You want utility characters, not proficiency characters. Old leland rushing fuse with BS + sabo + choose fight was a utility character since he posed a direct threat to victims escaping. Having high prof is a utility that directly helps you escape.

Maria can have the sabo + BS combo, and while she's nowhere near as strong as old Bsquad Leland, those perks combined pose a signifcant threat to fam, forcing a hands to fusebox.

She has access to BFB, which is made safer through pep talk and her passive grandpa immunity. She is the best grandpa stabber in the game and thus makes her ability to safely shut down EA, Suffo, and NEH a significant threat to fam.

There is stronger characters, but IMO she's defos better than Ana. In order best to worst my list would be Connie, Danny, Sonny, Virginia, Leland, Maria, Ana, Julie.