What to expect from Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso

When the Buffalo Bills drafted linebacker Kiko Alonso with the 46th pick in the 2013 NFL draft, it was obvious that they were getting a fast, physical player. Nobody, however, would have predicted the kind of success that Alonso had in his rookie season.

Throughout the duration of his first season, Alonso proved to be a nightmare for opposing offenses as he found himself all over the field, making big play after big play. Starting in all 16 games, Alonso recorded 159 tackles, to go along with two sacks, four passes defended, four interceptions and a forced fumble.

Alonso was recognized for his great play, winning Rookie of the Week once and took home Defensive Rookie of the Month honors in September. To top it all off, the Pro Football Writers Association named Alonso the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Heading into the 2014 season, the Bills announced that Alonso would move from middle linebacker to the weakside linebacker position. But unfortunately for Alonso, he tore his ACL training in Oregon, and was placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Although the Bills defense thrived this past season without Alonso, imagine how good they will be with him fully recovered from knee surgery. Alonso is a leader on and off the field, and will make a huge impact this coming season. Whether he is stopping the run, or lining up in pass coverage, Alonso can do it all and there is no doubt that he will improve a Bills run defense that struggled down the stretch last season.

What makes Alonso so special and valuable is his vision and anticipation. The second the ball is snapped Alonso is so quick at going to the right gap to stop the run. He excelled at this in college and continued to have success in the NFL. Alonso will greatly improve the Bills’ run defense, which ranked 11th in the league in rushing yards allowed.

In the pass game, Alonso is right up there with Panthers Pro Bowl linebacker Luke Kuechly, for being a great ball hawk. Due to his athleticism, Alonso can cover opposing tight ends or running backs and be effective at it. Alonso does an exceptional job at reading the quarterbacks eyes, which allows him to make plays on the ball, and haul in interceptions.

With a healthy Kiko Alonso, the Bills have a much more complete defense. Under new head coach Rex Ryan, Alonso should be able to produce what he did during his rookie season, and then some. There is no doubt in my mind that Alonso can surpass his sack and interception totals, especially if the Bills convert to a 3-4 defense.

Only time will tell. But if Alonso can stay healthy for the 2015 season, the Bills will once again have one of the league’s best defensive units and will be able to do some special things come September.