Bills Dial Darwin

By 'Coast'

In a highly anticipated move, the Buffalo Bills traded veteran 2 time pro bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes along with journeyman quarterback Kelly Holcomb to the Philadelphia Eagles. In return, the Bills acquired DT Darwin Walker and a conditional draft pick.

Darwin Walker started in 15 games last year for the Philadelphia Eagles. He had 6 sacks which exceeded the 2.5 put up by Tripplett, McCargo, Anderson and Williams combined. He has had 6 or more sacks 3 times in his 7 year NFL Career, a feat never accomplished by the rest of the Bills DT core. Darwin is very quick and is a great penetrator, he fits the Bills defensive scheme. He will also provide an added boost to the pass rush on the defensive front. Walker also brings another smart football guy with high character to fit the Levy mold. Most importantly, Walker is happy to be in Buffalo and excited to be a part of the team. After the trade, Walker stated "As far as I'm concerned, this is the best situation for me and I'm looking forward to it."

Walker also brings playoff experience to a young Bills team. The only other player on the Bills defense with any significant playoff experience is Larry Tripplett, Walker will be able to help the young guys cope with big pressure situations. Last year in the Eagles narrow loss at New Orleans in the playoffs, Darwin Walker sacked Drew Brees twice showcasing his big play ability in big games.

Marv, Dick and Jim Overdorf have brought in another guy that wants to be in Orchard Park as they continue to rid the team of any potential cancers. With Mcgahee being shipped to Baltimore, this is the second high profile player the Bills have traded within the past month. Spikes is aging and wants to play on a team that can contend now, and he doesn't belief the Bills can do that. In an interview on ESPN, Spikes implied his displeasure with the Bills releasing Milloy and Adams a year ago from a defense that ranked 2nd in the NFL in total defense. Last season, there were some ripples of displeasure after the Bills released another veteran, Troy Vincent. Spikes has left with no hard feelings, but it was evident that he didn't like the way the team was going and that he didn't fit in the plans of the new management.

So where does this trade leave the Bills defense? The DT position has been solidified. Walker will come in and be an instant force. However, the LB core leaves a lot to be desired. Angelo Crowell, a player that Spikes believes is going to be a special player, is going to step in as the leader of the defense as he is moving inside. On the outside, Keith Ellison is most likely going to be starting along with a player yet to be determined. The Bills will need to look at linebackers twice in the first 3 rounds to add 1 or maybe 2 players that can contribute right away. The Bills have 4 picks in the first 3 rounds and it should be interesting to see how Levy continues to build this football team.