Can Dorian Williams become an Edge?

[That's No Moon]

Anything so he doesn't have to cover anyone ever again.

[RocCityRoller]

18 hours ago, That's No Moon said:

Anything so he doesn't have to cover anyone ever again.

The odd thing is at Tulane he was often split out to cover the slot WR. Check out his college highlights.

 

I like D Williams. I think he fits as a traditional WLB or 2nd ILB.

[DCofNC]

On 4/2/2026 at 8:22 PM, 3rdand12 said:

1st off..

 Good presentation with plenty of detail to consider.

You must have some sales experience 😋

 Because you have me thinking about this

 Well Done 

He is too small for that , perhaps ?

 what did McD really draft him to become anyways ? We speak more of his limitations than qualities.

 Can he play a Hoecht til Hoecht is healthy ?

He SHOULD have been on the field over Bernard, but they instead wasted a 3rd round pick to be a back up to Milano

[MJS]

He already fits perfectly in this scheme as a linebacker. Why change his position?

[bigK14094]

On 4/2/2026 at 9:44 PM, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

I don't see why we'd switch him from his natural position to a spot that isn't his natural position that we're also in better shape at roster wise. If the season started tomorrow, Dorian Williams would be starting at Linebacker, pretty much out of necessity.

 

You can never go wrong with more Edge Rushers, but with Bradley Chubb and Greg Rousseau as our starters and Michael Hoecht as our 3rd (who displayed a transformative level of ability and will be ready by Week 1), along with a 3rd Round Pick coming into his 2nd Year in Landon Jackson, and Javon Solomon - I don't see it as a glaring need.

 

Linebacker, however, we have Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams with just Joe Andreesen behind them. That's it. Remove Williams from the equation and we're really nowhere. 

Williams is a specimen, with great speed.  The Bills will find a use for him, and maybe a second contract too.  Jackson was slow slow last year, and I am not sure he is a pro.  Built like a pro, but way not athletic enough imho.

[NickelCity]

14 hours ago, MJS said:

He already fits perfectly in this scheme as a linebacker. Why change his position?

 

Does he? I thought the ILBs had big coverage responsibilities in this D?

[MJS]

14 minutes ago, NickelCity said:

Does he? I thought the ILBs had big coverage responsibilities in this D?

Compared to McDermott's defense? His defense required almost exclusive coverage responsibility from linebackers. This defense is much more simple and requires instinctive linebackers to see ball and get ball. Dorian Williams and Joe Andreeson are better fits for this defense than McDermott's.

[BillsFanForever19]

18 hours ago, MJS said:

He already fits perfectly in this scheme as a linebacker. Why change his position?

 

3 hours ago, MJS said:

Compared to McDermott's defense? His defense required almost exclusive coverage responsibility from linebackers. This defense is much more simple and requires instinctive linebackers to see ball and get ball. Dorian Williams and Joe Andreeson are better fits for this defense than McDermott's.

 

And that's all without taking into account that we are in much better shape at Edge Rusher than we are Linebacker right now. Switching him there doesn't make much sense any way you slice it.

 

I feel like we play this game every off-season with posters making threads about players switching positions. In OP's defense, at least this year we're switching schemes - so naturally there will be guys switching positions. But there's *way* more hypothetical position switch posts than actual position switches on this team.

[TheyCallMeAndy]

On 4/3/2026 at 9:54 PM, That's No Moon said:

Anything so he doesn't have to cover anyone ever again.

 

On 4/4/2026 at 4:10 PM, RocCityRoller said:

The odd thing is at Tulane he was often split out to cover the slot WR. Check out his college highlights.

 

I like D Williams. I think he fits as a traditional WLB or 2nd ILB.

Crazy part, he allowed a 52% completion and less than 10 yards per completion last year.

 

72% the year prior, which still isn't bad.

[Richard Noggin]

On 4/3/2026 at 9:08 AM, BarleyNY said:

Dorian Williams has zero chance to successfully convert to Edge. He is small for a LB and has trouble taking on blocks now. At least at LB he has a chance to slip them and get to a ball carrier. At Edge he’d be taking an OT on heads up on most plays. He’d get destroyed and teams would run at him at will.

 

If he were to change positions, Strong Safety would be the logical choice for his size and skill set. But he is best used as a third LB in a 4-3 or third safety in Big Nickel, but it’s pointless to make that distinction as he’d be doing the same job. 

 

An EDGE in this defense will often be fairly wide and in a 2-pt stance. Of course there will be many snaps where one EDGE will be in a 3-pt over an OT, but 3-4 rush OLBs get a lot of looks way out wide against TEs and even RBs or even unblocked at times. Or at least shaded outside the OT where an interior defender can momentarily occupy the OT's attention. It can be super varied. 

 

Strong safety for D Williams (over EDGE) is pretty silly, especially for a guy who has limitations in zone drops/pass coverage. He is best in an attacking role, closer to the line. (Off-ball ILB in a hybrid front would hopefully have him mugging A- and B-gaps not unlike what he did a little in that Hoecht role last season.)

 

On 4/3/2026 at 11:39 AM, BuffaloBillyG said:

I think a lot of people that speculated this whole off season about who will line up where are in for some shocks when the preseason kicks off. 

 

I'm curious to see where Leonard lines a lot of guys up and who covers what spots. Until we see that we really won't know what his vision for this defense truly will be. 

 

Care to elaborate at all? What would shocking player alignments look like in your opinion? 

 

On 4/3/2026 at 1:16 PM, MarlinTheMagician said:

I have always saw great potential in Dorian, but it seems like they just can't figure out how to use him.  

 

I know from a team insider on the defensive side of the ball that in Von's last year (so 2024 season), they intended to use him in a "joker" sort of role to bring pressure from odd angles and drop where they might not expect him to etc.  Then all our linebackers got hurt and that went out the window.  He is a great athlete and plays with passion so I hope they can figure a way to maximize what he offers. 

 

Didn't he do some of that last season as well after Hoecht got hurt? Maybe especially in that same game when Hoecht went down, because it was such a focal point of their rush packages that week (to build off the prior week's successes)?

[BuffaloBillyG]

2 minutes ago, Richard Noggin said:

 

An EDGE in this defense will often be fairly wide and in a 2-pt stance. Of course there will be many snaps where one EDGE will be in a 3-pt over an OT, but 3-4 rush OLBs get a lot of looks way out wide against TEs and even RBs or even unblocked at times. Or at least shaded outside the OT where an interior defender can momentarily occupy the OT's attention. It can be super varied. 

 

Strong safety for D Williams (over EDGE) is pretty silly, especially for a guy who has limitations in zone drops/pass coverage. He is best in an attacking role, closer to the line. (Off-ball ILB in a hybrid front would hopefully have him mugging A- and B-gaps not unlike what he did a little in that Hoecht role last season.)

 

 

Care to elaborate at all? What would shocking player alignments look like in your opinion? 

 

 

Didn't he do some of that last season as well after Hoecht got hurt? Maybe especially in that same game when Hoecht went down, because it was such a focal point of their rush packages that week (to build off the prior week's successes)?

For me, it's things like where Ed Oliver lines up. People are locked into the old way of thinking that a NT has to be 340lbs. I think some will be shocked when he's lines up there. I also think some will be surprised and where some of the other people line up on the DL. Groot, Sanders and Landon Jackson are sort of Wild Cards right now. It's going to be interesting IMO. 

[TBBills Fan]

On 4/2/2026 at 7:54 PM, NORWOODS FOOT said:

What is his arm length and wing span? 

9 inches.  All the girls care about 

6 minutes ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

For me, it's things like where Ed Oliver lines up. People are locked into the old way of thinking that a NT has to be 340lbs. I think some will be shocked when he's lines up there. I also think some will be surprised and where some of the other people line up on the DL. Groot, Sanders and Landon Jackson are sort of Wild Cards right now. It's going to be interesting IMO. 

If leonhard is good and uses people to their strengths we are in for a wayyyyy different defense. Mcd, as good as he is, was good at plugging holes. I hope leonhard is one that can scheme up wins with creativity. We shall see

[Richard Noggin]

23 minutes ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

For me, it's things like where Ed Oliver lines up. People are locked into the old way of thinking that a NT has to be 340lbs. I think some will be shocked when he's lines up there. I also think some will be surprised and where some of the other people line up on the DL. Groot, Sanders and Landon Jackson are sort of Wild Cards right now. It's going to be interesting IMO. 

 

Oliver did play a bunch of NT in college, though, and Denver has recently employed some lighter dudes up front, so...a reasonably informed Bills fan shouldn't be "shocked" by Oliver getting the chance to OWN some NFL centers next year.

 

But for sure, Oliver lined up at 0 and 1 more often can invite hard nosed duo rushing attacks and IOLs getting hands on the 2nd level defenders/ILBs. 

[3rdand12]

On 4/4/2026 at 4:10 PM, RocCityRoller said:

The odd thing is at Tulane he was often split out to cover the slot WR. Check out his college highlights.

 

I like D Williams. I think he fits as a traditional WLB or 2nd ILB.

I did no know that !

 Maybe Bills should seriously build upon that skillset

 BTW how good was he playing outside the Tackles ?

On 4/5/2026 at 12:59 PM, bigK14094 said:

Williams is a specimen, with great speed.  The Bills will find a use for him, and maybe a second contract too.  Jackson was slow slow last year, and I am not sure he is a pro.  Built like a pro, but way not athletic enough imho.

I did not see RocCity's comment above

Maybe I should have some faith in what Leonhard sees ? At least give the benefit

 Was very seriously expecting and LBer in FA by now.

[3rdand12]

18 hours ago, Richard Noggin said:

 

Oliver did play a bunch of NT in college, though, and Denver has recently employed some lighter dudes up front, so...a reasonably informed Bills fan shouldn't be "shocked" by Oliver getting the chance to OWN some NFL centers next year.

 

But for sure, Oliver lined up at 0 and 1 more often can invite hard nosed duo rushing attacks and IOLs getting hands on the 2nd level defenders/ILBs. 

If he were to go at Nose or over center etc. Would he play the disruptor still ?

 Seems like the position demands as stout player like what D Jones once was.

 

Dexter Lawrence anyone ?? 27m might get it done 😋

Sorry couldn't help meself there

 

 

[Pete]

Dwight Freeney transitioned to OLB in 3-4 and is a HOF player.  So I think Dorian can excel at OLB or ILB.  Dorian might make a huge jump this year.  Bills imo are considering betting on Dorian, extending, to free up cap space, and sign more affordable before he breaks out 

[RocCityRoller]

On 4/6/2026 at 5:47 PM, 3rdand12 said:

I did no know that !

 Maybe Bills should seriously build upon that skillset

 BTW how good was he playing outside the Tackles ?

 

hey @3rdand12 good to see you. At Tulane Williams lined up all over the LB position. MLB, Big Nickel over the slot, OLB etc.

Solid at all, his size 6'2 230 ish allows him to play 'inside-out', his speed is also excellent.

 

On 4/6/2026 at 5:47 PM, 3rdand12 said:

I did not see RocCity's comment above

Maybe I should have some faith in what Leonhard sees ? At least give the benefit

 Was very seriously expecting and LBer in FA by now.

 

The Bills did address LB, with Bradley Chubb. Chubb can play OLB or DE. I think of him as a more athletic Lorax. He will probably play OLB in this defense. He is effective at both. Of all the FA Buffalo could sign, this was the best, and I applaud Beane for getting him under contract. Perfect fit.

 

So Bills will have Chubb, Bernard and Williams at LB. They need one more starter quality guy. I'm not sure where Leonhard sees Williams and Bernard. Both are a bit light to be paired inside so I expect one to go to WILL (Weak side). Right now I think that is Williams. He has shown a flash in pass rush. I know the sack numbers aren't there but he gets hurries and hits. He has shown ability as a support LB. He had 68 solo tackles as an 11 game starter in 2024.

 

This is why I like Rodriguez so much. His speed is not OLB speed. Rodriguez will not be as effective as a MLB in a 4-3, but as part of a ILB duo he will be a menace. This is why I like Rodriguez so much for Buffalo. Rodriguez fills a need and the scheme fit IMO.

[RocCityRoller]

Williams is not a 3-4 edge. He is 6'2 230ish.

Williams is an inside out LB. Just a reminder of the inside out potential of D Williams

He did start 11 games in 2024. 117 total tackles (68 solo), 5 Tackles for a loss, 3 Forced fumbles and a FR.

He is better inside in a 3-4 or as a Will.

 

 

 

On 4/5/2026 at 11:28 PM, BuffaloBillyG said:

For me, it's things like where Ed Oliver lines up. People are locked into the old way of thinking that a NT has to be 340lbs. I think some will be shocked when he's lines up there. I also think some will be surprised and where some of the other people line up on the DL. Groot, Sanders and Landon Jackson are sort of Wild Cards right now. It's going to be interesting IMO. 

Oliver is not a good fit in a 3-4.

 

His lack of size hurts at NT.

His lack of length hurts as a 3-4 DE.

His twitch and pass rush does allow some consideration at DE.

 

He is not a good fit, and I would trade him to a team with a 4-3, unless the idea is to try him at DE.

On 4/6/2026 at 6:15 PM, 3rdand12 said:

If he were to go at Nose or over center etc. Would he play the disruptor still ?

 Seems like the position demands as stout player like what D Jones once was.

 

Dexter Lawrence anyone ?? 27m might get it done 😋

Sorry couldn't help meself there

 

 

Trade Ed Oliver for Dexter Lawrence

[Buffalo716]

On 4/5/2026 at 11:59 PM, Richard Noggin said:

 

Oliver did play a bunch of NT in college, though, and Denver has recently employed some lighter dudes up front, so...a reasonably informed Bills fan shouldn't be "shocked" by Oliver getting the chance to OWN some NFL centers next year.

 

But for sure, Oliver lined up at 0 and 1 more often can invite hard nosed duo rushing attacks and IOLs getting hands on the 2nd level defenders/ILBs. 

 Oliver played one tech about 30% of his snaps with McDermott and that's about the max he can handle 

 

He already gets dinged up and plays through injuries pretty easily getting smacked with double and even occasional triple teams with a fullback through the hole but wear him down way too fast 

 

There is almost zero chance he is the nose tackle with the highest percentage of snap.. he'll just take his 30% there like he always does

 

Even Denver's small guy who played nose tackle.. played it 40% of the time.. it wasn't like he took 75% of nose tackle snaps

 

Ed is absolutely going to be the starting 4i tech 

Edited Thursday at 07:50 PM by Buffalo716

[BuffaloBillyG]

1 hour ago, RocCityRoller said:

Williams is not a 3-4 edge. He is 6'2 230ish.

Williams is an inside out LB. Just a reminder of the inside out potential of D Williams

He did start 11 games in 2024. 117 total tackles (68 solo), 5 Tackles for a loss, 3 Forced fumbles and a FR.

He is better inside in a 3-4 or as a Will.

 

 

 

Oliver is not a good fit in a 3-4.

 

His lack of size hurts at NT.

His lack of length hurts as a 3-4 DE.

His twitch and pass rush does allow some consideration at DE.

 

He is not a good fit, and I would trade him to a team with a 4-3, unless the idea is to try him at DE.

Trade Ed Oliver for Dexter Lawrence

I do agree on your Dorian Williams assessment. I do not agree with the Oliver part. The days of the mammoth space eating NT are gone. Undersized penetrating NT are very much more used these days. 

 

Now that said, the switch may not be for Ed in the long run. We really have no idea 1. What Leonard's vision is there and 2. What does Oliver look like when he reports to camp? He can put on a bit of weight, I feel, and still get some good penetration. I wouldn't be shocked to see him at his heaviest weight this year