As the Buffalo Bills kick off 2025 training camp, all eyes are on an offense retooling around Josh Allen. But beneath the surface — in the trenches, in the film room, in the heart of this franchise — something just as important is happening: a defense being reborn.
Now entering year two under defensive coordinator Bobby Babich, this Bills unit is quietly building a new identity — one rooted in speed, versatility, and a hard-nosed attitude that echoes the city it plays for. After a season decimated by injuries, especially at linebacker and safety, the pieces are now falling into place. And for the first time in a while, this defense looks dangerous again.
The Babich Blueprint: Smarter, Faster, Tougher
When Bobby Babich took over defensive play calling in 2024, the Bills emphasized continuity — but what emerged was a defense in transition. Injuries forced backups into starring roles, and rookies like Cole Bishop were thrust into live fire before they were ready.
Now, Babich has a much more complete chessboard.
His scheme is predicated on disguise, reactive speed, and hybrid players who can shift roles mid-play. The Bills won’t just line up and beat you — they’ll bait you, confuse you, and collapse on the ball with violence. With familiarity in the system, improved depth, and a return to health, this is Babich’s chance to mold a defense that’s not just solid — but game-changing.
The Return of the Enforcer: Matt Milano
Any conversation about this defense starts — and often ends — with Matt Milano.
The All-Pro linebacker missed most of 2024 due to injury, and his absence was felt across every level of the defense. Even when he was on the field, he clearly wasn't himself yet. Milano brings more than elite instincts and tackling — he’s the emotional anchor. The quarterback of the defense. The guy who sets the tone on the field and in the locker room.
Now healthy and hungry, Milano returns to form one of the most dynamic linebacker duos in football alongside Terrel Bernard, who shined in his breakout season. Bernard proved he’s not just a capable fill-in — he’s a foundational piece, thriving in coverage, pressuring QBs, and holding his own against the run.
Together, they offer something the Bills haven’t had in years: two true three-down linebackers, both with range, smarts, and a nose for the ball.
New Faces, Key Roles
The Bills didn’t just get healthy — they got deeper. Free agency and the draft brought in a wave of talent, each player filling a specific gap in Bobby Babich’s system.
Joey Bosa – EDGE Alpha, If Healthy
It’s rare to land a player of Joey Bosa’s pedigree, and even rarer to do so in a low-risk offseason move. When healthy, Bosa remains a dominant pass rusher with game-wrecking ability. In Buffalo, he won’t be asked to carry the load — just collapse pockets opposite Greg Rousseau. If Bosa stays healthy, he could lead the team in sacks and give the Bills a true closer off the edge.
Shaq Thompson – Veteran Depth & Grit
Former Panther Shaq Thompson brings leadership, toughness, and positional flexibility. While not guaranteed a roster spot, he’s flashed early in camp and could be a useful veteran depth piece in the linebacker rotation.
Michael Hoecht – Hybrid DL/OLB Disruptor
Michael Hoecht, formerly of the Rams, is a flexible front-seven weapon who can play inside or rush from the edge. He’s strong against the run and fast enough to cause problems in zone blitz packages — perfect for the hybrid approach Babich is building. Although he'll miss the first 6 games, he'll be back in with fresh legs for the 2nd half of the season and going into the playoffs.
Larry Ogunjobi – Run-Stuffing Power
A proven AFC North enforcer, Larry Ogunjobi adds physicality to the interior. He’ll rotate with DaQuan Jones and Ed Oliver, helping control gaps and set up pass-rush opportunities. Larry will also be missing the first 6 games but should be an impact player upon his return.
Cole Bishop – The Second-Year Surge
Now healthy and running with the ones, Cole Bishop is in line to start at strong safety. His combination of speed and physicality makes him ideal for Buffalo’s multiple-looks approach — if he can clean up the mental errors that plagued him as a rookie. I'm excited to see what he can do with a full off season and time to reflect and repair his mental mistakes as a rookie.
The Future Arrives: Draft Picks to Watch
The Bills didn’t just reload in free agency — they invested heavily in young defensive talent, using serious draft capital on versatile, high-upside players who could be key contributors this year and beyond.
Maxwell Hairston – Instinctive Ballhawk at Corner
The Kentucky product is already turning heads in camp. Maxwell Hairston plays fast, diagnoses well, and isn’t afraid to take risks — the kind of aggressive mentality the Bills need in the secondary. He could be in the mix for outside CB snaps or compete in nickel.
Deone Walker – Massive Disruptor in the Middle
At 6'6" and over 340 pounds, Deone Walker isn’t just a space-eater — he’s a potential problem. Explosive for his size and surprisingly agile, he’ll be groomed as the next centerpiece of the D-line. Expect early rotational use and plenty of reps in goal-line and short-yardage situations.
TJ Sanders – Penetrating 3-Tech
TJ Sanders brings quickness and burst at defensive tackle. He’s not a plugger — he’s a penetrator. Early buzz out of camp suggests he could carve out a role as a pass-rush specialist from the interior, potentially backing up Ed Oliver or playing next to him in NASCAR sets.
Landon Jackson – Length & Edge Depth
Standing 6'7", Landon Jackson looks like a prototype edge rusher. Long, athletic, and physical, he’ll need to develop counter moves and refine his technique, but the upside is there. In a rotational role behind Bosa and Rousseau, Jackson could surprise.
Jordan Hancock – Technician at DB
A polished cover corner from Ohio State, Jordan Hancock plays with patience and smarts. His footwork is advanced, and his ability to mirror receivers makes him a candidate for early nickel work. He could eventually challenge for a starting corner role, depending on injuries and consistency.
The Identity: Pressure, Versatility, and Controlled Chaos
This won’t be the same Bills defense we saw in 2022 or 2023. It’ll be more flexible, more aggressive, and more unpredictable.
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Linebackers who can blitz, cover, and shadow TEs
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Safeties who rotate and disguise pre-snap coverages
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A defensive line that uses stunts, movement, and rotation to manufacture pressure
Bobby Babich’s unit is being built to adapt on the fly. Gone are the days of soft zone cushions and conservative bend-don’t-break looks. The 2025 Bills want to dictate terms — not react to them.
Final Word: This Defense Can Win Games
With a healthy Milano, an emerging Bernard, veteran enforcers like Bosa and Ogunjobi, and a pipeline of versatile rookies, this Bills defense might quietly become the heartbeat of the team again.
If Bishop locks down the back end, if the front seven stays healthy, and if Babich continues to evolve as a playcaller — this unit will do more than just support Josh Allen.
They might steal a game or two themselves.
*** Who do you think will be the biggest impact player on defense?
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