Linebacker Corps Preview

by Steve

"7 Days till Training Camp"

Arguably the most interesting and important position heading into training camp is the linebackers for the Buffalo Bills defense. Losing a bunch of over hyped, over paid, over inflated statistics, old ass players like Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher leaves a gapping hole in the LB corps. But hey, the Bills did draft Penn St. standout Paul Posluszny in the second round! Uh, so where are the 147 tackles those two clowns had last year going to come from?

The Bills run the "Tampa 2" defense which requires team speed and a ballerish middle linebacker that can cover the field. Furthermore the middle linebacker position is the most wide open position available heading into camp. There has been some chatter that John DiGiorgio could beat out young stud Paul P for the MLB spot in camp. According to reports "he played well in the post-draft, pre-camp workouts, and the second-year man, a former undrafted free agent, got most of the first-team snaps". Then again it could just be posturing to prove to the young guys and the whiley veterans that every position is up for grabs in camp.

The starting 'strong side' linebacker, or the LB who will line up across from the tightend and makes the initial tackle on the running back will be Angelo Crowell. Crowell filled in admirably for oft injured Takeo Spikes in 2006 and looks to build on that momentum. He played in 12 games last season and showed a flair for big plays, forcing one fumble and having two interceptions. The 2003 third rounder out of Virginia has hopefully learned well under the aforementioned Spikes and should be primed for a solid season. He is the only guaranteed starter come September 9th.

On the opposite side, the 'weak side' linebacker, typically the speedier of the three linebackers since he is usually chasing from the other side of the play, appears to be 2nd year man Keith Ellison's job to lose. Ellison who? True when you google his name he isn't even on the first page of results, but Ellison can play, playing in 14 games last season racking up 33 tackles and one pick. This potential gem in the rough was drafted in the 6th round out of Oregon State, and although he wears a funny face mask, he should be getting plenty of playing time in 2007.

And finally, the most important and most wide open position, the middle linebacker. The mike is the leader of the defense, he calls the plays and needs to straight ball. People who didn't watch every game of the 06 season may think the subtraction of London Fletcher is a big blow, but making tackles 8 yards down the field isn't whats needed out of this position. The run stopper, the play maker, fast, intelligent and not under sized, granted Fletcher made plays, but his career is gaining momentum on the downside of the hill. This is wear Paul Pos and John DiGiorgio step in.

DiGiorgio has basically come out of no where to realistically contend for the starting MLB position since last season. Sure a perfect storm of addition by subtraction via trading Spikes and allowing Fletcher-Baker to walk, coupled with a real lack of depth at the position has allowed DiGiorgio to leap frog into the lime light, for now. He is a nice story, and if he truly can compete, and shows he has ability, all the power to him, I'll leave the practice evaluation to the professionals. Of course, Bills Nation however will be clamoring for the new young stud, 2nd round pick out of Penn State, Paul Posluszny to start against Denver.

The jump from college to the pros is a huge one. Many starters aren't ready to jump into an important role, especially the leader of the defense, so Paul P could be sitting out come the first snap on defense, but don't except him to sit for long. The Bills moved up in the second round so this guy could contribute right away, and if he doesn't see significant time all season, and even start by at least week 4, this blog would be shocked. Also do not discount the possibility of John D-G starting for Ellison and seeing significant time if he produces in camp.

Other fill ins include ahhh Coy Wire backing up Ellison, and Mario Haggan and fellow special team ace Josh Stamer behind Angelo Crowell. These guys have seen plenty of action on the field, however mostly on special teams and should leave anyone a bit queezy if one of the starting 3 goes down with a severe injury. Lets hope they are ready to step into large roles in 2007 when called upon.