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When the Buffalo Bills hired former Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone to the same position, there was rampant speculation regarding the coaching staff he would put together. After an impressive hire of defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, the team then hired Marrone’s offensive coordinator at Syracuse, Nathaniel Hackett.

Hackett, who is just 33 years old and has one season of coordinating experience; at the college level; will be under the microscope throughout the 2013 season.

Hackett is the son of Paul, one of the more intelligent offensive minds in the game, with 41 years of coaching experience under his belt.

Hackett coordinated Syracuse’s offense almost exactly as his father did roughly 30 years prior. (Photo by US PRESSWIRE)

Paul Hackett, a former collegiate quarterback himself, coached the position at every level. I came across a transcript of a seminar he delivered in 1980, when he was serving as the USC assistant head coach about quarterback development.

Considering the Bills just selected E.J. Manuel, who has been deemed as a “developmental” quarterback, it was interesting to see just how similar Nathaniel coordinated the Syracuse offense almost exactly as his father did roughly 30 years prior.

The first point that Coach Hackett expressed in his clinic was to establish a consistent balance between the run and pass. He went on to explain that in order for progressive development in a young quarterback there are two keys: “Keep it simple and versatile.” Sound familiar?

Nathaniel Hackett had this to say to BuffaloBills.com regarding the selection of Manuel in the 2013 NFL draft.

“You could tell he was very excited. I think that compared to what he’s done the past five years, which has been very successful for him, I think the way that we do things and the way this whole system is developed around the quarterback and it’s about him becoming successful while still trying to be diverse and multiple.”

The next step in developing a young quarterback that Paul Hackett preached was prioritizing the player’s footwork in drops and hitches.

What has been the theme regarding Manuel throughout the first six days of offseason training activities? Manuel’s footwork.

Another eerie similarity between the elder Hackett and the skill set of the players on the Bills’ offense was that Hackett described the Trojans’ offense as a “perimeter running team,” with an emphasis on play action and roll outs.

According to Stats Inc., 125 of running back C.J. Spiller’s 207 carries last season were to the outside. Furthermore, Manuel’s athleticism and the threat he brings as a runner indicates that Nathaniel Hackett is taking a lot of his fathers’ philosophies into his own game plans.

Hackett explained that since it generally takes younger, more inexperienced quarterbacks a longer period of time to fully digest a full playbook, he explained that there are a variety of plays that can be used my implementing simple concepts.

When describing facing underneath coverage, Hackett diagrammed several plays that were based on a triangular zone that would assist the quarterback in making correct reads.

He stated, “One of the principles that we have used a great deal comes from the old front and back principle. I am going to put a man in front of a linebacker, and I am going to put a man behind the linebacker, and then I am going to have the quarterback make a decision which one to throw the ball to. I call this the ‘triangle’.”

Want a bit of evidence that Nathaniel is using his father’s philosophies? Take a look at this play drawn up by Paul Hackett – in 1980:

Then, watch this play that Syracuse ran in 2012 against Rutgers (nine second mark). It is essentially the same play with the same triangle concept, except the quarterback is in the shotgun instead of under center.

Hackett said that his main goal was to “convince the quarterback that no matter what defense he is facing, he will have the response and instinct to know what to do with the football.” To do this, he says to keep things simple; play terminology and even adding short notes next to specific plays within the playbook.

At USC, Hackett’s passing attack was predicated on high percentage passes in a timing offense, with three-to-five step drops. These are the exact offensive concepts that Coach Marrone and Hackett operated during their tenures at Syracuse.

While the game has obviously evolved tremendously in the 33 years it has been since Paul Hackett delivered his quarterback coaching clinic, Nathaniel has and is clearly using the primary principles that his father implemented in the past.

With training camp around the corner, there are quite a few players on the team ready to make a leap in their progression as athletes in the National Football League. At BillsMafia.com, we picked 10 players that poised to breakout and produce at a high level.

Stay tuned throughout the next few weeks as we breakdown the 10 Buffalo Bills that are poised for breakout years in 2013!

The Buffalo Bills selected defensive tackle Marcell Dareus with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. While he hasn’t played poorly by any means, he’s yet to live up to the hype that garnered his status as a top five pick.

Marcell Dareus was the 8th ranked DT in pass rushing, per PFF. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

In his first two seasons with the Bills, Dareus recorded 82 tackles, 14 of which for a loss and 11 sacks. (Note: ProFootballFocus and Advanced NFL Stats credit Dareus with 13 sacks) At 6’3” and 331 pounds, Dareus’ ability as a penetrating pass rusher has been vastly overlooked.

His +15.7 pass rushing grade courtesy of ProFootballFocus ranked Dareus eighth among 85 qualifying defensive tackles/nose tackles. However, his ability to consistently defend the run has been an issue, especially in the 2012 season.

Dareus admitted that his head wasn’t in the game after his 19-year old brother was shot and killed in a triple-homicide/robbery during the 2012 season.

In an interview with John Kryk, Dareus explained the situation.

“It’s been pretty hard to play football, period – altogether. This if the first place I’ve been to since all this happened. I haven’t been home, I haven’t been on a plane (outside of football trips). I’ve just been scared.”

“I didn’t leave my house for months. I just got to the point where I’m able to leave it now. For the things to go the way they went, it just hit me in a whole other way. I’ve been looking over my shoulder and it just got me spooked.”

For a 23-year old being away from his family after a tragic occurance he went through, it’s understandable and forgiveable that Dareus didn’t have football as his No. 1 priority last year. Following that interview with the Toronto Sun, Dareus’ game began to take off, leading many to believe that he’ll come back even better this upcoming season.

Dareus is an extremely athletic individual considering his 330+ pound frame, and his versatility allows him to play a variety of positions along the defensive line. He can play both the nose tackle and three-technique defensive tackle in 4-3 looks, and can play all three spots in a three-man front.

The Bills drafted Dareus when they were transitioning to a 3-4 defense, and he played fairly well at the five-technique defensive end position as a rookie. Last season, he and Kyle Williams rotated between the three and one technique defensive tackle positions.

While it’s unclear whether Dareus will primarily play defensive end or nose tackle in Coach Pettine’s “hybrid” defense, it’s likely that he’ll be moved around in order to create mismatches for opposing offensive lines.

With Dareus entering his third professional season in the National Football League; the year players should emerge as complete players, it’s pretty easy to get optimistic about him heading into the 2013 season.

Marcell Dareus Projected 2013 Stat Line: 48 TKL, 7 sacks, 3 FF, 4 PD

With the 2013 NFL draft over, we have a better vision of what the Buffalo Bills are looking to do on both offense and defense. However, while we have an idea of what the coaching staff has in place, there are several positions that are up for grabs. Over the next week or so, we’ll be previewing each and every position that will have a competition.

In the fifth installment, I will be reviewing the inside / middle linebacker position.

The linebacker position has underperformed for the past several seasons, but with the hire of defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, that weakness could suddenly emerge into a strength.

When Pettine was hired, he told Buffalo Bills Broadcaster John Murphy,

“I’ve never been a guy to characterize what we’ve done as 3-4; 4-3; ’46.’ We are a multiple front, multiple coverage defense. And my foundation has always been, we are going to build what we do defensively based on the talent that we have. I’m not one to say, ‘this is my system, and you guys have to run it.’”

This emphasis on multiple defensive formations stresses versatility everywhere on the defense, but particularly the inside linebacker position.

In a 4-3 defensive front, middle linebackers, or the “MIKE” are typically responsible for defending the run; taking on lead blockers, making tackles and occasionally dropping into coverage, depending on the style of 4-3.

3-4 defenses feature two inside linebackers; the “MIKE” and the “TED”. Inside linebackers in 3-4 fronts must be solid against the run, due to the fact that there’s one less defensive lineman in front of them.

However, the versatility and athleticism of the linebackers on the roster will allow Pettine to be very creative with how he uses them.

“But Mike Pettine made this statement during the draft,” Nix told host John Murphy. “The days of the Mike linebacker and the strong safety have just about fallen by the wayside. Everything has moved over. You’ve taken the Mike now, and he’s moved over. You’ve moved Will to Mike. And now you walk up Bryan Scott as a nickel linebacker, and he’s now the Will. Those guys got to be able to run and cover.”

This transition into a new age of National Football League play is putting a premium on athleticism in the defense, which is why Pettine’s statements are completely true.

Now, on to the Players!

Note: Players listed in alphabetical order, not by depth chart

Nigel Bradham, 23, 6’2” 240

Nigel Bradham looks like the prime candidate for the “TED” role, or left inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense after a promising rookie campaign as the strongside linebacker last season. Bradham’s athleticism and strong build will allow him to not only defend the run, which was an underrated aspect of his game last year, but will also allow him to drop into coverage.

In 4-3 looks, Bradham would likely return back to the strongside outside linebacker position, where he would provide a similar role.

Kiko Alonso, 22 6’3” 238

With the Bills’ second round pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Bills selected Oregon linebacker Kiko Alonso. Alonso fits the most of the new-age weakside linebacker: considered a bit “undersized”, but is extremely effective in both run support and pass coverage.

In 3-4 looks, Alonso will be likely be playing inside, where his relentless attitude and ability will add great value at the “MIKE” position.

Upon selecting Alonso, who recorded 144 tackles, 21 of which for a loss and intercepted six passes during his tenure with the Oregon Ducks, head coach Doug Marrone had this to say:

“I think he can play two (positions),” said Marrone. “He’s a big kid. You can see it on the clips. He can play man-to-man, he has good zone awareness, has a bunch of pass breakups. You see it from a coverage standpoint and then you also see him coming downhill making plays and he has a lot of tackles for losses. So he can make big plays from that linebacker position in both coverage and the running game.”

When Marrone said that Alonso has the ability to play two positions, I believe he’s referring to playing weakside outside linebacker when the defense is lined up with a 4-3 front, where his speed and zone awareness will assist the team’s short-to-intermediate pass coverage.

Arthur Moats, 25, 6’2” 250 (sleeper)

While Arthur Moats is currently listed as an outside linebacker on the official BuffaloBills.com roster, he fits the mold of the typical middle linebacker. Since being selected in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL draft, the defensive coaching staff hasn’t been able to find a clearly defined role for Moats.

He’s played defensive end, strongside linebacker and a few snaps at inside linebacker. Moats’ combination of size and his ability to defend the run could help him earn a role in the middle of the Bills’ defense, considering the depth at outside linebacker.

Jerry Hughes is versatile enough to play Will or Mike, which is what attracted the Bills. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Jerry Hughes, 24, 6’2” 254 (sleeper)

Like Moats, Hughes is primarily a pass rush specialist that is adequate in coverage.

Acquired in a straight up trade for Kelvin Sheppard with the Indianapolis Colts, Hughes’ versatility is what attracted former General Manager Buddy Nix.

Speaking of the Hughes acquisition, Nix told Buffalo News columnist Mark Gaughan,

“We want our linebackers to at least be able to play both outside spots. We’d like our middle backers to have the ability to play Will or Mike. So that really was enticing about Jerry”

Marcus Dowtin, 24, 6’3” 226

Acquired via waivers last month, Marcus Dowtin was a former student of Coach Pettine during his time on the Jets’ roster. Dowtin is extremely undersized for a typical inside linebacker, but again, versatility is the theme here; just take a look at what he had to say about his role(s) on the Jets.

“I was able to also play multiple positions like running back, receiver, safety, corner, roving linebacker, and blitz off the edge as well,” he said on the radio show. “I worked on my skills under Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine. I definitely enjoyed my time there and learned a lot.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to continue to be versatile and play for the Bills the same way I did for the Jets.”

Dowtin will most likely play a similar role to the one Pettine used Demario Davis, another undersized inside linebacker. His defensive role will likely be seeing limited snaps in obvious passing situations, while adding some value to the special teams’ coverage unit.

Brian Smith, 24, 6’3” 240

After a productive collegiate career at Notre Dame in which Brian Smith recorded 199 tackles, 5.5 sacks, intercepted four passes and forced three fumbles, he went undrafted in 2011. Bouncing from the Cleveland Browns to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Bills signed Smith in December.

Smith played both outside linebacker in Notre Dame’s 3-4 defense while seeing time at both inside and middle linebacker as well.

Greg Lloyd, 24, 6’1” 247

Greg Lloyd was selected in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles after recording 179 tackles, 15 for a loss, and five sacks during his four years with the UConn Huskies. In November of last season, the Bills signed Lloyd to the practice squad, and promoted him to the active roster in December. However, he has yet to play one snap in the NFL. Lloyd will have to prove himself in order to earn a role with the 2013 Bills.

With training camp around the corner, there are quite a few players on the team ready to make a leap in their progression as athletes in the National Football League. At BillsMafia.com, we picked 10 players that are poised to breakout and produce at a high level.

Stay tuned throughout the next few weeks as we breakdown the 10 Buffalo Bills that are poised for breakout years in 2013!

The second breakout player (editor’s note: click here for breakout player #1) of the 2013 Buffalo Bills will be linebacker Nigel Bradham. Bradham was a fourth round draft pick last year out of Florida State. Initially, Bradham primarily played special teams, before seeing his defensive snaps increase as the season went on.

Bradham finished the 2012 season with 57 tackles while playing the strong side linebacker position. In defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s hybrid 3-4 defense, Bradham has the versatility and athleticism to perform at a high level at multiple positions.

Nigel Bradham saw his defensive snaps increase as last season went on. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

Bradham’s statistics didn’t tell the whole story of how good he was as a rookie, as he was extremely productive against the run during his rookie season. He recorded 24 stops versus the run, despite playing just 229 run snaps, ranking his as ProFootballFocus’ 14^th ranked 4-3 outside linebacker.

Furthermore, Nigel was a sure tackler, missing one tackle per 12.8 attempts, good for 18^th among all 4-3 outside linebackers.

Bradham brings the versatility that the new coaching staff has been preaching, meaning he will likely be one of the key starters in the new defensive scheme. Bradham is arguably the most athletic linebacker on the Bills’ roster, meaning he can play anywhere from the TED (weak side inside linebacker), WILL (weak side linebacker), SAM (strong side linebacker) and the MIKE (strong side inside linebacker).

The 6’2” 240 pounder also made huge contributions on special teams, recording nine tackles on kick and punt coverage last season, ranking him ninth among 632 qualifying players.

In Coach Pettine’s defense, Bradham will likely be moved around, playing a variety of roles as the team transitions into more of a nickel base that will feature both 3-4 and 4-3 looks.

Bradham’s athleticism and ability to play multiple positions at a high level gives him the chance to be the most productive player on the Bills’ defense in 2013.

As a fourth round draft pick, he contributed far more than expected as a rookie and his future only looks brighter heading into the 2013 season.

Nigel Bradham Projected Stat Line: 95 Tackles, 3.0 sacks, 4 FF, INT

Buddy Nix, now-former Bills GM. (Photo lifted from NESN.com)

The Buffalo Bills announced that general manager Buddy Nix was stepping down from his position, paving the way for Doug Whaley to take over as the team transitions into a new era.

While there has been a ton of hate for Nix’s failure to address the quarterback position since he was hired as general manager in 2009, he clearly had a plan to build the team into a contender for the long-term.

When Nix took over in 2009, the roster was in shambles at every position. The rebuild would not be easy, which is why he took the “best player available” route in the draft, rather than drafting for need.

Instead of selecting a quarterback that would essentially be set up for failure, much like Jacksonville did by selecting Blaine Gabbert or the Texans selecting David Carr; both teams that had no running game, no offensive line, and subpar receivers, Nix stuck to his board, opting to select the most talented players to fill out the roster.

In 2009, the offensive line consisted of Kirk Chambers, Geoff Hangartner, Brad Butler and Jonathan Scott. Now, the Bills have young talented players like Cordy Glenn, Eric Wood, Kraig Urbik and Chris Hairston.

He turned a front seven featuring Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay, Kawika Mitchell, Keith Ellison and Marcus Stroud into a ferocious bunch with the likes of Mario Williams, Mark Anderson, Marcell Dareus, Kiko Alonso, and Manny Lawson.

Nix scoured the waiver wire as well, adding Scott Chandler, who has been arguably the best tight end the Bills have had in roughly 20 years, and Kraig Urbik, a mauling guard that recently signed a long-term extension.

Like every NFL executive, Nix had his share of errors. Passing on quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick in 2011, and opting to go in a different direction than Russell Wilson on day 2 of the 2012 draft. But can you really blame him for wanting to field the best possible roster in order for a young quarterback to succeed?

Nix’s selection of EJ Manuel with define his legacy in Buffalo. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

In the three years Nix spent as General Manager, the Bills posted a 16-32 record. But when you take a step back and compare the 2013 roster to the one he inherited from 2009, Nix clearly made the team better and has put them in a position to succeed for the foreseeable future.

Nix’s 2013 draft selection of E.J. Manuel will define his legacy as the general manager of the Bills, but Nix never got the respect from the fans he truly deserved. He took over what was arguably the worst roster in the National Football League and had to replace nearly every player on the team.

From the 90 players from the 2009 training camp roster, only seven players remain on the team: Fred Jackson, Stevie Johnson, Kyle Williams, Rian Lindell, Garrison Sanborn, Bryan Scott and Leodis McKelvin.

General Managers are typically given three-to-four years max to turn over a roster, and Nix left right when it appears that all the pieces are in place to be a contender.

Luckily, the Bills stated that Nix would be retained as a “special assistant” to Whaley, meaning that he will have the chance to see his work in action.

For those knocking Nix for the team’s lack of success during his tenure, take a step back and realize that he had the best intentions for the Buffalo Bills’ organization; grooming and mentoring Whaley into one of the most respected assistant executives in the league, while rebuilding a roster that had no chance.

All in all, Nix did a fine job during his time with the Bills, and should be held in high regards by fans. He took on a difficult task that many potential suitors wanted no part of.

On behalf of the #BillsMafia, dadgumit, thank you Buddy!

With training camp around the corner, there are quite a few players on the team ready to make a leap in their progression as athletes in the National Football League. At BillsMafia.com, we picked 10 players that poised to breakout and produce at a high level.

Stay tuned throughout the next few weeks as we breakdown the 10 Buffalo Bills that are poised for breakout years in 2013!

(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

While you normally wouldn’t be in a position to say that a player that has averaged just over nine sacks per year throughout the past seven seasons and was his team’s sack leader hasn’t broken out, Bills’ defensive end/ outside linebacker Mario Williams could very well be ready for his best season yet.

The former No. 1 overall pick signed with the Bills as a free agent last year, and was limited to playing left defensive end in former defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt’s relaxed 4-3 defensive scheme.

Mario consistently faced double teams, taking on not only right tackles, but was frequently chipped by guards and tight ends as well. Still, Williams finished the season with 10.5 sacks, the highest sack total of any Bills defensive lineman since Aaron Schobel was on the roster.

Williams dealt with a wrist injury throughout the year and recorded just 16 tackles and 3.5 sacks before getting surgery to repair it during the week eight bye. Following the bye week, Williams went on a tear, racking up 30 tackles, seven sacks and forced two fumbles over the final nine games of the year.

According to ProFootballFocus.com, Williams graded out as the 12^th best overall 4-3 defensive end in the 2012 season out of 42 qualifying players. His 56 quarterback pressures were 12^th at his position. However, his ability as an all-around player went far beyond the stat sheet.

Williams made 23 “stops” against the run which ranked eighth among defensive ends. Mario was reportedly hovering around 300 pounds last year, but exhibits the necessary length, strength and push to consistently bring down running backs in the backfield.

Now, with the Bills’ transition to defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s “hybrid” defense, Williams will have the opportunity to make more plays from a variety of places on the field.

With the offseason additions of pass rushers such as Manny Lawson and Keith Pough, coupled with the return of fellow defensive end/linebacker Mark Anderson from injury, Williams won’t face as many double teams making it increasingly difficult for opposing offenses to locate him prior to the snap.

In 3-4 looks, Mario’s versatility allows him to play multiple roles. His large frame enables him to anchor the five-technique defensive end position, where Houston Texans’ interior pass rusher J.J. Watt and former Bills’ defensive end and Hall of Famer Bruce Smith saw great success, in penetrating and attacking one-gap fronts.

Additionally, he has proven effective as a standup pass-rushing outside linebacker in the same scheme. In his last season as a Texan, Williams racked up five sacks in as many games, while recording 23 quarterback pressures in 123 pass rushing snaps before suffering a season ending pectoral injury.

In 4-3 looks, Williams can return to his natural defensive end position, where he can use his power to bull rush offensive tackles and disrupt plays in the backfield.

Coach Pettine is a smart individual and is going to put the best player on the team’s defense in a position to excel, no matter what the situation may be.

Throughout Pettine’s time with the Ravens and the Jets, he’s made one thing clear: he likes to get after opposing quarterbacks. Just because history says that defensive lineman are only asked to occupy offensive linemen, doesn’t mean Pettine abides by this.

In Baltimore, Pettine has used players like Trevor Pryce, Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata to not only set the edge, but to attack the quarterback. Pryce contributed 13 sacks with the Ravens in 2006, and Shaun Ellis totaled 11 sacks during the 2009-10 seasons with the Jets.

Most recently, Pettine has utilized the talents of Muhammed Wilkerson and Quinton Coples, who combined for 10.5 sacks in the 2012 season.

While Mario Williams is a pass rusher first-and-foremost, his versatility, size and athleticism will allow him to play multiple roles in a hybrid defense, in a scheme where offenses will have to account for more than just him.

Mario Williams Projected Stat Line- 58 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 4 FF 

With rookie mini-cap underway, BillsMafia.com decided to take a look at which players have the most to prove in the short period between Offseason Training Activities and the final game of the preseason.

These players aren’t necessarily fighting for a job on the roster, but if they prove themselves to the new coaching staff, they could easily move their way up the depth chart in a hurry.

Note: No rookies were meant to be featured in this piece

5.      WR Kevin Elliott

The Buffalo Bills signed wide receiver Kevin Elliott in mid-December of last season and quickly signed the former 6’2” 220 pounder to a two-year deal. Elliott has the prototypical size and speed necessary to compete as an outside receiver, but after the Bills added Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin, Da’rick Rogers and Kevin Norrell in the draft and free agency, Elliott needs to showcase his ability.

Elliott is a physically imposing target that displays excellent athleticism and ball skills necessary to make plays that other receivers would typically struggle to make.

The wide receiver position will boil down to a numbers game, but Elliott is a sleeper that could earn a spot on the final roster.

4.      LB Arthur Moats

With the Bills transitioning to a hybrid 3-4 defensive front, Arthur Moats projects well to the strongside pass rusher role he will likely be playing. However, the Bills signed Manny Lawson, a more experienced veteran that plays the same position in free agency.

In the Chan Gailey era, Moats appeared in 43 games, but started just four. This was due to Moats being moved everywhere from defensive end to inside linebacker and outside linebacker. In his three seasons with the team, Moats recorded 87 tackles and five sacks.

With players like Lawson and Mario Williams that will likely see their share of time at the pass-rushing outside linebacker position, Moats needs to make the most out of this offseason and prove that he’s worthy of garnering significant playing time in 2013.

(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

3.      S Da’Norris Searcy

Da’Norris Searcy began to see an increase in playing time last year, appearing in roughly 23% of the snaps at the strong safety position. Following the release of veteran safety George Wilson, it appeared that the front office had big plans for Searcy heading into the 2013 season.

However, the team announced they were moving former cornerback Aaron Williams to safety, while double dipping at the position in the draft, selecting Nevada strong safety Duke Williams and a versatile defensive back in Jonathan Meeks out of Clemson.

While Searcy clearly has the upper hand in terms of experience over the rookies selected in the draft, he still needs to prove that he’s worthy of a full-time role in Mike Pettine’s defense.

2.      S Aaron Williams

Aaron Williams is a big and physical defensive back that just couldn’t cut it at the cornerback position. The former second round pick out of Texas has been moved to safety, where his range and ability to react to developing plays will allow him to be a more productive player in the secondary.

At the cornerback position, Williams just didn’t have the fluidity to consistently match up with opposing wideouts, but in Pettine’s hybrid defense, he will be allowed to play both strong safety and play over the top, where he will be able to utilize his skill set to match up with tight ends and slot receivers, while adding run support.

Williams is a solid tackler that could really produce in the right system. Still, he hasn’t played the safety position in a few years and with several players at the position currently on the roster, Williams needs to play well in camp to prove that he was worthy of his second round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.

1.      WR TJ Graham

Selected with the third round pick in the 2012 NFL draft, T.J. Graham is a small, but explosive wide receiver. Coming out of North Carolina State, Graham had exceptional speed, but was raw in terms of route running ability and awareness.

Graham managed to haul in 31 passes for 322 yards and a score, but his hands were questionable, as he dropped seven passes last year according to ProFootballFocus.com. Being targeted 58 times, Graham had the second-highest “drop rate” in the National Football League among 82 qualifying wide receivers

In the 2013 NFL draft, the team selected Marquise Goodwin, another small speedster that seems to fit the same role that Graham was brought in to fill. Graham now has a full professional season under his belt and with another couple months of offseason training, he should have a bit of an advantage over Goodwin for now.

Graham has the speed to be a deep threat as an outside receiver, but he will have to match Goodwin’s quickness and agility to compete with him for snaps at both the “X” (split end) or the “H” (slot) role.

With the 2013 NFL draft over, we have a better vision of what the Buffalo Bills are looking to do on both offense and defense. However, while we have an idea of what the coaching staff has in place, there are several positions that are up for grabs. Over the next week or so, we’ll be previewing each and every position that will have a competition.

The Bills lost arguably the best offensive lineman on the roster in Andy Levitre via free agency, leaving a wide open competition at the left guard position. The Bills opted against selecting an offensive lineman in the draft, indicating that they have faith that one of the inexperienced backups can step into a starting role.

With this edition, we’ll be covering the left guard position.

Note: Players listed in alphabetical order, not by depth chart

Colin Brown (Photo by Jody Gomez-US PRESSWIRE)

LG Colin Brown

Currently listed No. 1 on the Bills’ official depth chart at left guard, Colin Brown has appeared in 12 total games with the team, serving as a left guard, center and right guard. At 6’7” 326 pounds, Brown’s size and strength could remind Coach Marrone of his former guards in New Orleans, mammoths Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans.

If anything was made clear by the Levitre departure, it was that the Bills were looking for a certain identity on the offensive line: big, strong, versatile linemen that can maul opposing defensive linemen.

LG Zack Chibane

Signed as an undrafted free agent, former Syracuse guard Zack Chibane was the only player coach Marrone brought from his former school to the Buffalo Bills. Chibane started all 38 of his games his three years with the Orange, paving the way for a 1,000 yard running back in each year. A bit undersized, Chibane could be a sleeper in training camp.

RT Keith Williams

Signed to the Bills’ practice squad in 2011 after being claimed off of waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Keith Williams is another physically imposing lineman at 6’5” and weighing 330 pounds. He’s played two games for the Bills, both at right guard, but versatility has been stressed by the new coaching staff.

Wildcard: LT Zebrie Sanders

In my personal opinion, Zebrie Sanders is the ideal candidate to play left guard for the Buffalo Bills in 2013. The Bills selected the 6’6” 320 pounder out of Florida State University in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Strictly an offensive tackle in college, Sanders started all 37 games as a Seminole since arriving on campus as a true freshman. History has proven that most offensive tackles that transition to the guard position have been successful, and Sanders offers the quick footwork of a tackle, while displaying the power and agility needed to hold up against interior defensive linemen.

Projected Depth: Zebrie Sanders, Colin Brown, Zack Chibane, Keith Williams 

 
Originally posted by Boomer Smith at The Penalty Flag Blog.

The Bills drafted E.J. Manuel with the 16th pick of the 2013 NFL Draft. He has the height and athletic ability needed for a NFL quarterback. His superior arm strength and quick release make him ideal for the weather conditions that an area like Buffalo present to a quarterback. However, the biggest need at both quarterback and in Buffalo is consistency. Buffalo fans have endured too long a roller coaster ride that leaves your head spinning and our stomach’s in knots. Throughout the playoff drought this roller coaster ride has been seen in two ways: the long winding fall that will seem to never end before laboring to pull itself up or a steady climb to the top only to free fall like an avalanche down Everest. Lets take a look at some of the seasons that have had Buffalo fans on this vicious ride.

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport)

2000 Season: The Bills made the best of the ongoing Flutie/Johnson saga and posted a 7-4 record 12 weeks into the season. They seemed to be primed for a third straight playoff trip until the rug was yanked from underneath them. The Bills went 1-4 in the final five games, all four losses coming in a row, to finish 8-8 and miss the playoffs. In those four straight losses the Bills were outscored 121-53. This season served two purposes: 1. closed the book on the Bills of the late 80′s and 90′s that Buffalo fans had loved and cherished for so many years and 2. started the new chapter of Bills football which hasn’t seen the playoffs since. Wade Phillips was fired as head coach and Flutie was shipped off to San Diego… let the inconsistency begin.

2003 Season: Buffalo managed a 4-4 record for the first half of the season in 2003 thus making them in charge of their own destiny. Unfortunately the 2nd half of the season was as cold as a Buffalo winter going 2-6 to finish 6-10 and well out of the playoffs. The streak is now up to four years without a playoff appearance. Another staggering statistic started to arise…the inability to win close games. Six of the Bills 10 losses were by 10 points or less.

2004 Season: Buffalo dug themselves into quite the hole to start the season at 1-5 but stormed to an unprecedented 8-2 finish. Their 9-7 record would be the best finish by the Bills since the 1999 season but still no playoffs in Buffalo. The Bills lost a heartbreaker game to the Steelers 29-24 in Week 17 of the season to keep them out of the playoffs. Even worse the Bills lost three games that year by three points or less.

2006 Season: Still digging holes for themselves, Buffalo fell to 2-5 out of the gate. They would rebound and go 5-4 over the last nine games to finish 7-9. Another season of finishing strong but only playing half the season. The streak was up seven years without a playoff game but the corkscrew in this roller coaster season… five games lost by three or fewer points.

(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

2007 Season: Playing in prime time was not kind to the Bills in this season. Once again Buffalo stumbled out of the gate going 1-4 before their bye week. One of those losses was the collapse on Monday Night Football losing on a last second field goal to Dallas 25-24. This game would also count as one of the four losses that year by less than 10 points. After the bye week the Bills won four in a row to finish the second half of the season at 6-5 but another 7-9 overall finish. Of course the Bills four game win streak was halted by the Patriots 56-10 thumping in Buffalo on Sunday Night Football.

2008 Season: Buffalo opened the season on a tear amassing a 5-1 record 6 weeks into the season. Too bad for the Bills they had 10 more to play. Buffalo lost 8 out of their last 10 games that season for another 7-9 finish. Six games were decided by 10 or less points. One heartbreaking loss was a close loss to Cleveland on Monday Night Football on a missed field goal as time expired. Even the great Jim Kelly looked on in disbelief as the kick sailed wide of the upright.

2011 Season: The Bills stampeded to a 5-2 start and even ended their dreaded losing streak to New England. After rolling the Redskins in Toronto the Bills went on to lose seven straight games. Their 5-2 start fell to a 6-10 finish and another season derailed by inconsistency.

This is what a rookie quarterback and a rookie head coach are up against. Finding consistency on a team that has been anything but and teaching consistency to not only the new incoming rookies but also the veterans that have been there. The hype of the upcoming season will continue to build as it is already but will the actions follow through. So come fall a 1st round selection strong armed rookie quarterback with a quick release, from a Florida school, will go under center to try end the Bills losing ways, and his name is Jim Kelly..no wait its E.J. Manuel. Huh…maybe there is signs of consistency already?

Thanks to The Penalty Flag Blog for sharing this with us. Check them out on Twitter at @ThePenaltyFlag.

With the 2013 NFL draft over, we have a better vision of what the Buffalo Bills are looking to do on both offense and defense. However, while we have an idea of what the coaching staff has in place, there are several positions that are up for grabs. Over the next week or so, we’ll be previewing each and every position that will have a competition.

With this edition, we’ll be covering the tight end position.

Note: Players listed in alphabetical order, not by depth chart

Mike Caussin

Mike Caussin has been sitting third on the tight end depth chart over the past two seasons behind Scott Chandler and Lee Smith. In those two seasons, he’s caught just five passes for 41 yards while only appearing in six games.

At 6’5” 243 pounds, Caussin has the ideal size for the position, but his limited athleticism may restrict him to a blocking role.

Scott Chandler

The best Bills tight end of the past decade, Scott Chandler suffered a torn ACL in the final game of the 2012 season. Prior to the injury, Chandler was a reliable threat to move the chains down the seam over the past two seasons, using his 6’7” 260 pound frame to average 11.8 yards per reception on 82 catches for 968 yards, while finding the endzone 12 times.

Lee Smith (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

With Chandler’s injury status unclear at the time, there will be a strong competition in camp if he’s unable to go at the beginning of the season.

Chris Gragg

The Bills selected Arkansas tight end Chris Gragg in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL draft. Gragg dealt with knee and ankle injuries during his time as a two-year starter for the Razorbacks, but still managed to make 72 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns. Gragg is an explosive “move” tight end that has the ability to serve in an H-Back role.

At Arkansas, the 6’3” 244 pounder was used as a fullback in the backfield, an inline blocker and was spread out wide as a receiver. Gragg offers the most athleticism at the position of any player on the roster and could be a sleeper to keep an eye on, despite his status as a seventh round draft pick.

Lee Smith

Lee Smith is one of the more underrated blocking tight ends in the National Football League. According to ProFootballFocus, Smith was the 7^th most productive pass blocker out of 44 qualifying tight ends. Smith will only be used as an in-line blocker, so he’d likely be used primarily in single-back and I-Formations.

Projected Depth: Scott Chandler, Chris Gragg, Lee Smith, Mike Caussin