Summary

Matthew Judon was selected in Round 5 (#146 Overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Grand Valley State University. A small-school standout, Judon was a dominant pass rusher at the Division II level, recording 20 sacks and 31 tackles for loss in his final collegiate season and earning First-Team All-GLIAC honors. His rare athleticism and relentless motor allowed him to overcome level-of-competition concerns and quickly establish himself in the NFL. At the professional level, Judon developed into one of the league’s most consistent edge defenders, starring with the Ravens and New England Patriots. Through the 2024 season, he has produced 65+ career sacks, 120+ tackles for loss, 90+ quarterback hits, and multiple forced fumbles. Judon has earned four Pro Bowl selections and Second-Team All-Pro honors, serving as the focal point of New England’s pass rush during peak seasons. He is widely respected for his toughness, work ethic, football intelligence, and competitive leadership, known as an emotional tone-setter who brings urgency and physicality to defensive fronts.

Strengths

• Pass-Rush Consistency: Produces pressure year-over-year with varied rush plans. Especially dangerous when schemed free or looped inside.

• Power & Burst Combination: Converts speed to power effectively off the edge.

• Hand Usage: Violent, active hands with effective chops and swipes. Strong run defender who plays with leverage and discipline

• Motor & Effort: Relentless pursuit and wins late in downs. Vocal, energetic tone-setter for the defense.

Weaknesses

• Top-End Bend: Not a pure speed-and-bend edge rusher. Burst can fluctuate based on health.

• Coverage Limitations: Functional but not ideal in extended drop roles.

• Snap Load Management: Best efficiency comes with managed usage. Durability has required monitoring in recent seasons.

• Mercenary Role: Getting a bit long in the tooth and athletic peak requires monitoring in later career stages.

Outlook

From a Buffalo Bills perspective, Judon is an excellent fit in an aggressive, attacking defensive front that values effort, power, and disruption off the edge. He would complement Buffalo’s length-based rushers by providing immediate pass-rush urgency and veteran savvy, particularly in third-down and pressure packages. Judon’s ability to rush from both stand-up and hand-in-the-dirt alignments adds flexibility to front design and blitz creativity. Looking ahead, Judon should continue in his mercenary role as a high-impact veteran EDGE starter or rotational centerpiece capable of anchoring a pass rush when healthy. While age and durability necessitate snap management, his technique, motor, and football intelligence provide a high floor and sustained effectiveness. In a contending environment, Judon profiles as a difference-making veteran presence who can elevate pass-rush productivity, mentor younger defenders, and contribute meaningfully in playoff-caliber defensive schemes.