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Buffalo Bills: Top 5 Linebackers in Franchise History

By Paul Taylor

Buffalo Bills linebacker London Fletcher-Baker looks into the backfield prior to a play in a game against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on September 24, 2006. New York won the game 28-20. (Photo by Mark Konezny/NFLPhotoLibrary)
Buffalo Bills linebacker London Fletcher-Baker looks into the backfield prior to a play in a game against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on September 24, 2006. New York won the game 28-20. (Photo by Mark Konezny/NFLPhotoLibrary) /
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Buffalo Bills
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 27: The Buffalo Bills defense gather as they prepares to take on the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium on January 27, 1991 in Tampa, Florida. The Giants won 20-19. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

4) Shane Conlan

Selected: First round in 1987 (8th overall)

Played: Nine seasons, including six with the Bills

Career stats: 751 tackles, 7.0 sacks, 5 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries

Career highlights: 3-time Pro Bowler, 3-time All Pro, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, 3 Super Bowl appearances

Shane Conlan achieved so much during his time in Buffalo. And yet, he could have accomplished even more, if it weren’t for his issues with injuries.

The Buffalo Bills decided to trade down to the eighth overall spot to pick Conlan in the 1987 draft, a move they wouldn’t regret. He made an immediate impact, being voted All-Pro and named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year following his rookie season.

The 53-year-old might not have been considered a ‘glamour’ player, but his combination of hitting and run-stuffing was lethal. He was extremely productive through the first four years of his Bills career.

The peak came during the 1990 season, when Conlan helped the Bills advance to their first Super Bowl. He was particularly outstanding during the playoffs, when he led the team with 34 tackles.

After the 1990 campaign, the Frewsburg, New York native was never quite the same and there will forever be thoughts about how much better he could have been. He moved onto the Los Angeles Rams in 1993 as part of the NFL’s inaugural free agent class, playing three more seasons before retiring due to his ongoing battle with injuries.

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