Projecting Terrel Bernard's 2024 stats with Buffalo Bills

Terrel Bernard had one of the best NFL Draft introductions back in 2022. Kyle Brandt from Good Morning Football gave an electric speech to announce the Bills’ third round pick which ended up being Bernard. The Bills already had Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano as the starters, but there were questions on whether or not Edmunds would be back with the Bills due to cap space. In the end, the Bills made the right choice by drafting Bernard due to the fact that Edmunds left Buffalo and signed with the Chicago Bears.

The linebacker spot was a huge question mark going into training camp last season. It came down to deciding between Bernard and Tyrel Dodson. Bernard seemed to have been winning the competition until a hamstring injury occurred right before the start of preseason. This opened the door for Dodson to lock up the middle linebacker job. Instead, he played so badly that Bernard will still name the starter in Week 1 without playing a snap in the preseason. 

However, Bills fans should be excited that Bernard was named the starter because he proved that he can be a huge asset to Buffalo’s defense. In his first season as a starter, Bernard played like the best player on the defense for the Bills. He had 143 total tackles, 9 QB hits, 6.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and 5 pass deflections. Having to fill the shoes of Edmunds, Bernard exceeded expectations.

The biggest factor to consider is that Bernard was able to put up all of these stats without Matt Milano for a majority of the year, as well as DaQuan Jones who helps take on double teams to create opportunities for the linebackers. Right from the start, Bernard’s presence was felt and having him on the field was a big advantage for the Bills. That presence was sincerely missed against the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs when Bernard was ruled out due to an injury he suffered the week prior.

As Bernard prepares to go into his second season as a starter, he will have the opportunity to keep growing as a player. He had Bobby Babich as his linebackers coach, but now Bernard has Babich as the defensive coordinator. Not to mention, Milano will be back on the field, hopefully for more than just four games as well. Bills fans will be able to see this duo once again cause havoc against offenses.

Stats projections: 125 total tackles, 5 sacks, 4 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles