Summary

Terrel Bernard was selected in Round 3 (#89 Overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Baylor University. A highly productive and instinctive collegiate linebacker, Bernard finished his Baylor career with 271 total tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 13 passes defended, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors (2021) and serving as a defensive leader on a conference championship team. In the NFL, Bernard quickly exceeded expectations, developing into a full-time starting linebacker and defensive signal-caller for Buffalo. Through the 2024 season, he has recorded 200+ career tackles, 10+ tackles for loss, multiple sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles, while emerging as a tone-setter in the middle of Buffalo’s defense. Bernard earned Pro Bowl recognition and league-wide praise for his instincts and production. He is widely regarded as a high-character, intelligent, and driven professional, praised for leadership, preparation habits, toughness, and rapid development.

Strengths

• Magician: Exceptional processing speed and diagnoses plays quickly. Anticipates run fits and route combinations effectively.

• Coverage Ability: Comfortable matching backs and tight ends with strong zone awareness.

• Wrapping Station: Sideline-to-sideline pursuit with efficient angles. Secure wrap-up finisher and limits yards after contact.

• Playmaking: Creates turnovers and negative plays, whether moving backwards, laterally, or forward as a blitzer through any gap.

Weaknesses

• Low Measurables Score (2.88): Can be challenged by power run schemes and climbing linemen. Not built to take on guards consistently in confined spaces.

• Block Shedding: Relies on quickness rather than stack-and-shed strength. Best attacking and flowing rather than absorbing contact.

• Durability Monitoring: Physical style requires workload management. Missed time in 2024 with pedal ankle sprain and pectoral strain.

• Experience Ceiling: Still gaining reps against elite offensive adjustments.

Outlook

Bernard is an ideal fit for Buffalo’s modern, nickel-heavy defensive system, where linebackers must excel in coverage, communication, and space play. Taking over for the departed Tremaine Edmunds, he thrives as a MIKE linebacker who can process quickly, direct traffic, and handle coverage responsibilities without leaving the defense vulnerable against spread offenses. Bernard’s instincts and range allow Buffalo to disguise looks and remain flexible against varied personnel groupings. Looking ahead, Bernard projects as a long-term starting linebacker with Pro Bowl-level impact. While added strength will continue to help against power-oriented offenses, his intelligence, anticipation, and competitiveness give him a high floor and ascending ceiling. As he enters the prime of his career, Bernard profiles as a defensive cornerstone capable of anchoring Buffalo’s second level and leading a championship-caliber defense.