Terrel Bernard’s 2024 Buffalo Bills Stats Projection

Terrel Bernard had one of the best introductions to the 2022 NFL Draft. Kyle Brandt of Hello football gave an electric speech to announce the Bills’ third-round pick, which turned out to be Bernard. The Bills already had Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano as starters, but there was some question as to whether or not Edmunds would return to the Bills due to the lack of cap space. In the end, the Bills made the right choice in drafting Bernard due to Edmunds leaving Buffalo and signing with the Chicago Bears.

The linebacker position was a huge question mark heading into training camp last season. It was a choice between Bernard and Tyrel Dodson. Bernard appeared to have the competition won until a hamstring injury occurred just before the start of the preseason. That opened the door for Dodson to get the middle linebacker job. Instead, he played so poorly that Bernard would still be named the starter in Week 1 without having played a single snap in the preseason.

However, Bills fans should be happy that Bernard was named the starter as he has proven that he can be a major asset to Buffalo’s defense. In his first season as a starter, Bernard played like the best player on the Bills defense. He totaled 143 tackles, 9 QB hits, 6.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 5 pass deflections. Having to replace Edmunds, Bernard exceeded expectations.

The biggest factor to consider is that Bernard was able to put up all of these numbers without Matt Milano for most of the year, as well as DaQuan Jones helping to cover double teams to create opportunities for the linebackers. Bernard’s presence was felt early on and his presence on the field was a huge plus for the Bills. That presence was sorely missed against the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs when Bernard was sidelined due to an injury he suffered the week before.

As Bernard prepares to enter his second season as a starter, he will have the opportunity to continue to grow as a player. He had Bobby Babich as his linebackers coach, but Bernard now has Babich as his defensive coordinator. Not to mention, Milano will be back on the field, hopefully for more than four games as well. Bills fans will get to see this duo wreak havoc against offenses once again.