5th Round: Curtis Jacobs, LB, Penn State
The future is bright for the Bills projected starting linebackers with Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano. I strongly doubt A.J. Klein will return to not only the Bills but football in general. I don't see him returning. Dorian Williams looks like he might be a pretty good linebacker as he grows in experience and continues to develop, same with Baylon Spector. The worry with Spector is he doesn't seem capable of staying healthy. The other concern is whether Tyrel Dodson returns. He was PFF's third highest-graded linebacker in 2023 but with Milano and Bernard entrenched in the starting lineup, Dodson may want to go elsewhere to be a full-time starter. Hence AI's selection of Curtis Jacobs. Here is what AI said about Jacobs.
"Jacobs' physicality and coverage skills provide versatility and athleticism to the linebacker corps."AI
Jacobs is 6'1" and weighs 238 pounds. He recorded 49 total tackles last season, with 2.5 sacks and nine tackles for a loss. PFF wasn't very kind to Jacobs' coverage skills, giving him a 64.9, with a run defense grade of 55.8. He was solid in pass-rush though, scoring a grade of 77.1. I think Jacobs is definitely more of a developmental piece but with the Bills' current linebacking roster, I don't think he'd be called upon too often. Good opportunity to sit and learn from those in front of him.