The Buffalo Bills selected Tulane linebacker Dorian Williams in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 91st overall.
Addressing the position makes sense for a Buffalo team that lost two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to the Chicago Bears this offseason.
Williams led the Green Wave's defense for multiple years, putting up 316 tackles (27 for loss), 9.5 sacks, and two interceptions over four seasons.
Pre-draft profile
Williams was rarely caught out of position or removed from plays last year thanks to excellent instincts and a good understanding of leverage. The 21-year-old would do well, however, to add more muscle to his frame to become a more reliable open-field tackler. That would also help him engage with blockers in the run game, though he already has an effective dip move that protects his chest against offensive linemen. While he's solid against the run, Williams truly shines in coverage. His movement skills and understanding of passing-game leverage reliably keep him in phase with receivers in both man and zone defenses. He'll be at his best matching up with intermediate passing targets, but he has the skill set to become a reliable three-down player.
