Buffalo Bills have perfect candidate placed on NFL All-Breakout Team list

If there is one thing that the Buffalo Bills have done well under Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott, it is finding hidden gems that don’t get the deserved recognition. They have been able to build a roster with players that have chips on their shoulders. Whether it is through the draft or free agency, Bills fans get treated to some under-the-radar players that become impactful contributors. One of those players last season was rising star Terrel Bernard who was forced into a leadership position quickly.

When the Bills lost Tremaine Edmunds in free agency last year, linebacker was a big concern for the defense. Edmunds had been a starter since his rookie year and he was able to lead Buffalo’s defense as one of the top units along with Matt Milano. Bernard had won the starting job last year and was going to be paired with Milano. Right from the start, Bernard’s presence was noticed and Bills Mafia saw a dynamic growing between Bernard and Milano.

Once Milano went down with a season-ending leg injury in Week 5, Bernard was forced to step up and lead this defense. There was no issue with him and his production that he brought to the field. He was essentially like Milano, being near the play or the one making the play. 

Bernard is heading into this third season with the Bills and will hopefully get the chance to play a full season with Milano. Josh Edwards from CBS Sports predicted that Bernard could take the next step in his career while still being on his rookie contract.

We couldn’t agree more

"Bernard was thrust into the equation last year when Matt Milano got hurt but he grew into the role. He was a rusher on just 10.6% of opponent dropbacks, according to TruMedia, and still managed 6.5 sacks. Bernard was also fifth among linebackers in defensive passer rating."

- Josh Edwards, CBS Sports

It should not be surprising for Bernard to finally get some well-deserved recognition. It is still unbelievable that he wasn’t voted as a Pro Bowler last year. New defensive coordinator Bobby Babich was Bernard’s linebackers coach last year, so now we can imagine how Bernard will take yet another big step in year three.