starkeeper
07-27-2006, 04:08 PM
They are the players that fly under the radar heading into training camp, but by the time the preseason is wrapping up they've put together a solid body of work, and given themselves a genuine chance to make the 53-man roster.
Below we provide a thumbnail sketch on a half dozen "sleepers" who will look to open some eyes at Bills training camp next Friday at St. John Fisher.
James Bethea - The young cornerback had a consistent level of performance through the spring, as he was rarely beaten for big plays. With good size (6'0" 180) it will be interesting to see if he has the strength to jam receivers and disrupt routes. If so he could push veteran Kiwaukee Thomas for one of the last cornerback spots.
Brad Butler - No one got a good look at Butler in the spring as he was recovering from shoulder surgery. But the coaching staff loves his fiery demeanor on the field as well as his intelligence. If the technician can hang with some of the other reserve offensive tackles he might just challenge for the third tackle role.
Martin Nance - After a strong spring Nance is not exactly a sleeper among fans. But he will have to prove he can be physical as a receiver in the live football setting of training camp. If he can get off the jam and add blocking to his fine set of hands and rare size he could be the team's fifth receiver.
Ryan Neill - The rookie free agent defensive end has an added value as a long snapper. The coaching staff likes his unrelenting work ethic. If he can perform well snapping and cover kickoffs and punts it will be a huge bonus to his chances.
Eric Powell - The defensive end is a blue collar pass rusher who is always on the charge. Ubiquitous during the offseason program, Powell flashed at times during the spring. He got reps with the second string defense and will try to land the fourth defensive end role.
Ko Simpson - The coaching staff was intrigued by the number of plays he made on the ball in the spring. They believe it's not a question of if Simpson will be a good player but when. The free safety could push a player like Jim Leonhard or even Rashad Baker off the roster with a strong camp.
Below we provide a thumbnail sketch on a half dozen "sleepers" who will look to open some eyes at Bills training camp next Friday at St. John Fisher.
James Bethea - The young cornerback had a consistent level of performance through the spring, as he was rarely beaten for big plays. With good size (6'0" 180) it will be interesting to see if he has the strength to jam receivers and disrupt routes. If so he could push veteran Kiwaukee Thomas for one of the last cornerback spots.
Brad Butler - No one got a good look at Butler in the spring as he was recovering from shoulder surgery. But the coaching staff loves his fiery demeanor on the field as well as his intelligence. If the technician can hang with some of the other reserve offensive tackles he might just challenge for the third tackle role.
Martin Nance - After a strong spring Nance is not exactly a sleeper among fans. But he will have to prove he can be physical as a receiver in the live football setting of training camp. If he can get off the jam and add blocking to his fine set of hands and rare size he could be the team's fifth receiver.
Ryan Neill - The rookie free agent defensive end has an added value as a long snapper. The coaching staff likes his unrelenting work ethic. If he can perform well snapping and cover kickoffs and punts it will be a huge bonus to his chances.
Eric Powell - The defensive end is a blue collar pass rusher who is always on the charge. Ubiquitous during the offseason program, Powell flashed at times during the spring. He got reps with the second string defense and will try to land the fourth defensive end role.
Ko Simpson - The coaching staff was intrigued by the number of plays he made on the ball in the spring. They believe it's not a question of if Simpson will be a good player but when. The free safety could push a player like Jim Leonhard or even Rashad Baker off the roster with a strong camp.