Edmunds & Milano = Our Kuechly & Davis

[H2o]

Milano really impressed me last year in our defense. He was all over the field making plays. As a rookie he had taken over a starting spot by December. He was solid in coverage and played the run well also. I expect another step forward this year as he becomes more acclimated with his responsibility within our defense and gets his run with the 1st team from the start. He is our play making OLB on defense who seems to be in on a lot of key stops or TO's ala Davis in Carolina. 

 

Preston Brown departs via FA and in steps the #16 overall pick Tremaine Edmunds. The athleticism is undeniable and it dwarfs Brown in every way. Edmunds is going to be the sideline to sideline QB of this defense for years to come. His coverage ability, closing burst, and instincts at barely 20 years old is really amazing if you have watched him play. McDermott will have this young man watching film of Luke, studying his place, his reads, and his responsibilities from now until September. 

 

I truly believe McDermott now feels he has the two guys who will anchor his LB unit. Most of his and today's defenses operate with only two LB's on the field anyway. These two guys are our Kuechly and Davis.  

[ChevyVanMiller]

27 minutes ago, H2o said:

Milano really impressed me last year in our defense. He was all over the field making plays. As a rookie he had taken over a starting spot by December. He was solid in coverage and played the run well also. I expect another step forward this year as he becomes more acclimated with his responsibility within our defense and gets his run with the 1st team from the start. He is our play making OLB on defense who seems to be in on a lot of key stops or TO's ala Davis in Carolina. 

 

Preston Brown departs via FA and in steps the #16 overall pick Tremaine Edmunds. The athleticism is undeniable and it dwarfs Brown in every way. Edmunds is going to be the sideline to sideline QB of this defense for years to come. His coverage ability, closing burst, and instincts at barely 20 years old is really amazing if you have watched him play. McDermott will have this young man watching film of Luke, studying his place, his reads, and his responsibilities from now until September. 

 

I truly believe McDermott now feels he has the two guys who will anchor his LB unit. Most of his and today's defenses operate with only two LB's on the field anyway. These two guys are our Kuechly and Davis.  

Agree with most of what you say, just a caution to remember that both of these guys are really young and probably won't be all-pros just yet.

[dabills21]

25 minutes ago, H2o said:

Milano really impressed me last year in our defense. He was all over the field making plays. As a rookie he had taken over a starting spot by December. He was solid in coverage and played the run well also. I expect another step forward this year as he becomes more acclimated with his responsibility within our defense and gets his run with the 1st team from the start. He is our play making OLB on defense who seems to be in on a lot of key stops or TO's ala Davis in Carolina. 

 

Preston Brown departs via FA and in steps the #16 overall pick Tremaine Edmunds. The athleticism is undeniable and it dwarfs Brown in every way. Edmunds is going to be the sideline to sideline QB of this defense for years to come. His coverage ability, closing burst, and instincts at barely 20 years old is really amazing if you have watched him play. McDermott will have this young man watching film of Luke, studying his place, his reads, and his responsibilities from now until September. 

 

I truly believe McDermott now feels he has the two guys who will anchor his LB unit. Most of his and today's defenses operate with only two LB's on the field anyway. These two guys are our Kuechly and Davis.  

Love your enthusiasm, but that's a pretty extreme comparison. Kuechly is the best MLB in the NFL since Urlacher.

 

Now I think Edmunds will play the Kuechly type role, and be very good, if that's what you're trying to say.

 

The Milano/Davis comparison is pretty far off base.  Davis is a Sam backer, Milano is a Will who is best in nickle situations.  Davis is much more physical and one of the best 4-3 Sam backers in a while

[The Now Moment]

I think they have a lot of potential.  It will be interesting to see how Milano and Edmunds play behind the beefed up defensive front.  

[Drunken Pygmy Goat]

Milano always seemed to be around the ball last year. The instincts are definitely there. I think his progression will be rapid. Not the most atheletic guy, but his ability to react quickly can make up for some of that.

 

With Edmunds, you have a guy that's bigger and longer than Kuechly, and having a faster 40 time at the combine. His wing span is ridiculous. Those kind of measurables are perfect for a MLB in a short zone defense, and if his insticts really show at the next level...watch out. I will say that I'm a bit worried that he'll get gobbled up defending the run. He could use some extra time hitting the weights, IMO.

Edited May 5, 2018 by Drunken Pygmy Goat

[billsbackto81]

5 minutes ago, dabills21 said:

Love your enthusiasm, but that's a pretty extreme comparison. Kuechly is the best MLB in the NFL since Urlacher.

 

Now I think Edmunds will play the Kuechly type role, and be very good, if that's what you're trying to say.

 

The Milano/Davis comparison is pretty far off base.  Davis is a Sam backer, Milano is a Will who is best in nickle situations.  Davis is much more physical and one of the best 4-3 Sam backers in a while

Spot on opinion. Edmunds has Pro Bowl potential if he can start to diagnose better and not over pursue while Milano still has plenty to work on though his knack for coverage is not lacking.

[H2o]

2 minutes ago, dabills21 said:

Love your enthusiasm, but that's a pretty extreme comparison. Kuechly is the best MLB in the NFL since Urlacher.

 

Now I think Edmunds will play the Kuechly type role, and be very good, if that's what you're trying to say.

 

The Milano/Davis comparison is pretty far off base.  Davis is a Sam backer, Milano is a Will who is best in nickle situations.  Davis is much more physical and one of the best 4-3 Sam backers in a while

Yes, that is what I am saying about Edmunds. He will play that role, play it well from the start, and be the QB of the defense. Will he be a perennial All-Pro? I hope so, but I have no doubt he will be at least upper tier of MLB's. 

 

I think Milano played the Will because that is what was asked of him. He excelled imo for a rookie. I also expect him to move more to that TD Sam spot this year. Alexander is not staying in that spot. Milano is also going to benefit from a full offseason NFL strength and conditioning program. I expect big things. 

[Doc]

12 minutes ago, dabills21 said:

Love your enthusiasm, but that's a pretty extreme comparison. Kuechly is the best MLB in the NFL since Urlacher.

 

Now I think Edmunds will play the Kuechly type role, and be very good, if that's what you're trying to say.

 

The Milano/Davis comparison is pretty far off base.  Davis is a Sam backer, Milano is a Will who is best in nickle situations.  Davis is much more physical and one of the best 4-3 Sam backers in a while

 

 Um, Thomas Davis plays Will linebacker for the Panthers.  

[Shaw66]

8 minutes ago, dabills21 said:

Love your enthusiasm, but that's a pretty extreme comparison. Kuechly is the best MLB in the NFL since Urlacher.

 

Now I think Edmunds will play the Kuechly type role, and be very good, if that's what you're trying to say.

 

The Milano/Davis comparison is pretty far off base.  Davis is a Sam backer, Milano is a Will who is best in nickle situations.  Davis is much more physical and one of the best 4-3 Sam backers in a while

That's my reaction.  Milano is one of those guys (I'm guessing) who will show flashes but who will have weaknesses that get exploited, weaknesses they can't overcome.   It's what I've been saying about Brown and Edmunds.   Brown made the most of his talents, but he's hit a ceiling because of his lack of speed.   Milano has weaknesses that will limit what he can do. 

 

The interesting thing about McDermott is that his approach WILL make stars of an occasional guy, despite the guy's limitations.   Those guys play better than their talent projects, but they only can do in the environment the coach built.   Like all the players who looked like stars playing for Belichick, and were only okay or worse elsewhere.  

 

If McDermott makes Milano into a stud outside linebacker tor the next ten years, it will mean the Bills have one of the great head coaches in the league.  

[Doc Brown]

7 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

That's my reaction.  Milano is one of those guys (I'm guessing) who will show flashes but who will have weaknesses that get exploited, weaknesses they can't overcome.   It's what I've been saying about Brown and Edmunds.   Brown made the most of his talents, but he's hit a ceiling because of his lack of speed.   Milano has weaknesses that will limit what he can do. 

 

The interesting thing about McDermott is that his approach WILL make stars of an occasional guy, despite the guy's limitations.   Those guys play better than their talent projects, but they only can do in the environment the coach built.   Like all the players who looked like stars playing for Belichick, and were only okay or worse elsewhere.  

 

If McDermott makes Milano into a stud outside linebacker tor the next ten years, it will mean the Bills have one of the great head coaches in the league.  

This is what's impressed me most about Beane/McDermott since they got here.  The ability to draft and find players that fit their scheme while maximizing their strengths and masking their weaknesses.  I'll give more credit to McDermott as they traded back for T White since Beane wasn't here yet.  I'm still ticked that EJ Gaines got as small of a contract as he did.  If the Bills can hit on most of their defensive draft picks and make value free agents deals/trades, this regime could even withstand a 1st round rookie QB bust.

[K-9]

Love their potential, but let’s not get too far ahead of our skis here. Keuchly, especially, was a refined player when he came in for instance.

[Jpsredemption]

Slow down a bit.

[Patrick Duffy]

Don't know if I'd compare them to those guys, but love me some Milano and thought he did a great job last season and I believe he will earn the starting job this year. Excited to see what we get out of Edmunds. We should end up having a very strong LB core when it's all said and done. Along with the secondary and front improvements, this defense should be pretty darn stout.

[Exxdee]

I didn't like Edmunds in coverage, that Clemson game for example. But tough to find great coverage LBs. I still think we need a cover LB, preferably MLB like Keuchly. But compared to Preston Brown last year, he's a good upgrade. Love Milano's upside too

[yungmack]

1 hour ago, H2o said:

Milano really impressed me last year in our defense. He was all over the field making plays. As a rookie he had taken over a starting spot by December. He was solid in coverage and played the run well also. I expect another step forward this year as he becomes more acclimated with his responsibility within our defense and gets his run with the 1st team from the start. He is our play making OLB on defense who seems to be in on a lot of key stops or TO's ala Davis in Carolina. 

 

Preston Brown departs via FA and in steps the #16 overall pick Tremaine Edmunds. The athleticism is undeniable and it dwarfs Brown in every way. Edmunds is going to be the sideline to sideline QB of this defense for years to come. His coverage ability, closing burst, and instincts at barely 20 years old is really amazing if you have watched him play. McDermott will have this young man watching film of Luke, studying his place, his reads, and his responsibilities from now until September. 

 

I truly believe McDermott now feels he has the two guys who will anchor his LB unit. Most of his and today's defenses operate with only two LB's on the field anyway. These two guys are our Kuechly and Davis.  

I appreciate your enthusiasm though you might be overstating Milano's talent and understating the youth and inexperience of Edmunds. Still, their Bills now, so let's hope you get your wish. We'll all be rooting for them I'm sure.

[John from Riverside]

3 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

That's my reaction.  Milano is one of those guys (I'm guessing) who will show flashes but who will have weaknesses that get exploited, weaknesses they can't overcome.   It's what I've been saying about Brown and Edmunds.   Brown made the most of his talents, but he's hit a ceiling because of his lack of speed.   Milano has weaknesses that will limit what he can do. 

 

The interesting thing about McDermott is that his approach WILL make stars of an occasional guy, despite the guy's limitations.   Those guys play better than their talent projects, but they only can do in the environment the coach built.   Like all the players who looked like stars playing for Belichick, and were only okay or worse elsewhere.  

 

If McDermott makes Milano into a stud outside linebacker tor the next ten years, it will mean the Bills have one of the great head coaches in the league.  

I’m curious what you think Milano’s weaknesses are?

 

he was a first year player last year that was everywhere when he got on the field and is probably gonna put on another 10 to 15 pounds as he goes

 

Instincts mean so much to the position

 

 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Exxdee said:

I didn't like Edmunds in coverage, that Clemson game for example. But tough to find great coverage LBs. I still think we need a cover LB, preferably MLB like Keuchly. But compared to Preston Brown last year, he's a good upgrade. Love Milano's upside too

Edmunds has been overall excellent in coverage you cannot base off one game

[Green Lightning]

3 hours ago, Buffalo30 said:

I think they have a lot of potential.  It will be interesting to see how Milano and Edmunds play behind the beefed up defensive front.  

Agree. Milano's a bit light and will benefit greatly if they can keep the big guys off him.

[The Now Moment]

6 minutes ago, Green Lightning said:

Agree. Milano's a bit light and will benefit greatly if they can keep the big guys off him.

Speedy linebackers with open tackling lanes...that's McDermott's dream.

[Green Lightning]

3 minutes ago, Buffalo30 said:

Speedy linebackers with open tackling lanes...that's McDermott's dream.

My dream too! That's why I really love why the FO did up front.

1 minute ago, Green Lightning said:

My dream too! That's why I really love what the FO did up front.

Sorry for the repeat!

Edited May 5, 2018 by Green Lightning

[wppete]

Really hope those guys Gel and become dominate together. 

[BBillsWestCoast]

Beane is giving McD some nice tools and the defense to me looks good enough to be top 10, however the offense will have these guys on the field a ton, so it will be a rough year. I would suspect that Edmunds will be listed as a top 5 tackler in the league next year. No one is running up the middle without getting punished and outside runs will be the best when he is coming in at 250 with all of that speed. I am looking forward to the Gronkowski match ups. 

[MarlinTheMagician]

Milano is super-instinctive.  His 40 time at combine (like 4.67) was a product of injury, he is one of the faster backers in the whole league and a converted safety.  He is one of my favorites, but we can't expect too much from the kid yet.  I know he works at the sport like an animal.  A year in the strength and conditioning program will really help him avoid the wash.  He is already, however, elite in coverage and a playmaker.  Potential is there.  

 

I don't watch much college so I am concerned about the posts immediately above saying Edmunds is not so great in coverage.  I had heard he is quite good.  I have also heard he is a fanatical worker like Milano (seems we have a lot of those).  If he can match Milano's coverage skills we will have a pair of elite coverage linebackers when we are in the two linebacker sub package.  And if Star, Harry, and Kyle can keep Edmunds and Milano clean they can both really fly to the ball like few other NFL pairs (with Edmunds having some tremendous power).  Having said that, calling them Kuechly and Davis may be a bit much to ask at this stage.  In two years though, who knows!

[jr1]

pleased with Milano and excited about Edmunds

[3rdand12]

1 hour ago, Buffalo30 said:

Speedy linebackers with open tackling lanes...that's McDermott's dream.

This is why building the front was so important this year.

9 minutes ago, jr1 said:

pleased with Milano and excited about Edmunds

This

14 minutes ago, MarlinTheMagician said:

Milano is super-instinctive.  His 40 time at combine (like 4.67) was a product of injury, he is one of the faster backers in the whole league and a converted safety.  He is one of my favorites, but we can't expect too much from the kid yet.  I know he works at the sport like an animal.  A year in the strength and conditioning program will really help him avoid the wash.  He is already, however, elite in coverage and a playmaker.  Potential is there.  

 

I don't watch much college so I am concerned about the posts immediately above saying Edmunds is not so great in coverage.  I had heard he is quite good.  I have also heard he is a fanatical worker like Milano (seems we have a lot of those).  If he can match Milano's coverage skills we will have a pair of elite coverage linebackers when we are in the two linebacker sub package.  And if Star, Harry, and Kyle can keep Edmunds and Milano clean they can both really fly to the ball like few other NFL pairs (with Edmunds having some tremendous power).  Having said that, calling them Kuechly and Davis may be a bit much to ask at this stage.  In two years though, who knows!

Harry ?

 

lol

[The Now Moment]

6 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

This is why building the front was so important this year.

And why they didn't get to reload the offense.  Don't know why people are complaining about the offense.  We reshaped a lot of the roster and have a ton of cap and nine draft picks next season, we aren't gonna magically become a contender in one season.  It takes time.

[MarlinTheMagician]

8 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

This is why building the front was so important this year.

This

Harry ?

 

lol

 

Horrible Harry of course

[Doc]

52 minutes ago, MarlinTheMagician said:

Milano is super-instinctive.  His 40 time at combine (like 4.67) was a product of injury, he is one of the faster backers in the whole league and a converted safety.  He is one of my favorites, but we can't expect too much from the kid yet.  I know he works at the sport like an animal.  A year in the strength and conditioning program will really help him avoid the wash.  He is already, however, elite in coverage and a playmaker.  Potential is there.  

 

I don't watch much college so I am concerned about the posts immediately above saying Edmunds is not so great in coverage.  I had heard he is quite good.  I have also heard he is a fanatical worker like Milano (seems we have a lot of those).  If he can match Milano's coverage skills we will have a pair of elite coverage linebackers when we are in the two linebacker sub package.  And if Star, Harry, and Kyle can keep Edmunds and Milano clean they can both really fly to the ball like few other NFL pairs (with Edmunds having some tremendous power).  Having said that, calling them Kuechly and Davis may be a bit much to ask at this stage.  In two years though, who knows!

 

Interesting that Milano is a converted safety because not only do he and Thomas Davis both play WLB (and not SLB for Davis, like dabills21 said), Davis was a FS entering the 2005 draft.  So it seems they're trying the same blueprint of sorts with the Bills.

[H2o]

48 minutes ago, Buffalo30 said:

And why they didn't get to reload the offense.  Don't know why people are complaining about the offense.  We reshaped a lot of the roster and have a ton of cap and nine draft picks next season, we aren't gonna magically become a contender in one season.  It takes time.

This. The defense has the makings of a viable top 10 unit this year imo. We have space eaters and a couple of penetrating DT's up front, we have a solid rotation of guys who can pressure the QB (though none are by any means elite), we have a young athletic LB group, and the Secondary should be even better than last year. If Allen can make big plays when necessary, even though I expect some growing pains, and we ride the run game with Shady\Ivory then this can very well be playoff team again despite what looks like a hellacious schedule next year. 

11 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Interesting that Milano is a converted safety because not only do he and Thomas Davis both play WLB (and not SLB for Davis, like dabills21 said), Davis was a FS entering the 2005 draft.  So it seems they're trying the same blueprint of sorts with the Bills.

I was even confused as to what spot Davis truly played until I checked online. So Milano was already at that position. For some reason I thought it was Alexander. 

[CaptnCoke11]

Milano is a pleasant surprise for a 5th round pick but for the love of god the comparison isn’t even close to LK.  

[H2o]

1 minute ago, CaptnCoke11 said:

Milano is a pleasant surprise for a 5th round pick but for the love of god the comparison isn’t even close to LK.  

I didn't say that Edmunds was Kuechly, I said he will play the Kuechly role in this defense and he will be good at it. If Kuechly keeps it up and isn't derailed by concussions then he is likely a HOF'er. I don't think anyone has said Edmunds is that yet. I do however believe that McDermott feels he has his Buffalo versions of Kuechly and Davis now. 

[MarlinTheMagician]

24 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Interesting that Milano is a converted safety because not only do he and Thomas Davis both play WLB (and not SLB for Davis, like dabills21 said), Davis was a FS entering the 2005 draft.  So it seems they're trying the same blueprint of sorts with the Bills.

 

Interesting back at you - had no idea Davis was a converted safety too.  Milano credits the switch to the coach at BC (forgot his name), says it made him eligible for an NFL career.  Went from a big-ish but not too fast safety to a super-fast linebacker.  A year of mass could make him even better.  He is a workaholic.

[MarlinTheMagician]

17 minutes ago, H2o said:

I didn't say that Edmunds was Kuechly, I said he will play the Kuechly role in this defense and he will be good at it. If Kuechly keeps it up and isn't derailed by concussions then he is likely a HOF'er. I don't think anyone has said Edmunds is that yet. I do however believe that McDermott feels he has his Buffalo versions of Kuechly and Davis now. 

 

This is very fair, IMHO

[3rdand12]

1 hour ago, MarlinTheMagician said:

 

Horrible Harry of course

Of Course 

[Doc]

38 minutes ago, H2o said:

I was even confused as to what spot Davis truly played until I checked online. So Milano was already at that position. For some reason I thought it was Alexander. 

 

I knew Milano played WLB given his size.  I figured Davis did as well because he's not huge (235#) either, so I looked it up and I was right.  Then I looked up their Combine stats on nfldraftscouts.com and saw that Davis was listed as a FS.

[MarlinTheMagician]

3 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

I knew Milano played WLB given his size.  I figured Davis did as well because he's not huge (235#) either, so I looked it up and I was right.  Then I looked up their Combine stats on nfldraftscouts.com and saw that Davis was listed as a FS.

 

An interesting thing about Milano - all last year I was wondering why they thought he would be such a top coverage backer if his combine was 4.67.  My eyes were telling me he was a top coverage linebacker.  I did a little research and discovered he was hurt at combine and that he was consistently running 4.5 pre-combine.  Aha!  (said I), now it makes sense!  Don't know if he can ever carry 235, but Davis's weight may be a bit inflated by Carolina?  I think Milano can carry more weight without losing speed, but I don't know about 235.

[Doc]

5 minutes ago, MarlinTheMagician said:

An interesting thing about Milano - all last year I was wondering why they thought he would be such a top coverage backer if his combine was 4.67.  My eyes were telling me he was a top coverage linebacker.  I did a little research and discovered he was hurt at combine and that he was consistently running 4.5 pre-combine.  Aha!  (said I), now it makes sense!  Don't know if he can ever carry 235, but Davis's weight may be a bit inflated by Carolina?  I think Milano can carry more weight without losing speed, but I don't know about 235.

 

Yeah, didn't know about Milano's Combine 40 being affected by injury.  Thanks for that.  But did you know that Thomas Davis' 40 time at the Combine was 4.66?  I don't know if he was injured or not but he might have been since he ran a 4.52 at his Pro Day.  And his weight was 230#, so I can see him being 235# now. 

Edited May 6, 2018 by Doc

[MarlinTheMagician]

2 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Yeah, didn't know about Milano's Combine 40 being affected by injury.  Thanks for that.  But did you know that Thomas Davis' 40 time at the Combine was 4.66?  I don't know if he was injured or not.  And his weight was 230#. 

 

Great stuff.  Thanks.

[BearNorth]

Siran Neal has played LB, CB, Safety, could this be the eventual chess piece.4.56 40 40+ inch vertical.

 

[MarlinTheMagician]

1 minute ago, BearNorth said:

Siran Neal has played LB, CB, Safety, could this be the eventual chess piece.4.56 40 40+ inch vertical.

 

 

Agree.  Totally intrigued to see what Neal does in camp.  Highlights he kills people.  Could be a good "big nickel" - 

[dabills21]

11 hours ago, Doc said:

 

Interesting that Milano is a converted safety because not only do he and Thomas Davis both play WLB (and not SLB for Davis, like dabills21 said), Davis was a FS entering the 2005 draft.  So it seems they're trying the same blueprint of sorts with the Bills.

My apologies.  Carolina officially lists Davis as their will and Shaq Thompson at their Sam.  For the record, Davis has played both Sam and will during his career.

 

My original point is not to get caught up in the Sam vs will position listing, but rather that Davis is a much more explosive and physical player than Milano. 

 

Milanos strength and physicality was his big weakness last season.  He overcomes some of that with instincts and his short area burst.  But once linemen engage with him, he was usually overmatched.  Not to say he can't improve on that,  hopefully, with an NFL off-season program, he can further hone in and develop in those areas.

 

I wouldn't be shocked, if he and Humber rotate again this season.  Milano is certainly the sub package, nickle backer, but I don't think he has graduated to 3 down territory yet.  we will see