The Buffalo Bills have quite a bit riding on the 2026 NFL Draft. Suffering a big miss could potentially mean the difference between getting over the hump and having yet another disappointing end to the season.
The Bills have made a number of signings already to give themselves options when the draft comes around. One area that feels like a pressing need is the inside linebacker position. There are a couple of unknowns on the roster, but far more questions than answers.
Bills' linebacker depth is concerning ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
As it stands, the starters at the inside spots are Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams. Bernard is coming off a disappointing season and doesn’t seem to have the skills to be a great fit. That said, his contract makes him a certain starter, so he is what he is.
Williams has the physical tools to excel in this scheme, but remains unknown. Past him, Joe Andreessen is a solid depth option, but Keonta Jenkins and Jimmy Ciarlo feel more like less-than-optimal depth and more than likely special teams or practice squad players.
The Bills only have one pick in the first 90, so they will need to make the most of their choices. Though they have been linked to other veterans, there will likely be at least one linebacker taken in April. Thankfully, there are several options throughout the draft that make sense for the Bills.
High-End Option: C.J. Allen, Georgia
Allen has been linked to the Bills in a lot of mock drafts, and for good reason. In terms of non-edge rushers, Allen may be the best linebacker in the class. He has a decent size at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, but makes up for it with exceptional quickness (4.55 40-yard dash).
Allen is a true sideline-to-sideline tackler, and he doesn’t miss. He plays like he will be a leader on the defense and can even contribute as a pass rusher when pressed into duty. His coverage skills need work, but he would likely step in and be a Day 1 starter for the Bills.
Mid-Round Option #1: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
If the Bills want to improve in run defense, Rodriguez would be an excellent addition. He’s an elite run defender who fires downhill and gets into gaps quickly. He has the kind of range that could make him an every-down linebacker early in his career as well.
His size is on the smaller side of the scale, even though he’s just a hair smaller than Allen, but he tends to get caught up in the second level, whereas Allen does not. His missed tackles are due to overaggressive angles; those will need to be worked on at the NFL level. Still, he’s the kind of linebacker who can come in and compete for a starting job this season.
Mid-Round Option #2: Dontae Lawson, Alabama
True 3-4 inside linebackers need to be a bit bigger in order to shed blocks, and Lawson fits that bill. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Lawson can add size to become even tougher against the run. He has also shown himself to be a threat against the pass, boasting 52 career pressures in his collegiate career.
Needs to get bigger and work on his tackling, but coverage is probably the biggest on-field concern. Inconsistent in recognizing man vs. zone, getting frozen while trying to read the play. His injury history is definitely concerning as well, but he has the physical tools to become a steal in the middle of the draft.
Late-Round Option #1: Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
Rolder is stout at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds. Shows good recognition ability, attacks linemen with violent hands, and has great tackling technique. Shows good ability to fill the gap against the run and does well navigating traffic and getting through the muck.
Something of a late bloomer with just 11 career starts. Might not have the physical tools of other guys in his class, losing receivers in coverage, and sometimes straining to keep contain. Rolder is something of a project but has the head and demeanor to be an effective inside ‘backer in the NFL.
Late-Round Option #2: Red Murdock, Buffalo
Murdock is interesting for a few reasons other than being a local boy. For starters, his motor never stops, and he has been highly productive the past two seasons. He gets off blockers well and tackles well in space. Plus, he set a forced fumble record, showing the kind of playmaker he can be.
Like most rookie linebackers, Murdock struggles in coverage, especially against running backs. His sideline-to-sideline speed isn’t as good as you would hope, but his motor helps make up for it. Not much of a pass rusher, but likely won’t be in this scheme anyway. A nice project that doesn’t quit; someone who could surprise coming out of camp.
Additions Need to be Made
The Bills have other areas they need to address in the draft; linebacker might be the most pressing need overall. What direction the Bills choose to go in is interesting and will probably be a good indicator of how much importance they place on the position in defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s defense.