The Buffalo Bills are riding high with a 3-0 start in the 2025 NFL season, firmly establishing themselves as frontrunners in the AFC East with two divisional wins already under their belt. General Manager Brandon Beane and Head Coach Sean McDermott have built a roster that stands among the league’s elite, a testament to their keen eye for talent and ability to develop players. Their consistent draft success has kept Buffalo in perennial contention, and their latest move in a 2026 NFL mock draft by CBS Sports’ Mike Renner signals their intent to maintain that edge by addressing a key need at linebacker.
A New Star in Sonny Styles
With the 31st pick in the first round, Renner projects the Bills selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, a 6-foot-5, 243-pound force who draws comparisons to former Bills standout Tremaine Edmunds. Renner describes Styles as “Sean McDermott’s next Tremaine Edmunds: a jumbo athlete at linebacker who can run faster than any tight end he’ll be asked to guard.” A former safety, Styles has transitioned seamlessly to linebacker, showing marked improvement in just his second year at the position.
Styles’ 2024 college season was a breakout, with 100 tackles and six sacks, showcasing his ability to dominate as both a run-stopper and pass-rusher. His size, speed, and versatility make him an ideal fit for McDermott’s defensive scheme, which values athletic linebackers capable of covering tight ends and contributing in multiple facets. Styles’ ability to force fumbles—demonstrated in plays like his strip against Ohio Bobcats running back Duncan Brune—adds another dimension to Buffalo’s defense.
Replacing Matt Milano and Building for the Future
The selection of Styles also addresses a critical need for the Bills, particularly with veteran linebacker Matt Milano’s ongoing durability concerns. Milano, a cornerstone of Buffalo’s defense when healthy, has struggled with injuries, prompting the team to seek a long-term solution. Styles’ physical profile and playmaking ability make him a natural candidate to step into Milano’s role, offering both immediate impact and future stability.
However, the decision to draft a linebacker in the first round hinges on the development of cornerback Maxwell Hairston. If Hairston proves he can hold down a starting role in the secondary, the Bills can afford to prioritize linebacker. If not, they may need to redirect their focus to bolstering their defensive backfield. For now, Styles represents a high-upside pick who aligns perfectly with Buffalo’s defensive identity.
A Legacy in the Making
Tremaine Edmunds, while not fully living up to his lofty draft status in Buffalo, was a significant contributor before signing a four-year, $72 million deal with the Chicago Bears in 2023. Styles, with his rare combination of size, speed, and instincts, has the potential to surpass Edmunds’ impact and become a cornerstone for the Bills’ defense. His transition from safety to linebacker mirrors the modern NFL’s demand for hybrid defenders who can adapt to evolving offensive schemes.
As the Bills continue their quest for a Super Bowl, the addition of Sonny Styles in the 2026 NFL Draft could mark a pivotal moment. Beane and McDermott have a proven track record of finding and developing talent, and Styles appears to be the next piece in their championship puzzle. The successor to Edmunds has been designated, and in Styles, the Bills have found not just a replacement, but a potential star ready to lead their defense into the future.