starkeeper
07-27-2006, 04:04 PM
The Bills made a concerted effort this offseason to fortify their roster with veterans who had some experience in the league, but had yet to reach the prime of their careers. Not far behind free agent acquisitions like Melvin Fowler, Robert Royal, Larry Tripplett are younger players who have been groomed by the Bills for the past year or so.
It's ultimately up to those younger players to perform if they want to prove they deserve some playing time as well, but the names mentioned below stand a good chance of getting a bit more recognition in 2006.
Brad Cieslak - From practice squad player to number two on the depth chart, Cieslak has molded himself into a capable NFL tight end in just a year's time. He's sharpened his route running, improved his quickness and consistently executes his assignments. That combination works for Dick Jauron.
Kevin Everett - After missing all of 2005, Everett is itching to show what he can do and the Bills are anxious to see it. His physical tools could give offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild a rare number of options in the passing game from the tight end position.
Jabari Greer - Greer had a strong start to 2005 earning the nickel corner job, but lost it to rookie Eric King. Now re-focused and more confident than ever, Greer is looking to step up and reclaim the nickel role after turning in a strong spring.
Eric King - King was often a step late in reacting to plays being an inexperienced rookie, but was still talented enough to take the nickel corner role away from Jabari Greer last season. Now defensive coordinator Perry Fewell is counting on him to make more plays on the ball in year two.
Roscoe Parrish - Following an abbreviated rookie year due to a broken wrist, Parrish is eager to emerge as a feared player in the open field. The coaching staff will be patient in using him in the right situations knowing how dangerous he is with the ball in his hands.
Duke Preston - The athletic interior lineman got a boatload of reps at guard with veteran Chris Villarrial skipping the voluntary OTAs this past spring. He'll push Tutan Reyes for the starting left guard job, and at the very least provide valuable depth at all three inside positions.
It's ultimately up to those younger players to perform if they want to prove they deserve some playing time as well, but the names mentioned below stand a good chance of getting a bit more recognition in 2006.
Brad Cieslak - From practice squad player to number two on the depth chart, Cieslak has molded himself into a capable NFL tight end in just a year's time. He's sharpened his route running, improved his quickness and consistently executes his assignments. That combination works for Dick Jauron.
Kevin Everett - After missing all of 2005, Everett is itching to show what he can do and the Bills are anxious to see it. His physical tools could give offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild a rare number of options in the passing game from the tight end position.
Jabari Greer - Greer had a strong start to 2005 earning the nickel corner job, but lost it to rookie Eric King. Now re-focused and more confident than ever, Greer is looking to step up and reclaim the nickel role after turning in a strong spring.
Eric King - King was often a step late in reacting to plays being an inexperienced rookie, but was still talented enough to take the nickel corner role away from Jabari Greer last season. Now defensive coordinator Perry Fewell is counting on him to make more plays on the ball in year two.
Roscoe Parrish - Following an abbreviated rookie year due to a broken wrist, Parrish is eager to emerge as a feared player in the open field. The coaching staff will be patient in using him in the right situations knowing how dangerous he is with the ball in his hands.
Duke Preston - The athletic interior lineman got a boatload of reps at guard with veteran Chris Villarrial skipping the voluntary OTAs this past spring. He'll push Tutan Reyes for the starting left guard job, and at the very least provide valuable depth at all three inside positions.