch looks to be permanent with him listed as a safety on the first depth chart.

McCloud is listed with the third team behind Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer as the starters and Damar Hamlin and Jaquan Johnson with the second team.