Strength #2: Great eye for defensive talent and development
Being a defensive-minded head coach in a predominantly offensive-favorite league has its advantages. Under McDermott, he and Beane have been able to find and bring in key defensive players over the past six years, including this past offseason.
The first name that comes to mind is All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano, who was drafted in 2017 in the fifth round. He is now arguably the most valuable defensive player on the Bills. McDermott has also managed to help develop one of, if not the best, safety duo in the league with Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Under his system, the Bills' defense is consistently in the top ten overall and has been able to stop the pass against opposing quarterbacks.
This offseason, the Bills acquired players like Poona Ford for the trenches and Leonard Floyd who will be a great veteran presence until Von Miller returns back from injury. McDermott expects the best out of his players and most of the time, that is what he gets from his defensive players.