The Buffalo Bills have struggled in the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs, with the most recent loss coming in the AFC Championship game. Every move the Bills make is geared toward improving their chances against the Chiefs. Over the past two seasons, linebacker Matt Milano has started only nine games, forcing the team to rely on its linebacker depth.
This has become a recurring issue for Buffalo. Although Terrel Bernard, who was named team captain and received a contract extension this offseason, has shown promise, he has struggled with injuries, missing four games last season. Michael Hoecht, while a backup option, seems more like an emergency choice.
However, the Bills may soon have a local option in linebacker Shaun Dolac from the University of Buffalo. Dolac, who led the nation in tackles and also posted six sacks and five interceptions, wasn’t invited to the Senior Bowl or NFL Draft Combine. Once viewed as a potential undrafted free agent, his standout senior day performance could push him into being a Day-3 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Shaun Dolac posted an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.55 seconds, a vertical jump of 35.5 inches, and 25 reps on the bench press. Commenting on his performance, Dolac said, “I guess everybody kind of saw how fast I can run.” Had Dolac been invited to the NFL Combine, he would have likely ranked in the top seven in multiple drills. Based on his Pro Day numbers, Dolac earned a 9.24 Relative Athletic Score, with elite or great marks in all areas except for size.
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has a successful history of selecting hidden gems in the fifth round, including linebacker Matt Milano, who earned First-Team All-Pro honors when healthy, and wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who received a contract extension this offseason. Dolac would be a good fit in the Bills’ defensive system and would add valuable depth to their linebacker corps.
