The Notre Dame captain’s pre-draft visit to the Bills might help cover a lineup gap.

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, teams are intensifying their preparations, analyzing prospects, and honing in on the positions that could elevate their rosters. For the Buffalo Bills, one area of concern has been their defense, specifically the linebacker unit, which has faced some key departures and a lack of depth in recent seasons. To address this, the Bills have turned their attention to a highly regarded Notre Dame linebacker, who visited the team recently as part of a series of pre-draft evaluations.

This linebacker, a captain for the Fighting Irish and a leader on their defense, has caught the eyes of multiple NFL teams. But the Bills, looking to shore up their defense, may find in him the perfect fit to plug a crucial lineup gap. With this visit underlining the Bills’ interest, the potential draft pick could go a long way in improving their defensive corps for the 2025 season.

In this article, we’ll explore how the Notre Dame linebacker’s visit could impact the Bills, break down his skills, and analyze how he fits into their defensive schemes. More importantly, we will examine how this player’s leadership, versatility, and ability to cover the middle of the field could fill the gap the Bills are looking to address, potentially giving them the boost they need to compete at the highest level.

A Lineup Gap for the Bills

The Buffalo Bills have been a formidable team in recent years, thanks to a potent offense led by quarterback Josh Allen and a defense that has often been among the league’s best. However, as the 2025 season approaches, the team faces a critical issue: the linebacker position.

Linebacker has long been considered one of the most important spots on a defense, and the Bills’ linebacker corps has seen some turnover. With several key players either leaving or struggling with injuries, the Bills are left to search for a reliable and dynamic presence in the middle of their defense.

While Tremaine Edmunds was a fixture in Buffalo’s defense for several years, his departure left a significant void. The team added some pieces in free agency, but they still lack the elite-level playmaker who can control the middle of the field, rush the passer, and serve as a vocal leader in the locker room.

This is where the Notre Dame linebacker comes into play. A pre-draft visit to the Bills is no small matter, especially considering the potential for this player to step in immediately and make a substantial impact on the team.

The Notre Dame Captain: Leadership and Skillset

The linebacker who visited the Bills is a player who stands out not only for his on-field performance but also for his leadership qualities. Serving as a captain for the Fighting Irish, he played an instrumental role in one of the top defenses in college football. His ability to read offenses, communicate with teammates, and execute defensive schemes made him one of the most respected players on the team.

From a physical standpoint, he possesses the traits NFL scouts covet. Standing 6’2″ and weighing around 240 pounds, he has the ideal size to compete at the professional level. His speed and agility allow him to cover a lot of ground, making him an asset in both pass coverage and as a run stopper. He excels at sideline-to-sideline coverage and can match up with running backs and tight ends in the open field.

The linebacker’s ability to diagnose plays quickly and make adjustments on the fly is another key strength. He demonstrated exceptional football IQ during his time at Notre Dame, frequently putting himself in the right place at the right time to disrupt offensive plays. His instinctive nature on the field made him a game-changer for the Fighting Irish, and his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes or anticipate the running back’s movements set him apart from his peers.

One of the standout qualities that could make him a perfect fit for the Bills is his versatility. In addition to his ability to stop the run and cover in the passing game, he has been used as a blitzer on multiple occasions. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and his ability to rush the quarterback could make him an integral part of the Bills’ defensive front. Given how Buffalo has struggled to generate pressure in the past, his presence could serve as an immediate upgrade.

Fit within the Bills’ Defensive Scheme

The Buffalo Bills’ defense under head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier relies on a combination of aggressive play-calling, physicality, and versatility. The team’s defense is built on speed and flexibility, and they employ a variety of defensive looks to keep opposing offenses off balance. This philosophy has led to a top-ranked defense in recent years, but it has also exposed weaknesses when it comes to stopping the run and defending versatile offensive weapons like running backs and tight ends.

Given these needs, the Notre Dame linebacker could slot seamlessly into the Bills’ defensive scheme. He has the ability to play in a traditional linebacker role, anchoring the middle of the defense, but his skills as a pass rusher and in coverage make him ideal for the Bills’ hybrid defensive approach. McDermott values linebackers who can do it all — from dropping into zone coverage to blitzing off the edge — and this player fits that mold perfectly.

Moreover, the Bills have a history of developing players who are raw but highly athletic, and this linebacker possesses the traits that can be molded into elite NFL talent. With strong coaching and an emphasis on refining his skills in the Bills’ system, he could be a centerpiece of their defense for years to come.

The linebacker’s leadership skills are also worth mentioning. The Bills have relied heavily on veteran leaders like Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer in the past, and a player who has captained a prestigious program like Notre Dame would add yet another voice of leadership in the locker room. His maturity and ability to inspire teammates could elevate the entire defensive unit, especially with the team’s aspirations to return to the Super Bowl.

Filling the Gap in the Lineup

The Bills are looking for a linebacker who can not only fill the physical void left by Edmunds’ departure but also be a long-term solution to the team’s defensive needs. This is not just about plugging a gap for one season; it’s about finding a cornerstone player who can grow with the defense and help keep Buffalo in championship contention for years to come.

A player like the Notre Dame linebacker could step in immediately and contribute in multiple ways. His coverage skills will allow him to line up against tight ends and running backs in passing situations, while his ability to stop the run will help the Bills counterbalance some of the high-powered offenses in the AFC East. With the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots continuing to build formidable offenses, the Bills need to have a linebacker capable of handling the explosive plays that often come from these teams.

Additionally, as the NFL has evolved, the importance of coverage linebackers has only grown. The ability to defend the pass, especially in today’s pass-heavy league, has become crucial. The Notre Dame linebacker excels in this area, making him a perfect fit for the modern NFL and the Bills’ defensive system. Whether it’s covering a running back out of the backfield, defending a crossing route, or rushing the passer, this player has the tools to handle whatever the Bills ask of him.

Impact on the Bills’ Draft Strategy

The Bills’ interest in this linebacker shows that they are focused on filling a need at linebacker, but it also indicates their commitment to maintaining a defense that can compete with the best. If the team selects this player in the upcoming draft, it will be a clear statement that they are looking to improve their defensive core and stay competitive in the AFC.

This visit may also signal that the Bills are not only looking for immediate help but are planning for the future. With veteran leadership in the secondary, a player like this linebacker can be the missing link in their defensive puzzle. His ability to grow and develop into a cornerstone player could help the Bills continue their trajectory as a Super Bowl contender for the foreseeable future.

The Notre Dame linebacker’s pre-draft visit to the Buffalo Bills is more than just a routine meeting — it represents the team’s commitment to addressing a critical need on their defense. With his leadership, versatility, and skillset, this player could provide the Bills with the edge they need to close the gap left by key departures and position themselves as legitimate contenders in the AFC.

The potential for this player to make an immediate impact in Buffalo’s linebacker corps is high, and his ability to cover multiple roles in the defense could help the Bills stay competitive against the league’s top offenses. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, this draft pick could be the final piece of the puzzle that helps elevate the defense to an even higher level.

In the coming weeks, as the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on this Notre Dame captain. The pre-draft visit to the Bills could be the start of a promising chapter for both the player and the franchise.