Buffalo Bills: Ronald Darby Ready to Take the Next Step

After being asked to take on more responsibility than originally expected, Ronald Darby ended up having an excellent rookie campaign for the Buffalo Bills and is now aiming to take his game to the next level during the upcoming season.

When Pro Football Focus recently reviewed all 32 NFL cornerback groups, they ranked the Buffalo Bills as fifth best. Whether you agree with this placing or not, there’s no denying the Bills have one of the better defensive secondaries in the league.

A big part of the reason for this, is the presence of Ronald Darby. Big things were predicted for him after a standout career at Florida State, but he arguably performed better than expected during his first year in the NFL.

Darby was quickly thrown into the fire, after Leodis McKelvin started last season on injured reserve. However, any concerns quickly disappeared, as he thrived in Rex Ryan’s scheme, despite the fact it puts a lot of pressure on the cornerbacks.

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Thanks to his physical skill set and world class speed, the 22-year old was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September. By the end of the 2015 campaign, he led the Bills in pass defenses (fifth highest in the entire NFL) and finished third on the team in tackles.

Throw in two interceptions and by the end of the season, journalists around the country had taken notice. Awards included earning a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team and being named the Pro Football Focus Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Of course, the NFL is notorious for having a ‘what have you done for me lately?’ mentality, but in that respect, Darby is ready. Speaking to Sal Cappaccio of WGR550, he said: “(A year of experience) is going to best serve me because I’ve seen a lot my first year.

“I’m more comfortable with recognizing formations and just communication-wise with the vets and guys on the field, so the second year of being in the same defense will help me a lot.”

Another thing which will help the Oxon Hill, Maryland native is feeling fresher, due to having more time to himself. Last year, he had to contend with factors such as the scouting combine and visiting different teams ahead of the draft.

Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Ronald Darby runs the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Darby said: “Physically, I feel good because I was able to get a good amount of rest this offseason. Wasn’t able to do that for years, now just coming in, lifting, getting my body right, doing OTAs and workouts, I feel great.”

One area the Bills 2015 second round draft pick acknowledges he has to improve in, is playing man-to-man from a non-press situation: “(During OTAs) I wanted to work on my ‘off’ a lot more, because we aren’t off as much, but that’s something I want to be comfortable in as well.”

There is often talk about a sophomore jinx for players, who perform well in their first year in the NFL. While there are no guarantees, Darby appears primed to avoid any such curse and take the next step of his development into one of the best corners in the league.

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What are you expecting from Ronald Darby during the 2016 season? Do you expect him to progress or take a step back in his development? Let us know in the comments section below.

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