4 Takeaways from Buffalo Bills OTAs
4 Takeaways from Buffalo Bills OTAs
The Buffalo Bills first week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) began this week, and although much of the depth chart is to be determined still, here are four takeaways from the first few practices:
Cornerback Corey Graham might be the answer at safety
After spending most of his time at cornerback last season, it looks like the Bills are going to try Corey Graham out at safety this year.
December 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Corey Graham (20) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
With a crowded cornerback position, and outside of Aaron Williams a largely inexperienced group of safeties, the move makes sense. Head coach Rex Ryan was quick to say the move is not a “slam” on safeties Duke Williams, Baccari Rambo or Jonathan Meeks, but instead a move that would allow the Bills to get their “best 11 on the field.”
Graham is excited about the move and sounds like he will have no problems adjusting to the position.
“I want to try to really learn it and see where it goes, see how much my grasp is, see how I’m playing at it, see where it can take me,” he said. “I look forward to it. It’s a challenge for me, but I’m actually very excited about it.”
Set to enter his ninth season in the league, the 29-year-old Buffalo native is the most versatile player in the Bills’ secondary, so seeing him shift over to safety isn’t a big surprise. With his ability to play press-man, or cover the inside slot, Graham is a weapon that Ryan can use all over the field.
Each quarterback is getting reps
The Bills fast pace approach to practice seemed to help their four quarterbacks, as each one of them received a healthy amount of reps. Working in pairs, EJ Manuel and Tyrod Taylor worked with the first team, while Matt Cassel and Jeff Tuel worked with the second and third teams.
There is still a long ways to go in the quarterback battle, but with the Bills unique approach to practice, there is no doubt that the coaching staff will get a good look at each of their four pivots.
Rex Ryan is not happy with Chris Williams
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The only two players to not take part in OTAs this week were wide receiver Marquise Goodwin and offensive guard Chris Williams.
Goodwin was stuck in Texas due to weather and travel issues. With the flash flooding in Texas right now, he was more than justified to miss practice.
As for guard Chris Williams, it’s unknown why he was absent. According to head coach Rex Ryan, nobody knows what Williams’ plans are.
“I don’t know if he’s going to be planning on coming back or what; I haven’t seen him,” Ryan said. “I haven’t talked to him, I haven’t seen him. I don’t even know what he looks like. I know these are voluntary-type things, so that’s fine. I don’t know if he’s better than all of the rest of these guys, because all the rest of them are here.”
After missing most of last season with a back injury, you would think Williams would be itching to get back on the field. Well, that doesn’t look to be the case, and if Ryan’s comments are any indication, Williams roster spot sounds like it’s in serious jeopardy.
Offensive line continues to shuffle
The offensive line was an issue that plagued the Bills last season and was in desperate need of an upgrade. After signing Richie Incognito and drafting John Miller, the guard position has
The first team during Wednesday’s practice featured — from left to right — Cordy Glenn, Richie Incognito, Eric Wood, John Miller and Cyrus Kouandjio.
Last year’s starting right tackle, Seantrel Henderson, worked in at left tackle with the second unit, while Kraig Urbik was the second team centre. Second-year guard Cyril Richardson did see reps at left guard with the first team, but for the most part, he remained with the second unit at left guard.
The offensive line figures to be a revolving door throughout training camp, but if the first team we saw early on in OTAs is any indication, athleticism is clearly something the Bills are looking for in their linemen.