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Bills' list of top draft fits includes 'versatile and instinctual' Alabama safety

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 15:48 GMT by Sports Illustrated

Why a Safety is a Priority

The Bills entered the 2024 offseason with a clear understanding that the secondary was a weak link in their otherwise robust defense. While their front line has become a cornerstone of the team’s identity, the backfield has been a source of concern. After a season that exposed gaps behind the safety position, head coach Sean McDermott has been looking for a player who can step in immediately and gradually grow into a leader at the base of the defense. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is still fresh from his stint with the Panthers, has expressed confidence in a hybrid safety that can operate as a “third corner” and also step into a “free‑man” role as the defense shifts between man and zone coverage.

The Alabama Safety in the Spotlight

The safety at the center of the draft‑fit discussion is a product of Coach Nick Saban’s defensive system, known for producing players with high football IQ and strong fundamentals. He played 56 games at Alabama, registering 190 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 13 pass break‑ups. His junior season saw a surge in performance, as he led the team with 6 forced fumbles and was named second‑team All‑SEC. Those numbers are only a fraction of his impact; scouts noted his ability to read the quarterback, anticipate routes, and make quick decisions—traits that translate well to a league where defensive coordinators are increasingly moving toward schemes that demand ball‑hawking safety play.

The safety’s speed is measurable: he ran a 4.3-second 40‑meter dash at the Alabama pro day and posted a 36‑yard shuttle time that ranks in the top percentile for defensive backs in the country. These metrics highlight his ability to stay in front of quick receivers and close gaps on blitz packages. Additionally, he demonstrated a calm presence in high‑pressure moments; during the 2023 SEC Championship, he intercepted a pass on the final play to secure the victory, a moment that many Bills scouts cited as evidence of his composure.

Compatibility with the Bills’ System

One of the most compelling arguments for selecting the Alabama safety is his proven ability to function within a system that places a premium on flexibility. In the 2023 Alabama defense, he frequently split time between covering the deep zone as a nickel safety and dropping back as a standard safety in a 3‑4 front. In both scenarios, he displayed an instinctive sense of positioning, keeping the ball in front of receivers and making opportunistic plays.

This dual‑role experience aligns closely with the Bills’ current defensive playbook, which uses a blend of man coverage and zone, often shifting to a hybrid safety that can read the play and adjust accordingly. The safety’s familiarity with such responsibilities will likely accelerate his transition to the NFL, reducing the learning curve that often hampers rookie defensive backs.

Other Draft Fits on the Bills’ Radar

While the Alabama safety is the centerpiece of the list, the article also outlines several other potential fits. These include:

1. Tennessee Safety – A player with a strong run‑support profile and a knack for making key tackles in critical moments. His experience in a 4‑3 defensive system could provide depth on the Bills’ depth chart.

2. Georgia Cornerback – Known for his athleticism and ball‑hawking abilities, this player could serve as a nickel back in the Bills’ coverage schemes.

3. Oklahoma Linebacker – An option for teams looking to bolster the middle of the field, offering versatility across both coverage and pass‑rushing duties.

The article notes that each of these players brings a unique blend of attributes that could complement the Bills’ defensive unit, but the Alabama safety remains the top candidate for a starting role in the early years of his career.

Strategic Impact

If the Bills secure the Alabama safety, the immediate payoff will be a more resilient backfield capable of containing the league’s most dangerous passing offenses. In addition to filling a roster need, the safety’s presence will also enable the Bills to experiment with more aggressive defensive calls, such as increased blitzing and zone‑coverage variations, without compromising coverage integrity.

Beyond the field, the safety’s high football IQ and disciplined approach could serve as a model for younger defensive backs on the roster, fostering a culture of excellence that extends to the locker room and on the practice field.

Conclusion

The Bills’ draft‑fit analysis underscores a clear priority: a safety who can deliver versatility, instinct, and a deep understanding of complex defensive schemes. The Alabama safety, with his proven track record in a high‑pressure system, stands out as the ideal candidate to meet this need. By integrating a player who has mastered both coverage and run support, the Bills can fortify one of the most critical positions on their roster and set the stage for continued success in a league where defensive back performance often dictates playoff fortunes.