Summary

Matt Milano was drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Round 5, (pick 163) out of Boston College. Milano is a dynamic, modern linebacker built for today’s pass‑heavy, faster NFL defenses. He excels in coverage, has the speed to chase sideline‑to‑sideline, and brings a high motor. His ability to disrupt underneath routes, drop into space, and make plays in coverage gives him strong value in a defense that emphasizes versatility and speed.

However, Milano is less of a brute run‑stuffing linebacker and more of a blitzer/coverage type. His smaller size and physical limitations in block‑shed or inside run‑stuffing mean that in heavy run situations or when tasked with battling big blockers he may be at a disadvantage. Combine that with his injury history, and his role tends to maximize his strengths rather than hide his weaknesses.

Strengths

• Coverage ability and range: Milano, a former safety‑turned‑linebacker, has shown strong instincts in pass coverage—dropping into zones, reading the quarterback, and playing well in underneath and intermediate areas. Stampede Blue

• Sideline‑to‑sideline athleticism: His speed and lateral movement allow him to make plays across the field, making him a fitting piece in modern sub‑package defenses. Stampede Blue

• Tackling in space and diagnosing plays: Milano shows a high motor and ability to break down in space and make plays when clean. Steelers Depot

• Big‑play production when healthy: His 2022 season stands out: 99 tackles, three interceptions (including a pick‑six), 11 passes defended, earning All‑Pro honours. Heavy Sports

Weaknesses

• Size and strength limitations vs. blocks: At his listed size, Milano can struggle with shedding blocks and holding up against larger players in the run game. Steelers Depot

• Susceptibility to play‑action / over‑aggressiveness: Scouts noted that he can bite on play‑fakes and vacate the middle of the field in zone drops. Stampede Blue

• Injuries and availability: After his peak in 2022, Milano has struggled to stay on the field—significant injuries in 2023 and 2024 have raised durability concerns. Heavy Sports

Fit & Outlook

Milano fits best in defenses that ask linebackers to cover, blitz, and move laterally more than set the edge or two‑gap big offensive linemen. In the Bills’ scheme, that translated into him becoming a key piece in sub‑packages and coverage situations.

If Milano can stay healthy, he remains a high‑value linebacker with starter potential in coverage‑heavy roles. However, his future depends on consistency in health and whether he can maintain his pre‑injury form. If he regains that level, he could remain among the more productive linebackers in the league; if not, his role may shift more toward sub‑packages and situational use.