Donte Whitner fighting for a starting job?

by Steve

Lost in the war of words between Profootball talk and Donte Whitner is the idea that rookie Jairus Byrd and Bryan Scott could be the Bills starting free and strong safeties in 2009. Well maybe it isn't lost but it seems to not be our main focus at this point.

The story originated with this foxsports report: "LINEUP WATCH: Rookie safety Jairus Byrd missed OTA and minicamp work due to his college exam schedule, leaving Donte Whitner to take most of the first-unit reps at free safety. But the coaching staff is eager to see Byrd, a ball-hawking cornerback at Oregon drafted in the second round, in training camp at free. If he beats Whitner out, then Whitner, who is being supplanted at strong safety where he has started three seasons by veteran Bryan Scott, will be relegated to a utility role."

Somehow PFT saw that as Whitner out Byrd/Scott in:

"Donte Whitner has performed a variety of roles since getting drafted eighth overall by the Bills in 2006. He's played strong safety, nickel cornerback, and free safety.

Now he's facing the surprising possibility of a new role: reserve. If Whitner loses the starting gig, he won't be moving back to nickel corner. He'll be a utility man at both safety spots.

No matter how valuable Whitner's versatility is, that would be a disappointing role for a player drafted so highly. "

Here's a story about the nickel CB spot on BB.com but nothing about Whitner losing his safety job.

Ok ok this is getting long, but after PFT spread the rumor, Whitner actually respond on his twitter page. "Profootballtalk is a non credible site....me lose my job lol don't u guys have better things to write about?"

And finally PFT posted a response:

"Whitner was responding to an item posted by Gregg Rosenthal regarding the possibility that Whitner could lose his starting job.

But what Whitner didn't realize is that Gregg was merely citing a report from FOXSports.com.

Instead, then, Whitner should have tweeted is this: "FOXSports.com is a non credible site."

Let's see if he rectifies his error."

All this is pretty much just B.S. but aren't the intrawebz fun? Bottom line, it would be relatively shocking that a rookie CB considered by some to be a reach in the second round of the '09 draft and a middle of the road nobody like Scott both start at safety while Whitner rides the pine. It isn't out of the realm of possibility though.

Whitner hasn't produced much in his three years in the NFL. He was drafted eighth over all and it will be nearly impossible for him to live up to that lofty selection at this point in his career. Lets face it, he's average, but it would take an amazing training camp for him to be the #3 guy.