Buffalo Bills: Preseason award predictions for 2019
By Luke Parrish
Most Underappreciated: Matt Milano, LB
Role players don’t always get the credit they deserve. For the Bills, that player is linebacker Matt Milano. Milano broke out in a major way in 2018. He recorded 78 tackles and 12 for a loss. Milano added three interceptions and three fumble recoveries in his 13 games. He was arguably a Pro Bowl-caliber player prior to his broken leg.
I’d argue that Milano would have been named a Pro Bowler had he played outside of Buffalo. It is often difficult for lesser-known players to get recognition on struggling teams. Much like Edmunds, Milano was all over the field for the Bills. He batted seven passes in coverage, played well in the run game and was a difference maker in all aspects.
His late-season injury was a huge blow to his incredible season. Either way, Milano was stellar in his second season. With the likes of Ed Oliver and Edmunds now playing in the box, Milano will sneak under the radar again this season.
Milano is such a versatile asset on Buffalo’s defense. Each level of the defense has potential stars. The defensive line has Oliver. The linebackers have Edmunds. Finally, the defensive backs have Jordan Poyer and Tre’Davious White. While these guys might be the more prominent of the bunch, Milano is just as deserving.
If the Bills defense has another excellent season, Milano will be a much more popular player around the league.