The Buffalo Bills have done a good job restocking the depth on their roster this offseason. While they were able to keep some key contributors from leaving in free agency, there were a few players who departed.

The biggest loss that the Bills suffered was losing linebacker, Tremaine Edmunds. He left Buffalo for the Chicago Bears, signing a record-setting deal that the Bills weren’t willing to pay. The Bills were able to work out an extension with linebacker Matt Milano, but Edmunds’ spot in the line remains empty.

With no replacement being found yet, the Bills could turn their attention to the 2023 NFL Draft to fill the void. With the No. 27 overall pick, one player that the team should strongly consider selecting is Clemson linebacker, Trenton Simpson.

Simpson has some developing to do, but the tools are there for him to eventually become a stellar replacement for Edmunds. He can be an immediate impact player if the Bills can find the right role for him that showcases his outstanding athleticism.

He brings versatility to the table, playing both outside and inside linebacker with the Tigers collegiately. Simpson didn’t look as comfortable playing inside, but at least a team knows they can turn to him to fill a void there if the need arises.

While impact plays weren’t as prevalent in 2022 for Simpson as in 2021, as he had only 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks compared to 12.5 and 6.5 the previous season, the tape was impressive. He was all over the field and set a career-high with 72 total tackles and three passes defended. 

What Simpson brings to the table in range is what the Bills need most when it comes to replacing Edmunds. Edmunds was improving as a coverage player as well, something Simpson can excel at right off the bat.

Despite the need for development, players with the athletic profile of Simpson are hard to keep off the field. He is someone that is talented enough to learn on the fly, but playing alongside a veteran of Milano’s caliber and on one of the best defensive units in the NFL will make the transition that much easier.