The Buffalo Bills will be changing their defensive scheme this year under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. This may result in a more aggressive and tougher style for opposing offenses to play against. They will be switching from the 4-3 defense they ran over the past 9 years under former head coach Sean McDermott to a 3-4 multiple defense that better fits Buffalo's style under Leonhard.
The Bills fans want to see a defense that is a hard-working unit filled with dedicated players who attack the ball and ask questions later. Leonhard's scheme represents making the defense different from what they had run in the past.
One of those players could be an overlooked player who could unlock new potential from last year's defensive scheme for a spot on the Bills' 53-man roster.
One linebacker who could make the Bills' 53-man roster on opening day
On May 27, general manager Brandon Beane signed hard-hitting linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles to a one-year prove-it contract, demonstrating the team's commitment to building a powerful defense and adding depth.
Beane has signed players to deals like this in the past. The 6-foot-2, 223-pound linebacker has a history of playing in aggressive defenses, where he's been used as an off-ball linebacker to hit the gaps and stop the run.
What he will bring to the team
Flannigan-Fowles will start training camp as a roster bubble player competing for a rotational inside linebacker role and a larger role playing special teams. He may be able to beat out younger linebackers like Javon Solomon because he plays special teams, whereas Solomon is a situational pass rusher.
He will also fit Leonhard's scheme well because of his tough, downhill style of play and ability to do the dirty work. He's the type of player the fans will like too: hard-working, tough, and passionate to the core.
Last season, Flannigan-Fowles started three games but only played in a career-low 10 games due to multiple injuries.
While the 29-year-old has been a proven wrecking ball on special teams, which can impress his coaches, the Bills may have to deal with a constant injury situation should he make the 53-man roster at his position as well. While he is very fast and has a quick burst, he is another undersized linebacker, which might make it hard for him to hold down the gaps in a 3-4 defense.
He's also only on a one-year deal, and if they don't at least offer him low compensation, Beane may let him walk, and they would earn nothing in return.
Luckily, though, he does play special teams, as Beane and the previous coaching staff love playing reserve players on special teams. Joe Brady is no exception.
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