State of the Bills Roster: Offensive Tackles
by Brian Galliford on Jan 5, 2009 8:30 AM EST
in Events
48 comments
The "State of the Bills Roster" series trucks on! If you're new around these parts within the past nine months or so, this series is an off-season progression of posts in which we'll break down Buffalo's roster in-depth. From these discussions, we'll put together a "Community Needs List" in priority order, then begin researching potential free agent and draft acquisitions that will satisfy all of the Bills' needs as we perceive them.
Hey - at least this way, we're doing the job right. Right? Unlike a certain front office we're forced to support.
And now, we continue our foray into heavy-duty off-season work at Buffalo Rumblings. It's our "State of the Roster" series, off-season mode, and we'll continue the discussions by breaking down the situation at Buffalo's offensive tackles.
Previous installments: QB :: RB :: TE :: WR
Opening statement
Buffalo's offensive line regressed slightly in 2008 after a strong 2007 performance. Chalk it up to the lack of continuity on the interior - a position we'll get to soon - and the holdout of left tackle Jason Peters. The holdout, the change at center and the injuries on the inside were the biggest reasons that Buffalo's offensive line was shuffling and underperforming for much of the season.
#71 Jason Peters (starter)
6'4", 340 pounds
Age: 27 in January 2009
Contract status: 2 years remaining (UFA after 2010); owed $6.35M in base salaries
- About to participate in his first Pro Bowl - he's been selected two straight years now - Peters' contract squabble will be the talk of the off-season (personnel-wise) until a resolution is reached. Peters is looking for a deal that will make him one of the top paid players at his position. I've gone on record saying that the Bills would be smart to oblige. It'd be nice if Peters could eliminate some of the errors that cropped up this season, but even with those errors, he's clearly one of the most talented players at his position.
#68 Langston Walker (starter)
6'8", 366 pounds
Age: 30 in September 2009
Contract status: 3 years remaining (UFA after 2011); owed $9 million in base salaries
- Walker proved his value to the team this past off-season when he proved adequate playing in Peters' stead at left tackle. He'll always be a guy that struggles with speed rushers, but all players have weaknesses. Walker is a steady veteran presence that doesn't make mistakes often and isn't paid an exorbitant salary. Very solid player.
#73 Kirk Chambers
6'7", 315 pounds
Age: 30 in March 2009
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
- The retention of Chambers on the team's final roster had been a criticized move for the past couple of seasons, but Chambers acquitted himself remarkably this past season. The Bills may have inadvertently stumbled upon the "swing" tackle the team coveted, as Chambers proved that he can play well at both tackle positions as well as inside at guard. An unrestricted free agent, the Bills would be wise to re-sign Chambers and the versatility he brings.
#77 Demetrius Bell
6'7", 307 pounds
Age: 25 in May 2009
Contract status: 3 years remaining (UFA after 2011); owed $1.41M in base salaries.
- Buffalo's coaching staff is really high on this kid, but they didn't want to put him on the field in 2008 because they wanted to keep him in their weight program. They think he'll be ready to contribute as a reserve in 2009, and he has the capability to start beyond that point.
#79 Jonathan Scott
6'6", 318 pounds
Age: 26 in January 2009
Contract status: Undisclosed.
- Signed at season's end to fill out the roster when Peters got hurt. Was not active. A talented athlete, Scott hasn't cut it at the NFL level. He probably won't be around for training camp next season, though I wouldn't mind if he was there for competition purposes.
Other tackles on the roster: Chris Denman (practice squad)
The Breakdown
Keepers: Walker, Bell. Walker is just a good player, and he'll be better if he has a good tight end next to him. Bell is an outstanding developmental project that could start producing for Buffalo as soon as next year.
Extendables: Peters, Chambers.. He wants the contract, he needs the contract, he deserves the contract. Give him what he wants - he'll work harder when he gets it. Chambers' versatility is far too valuable to let him walk this off-season, and it'll give the team more time with Bell.
Expendables: Scott, Denman. Neither is really worthy of an NFL roster spot.
Questionables: None.
Goners: None.
What we need: Honestly, I don't think the Bills need to do much work here. Obviously, getting Peters his new deal and re-signing Chambers should be priorities. The Bills won't be keeping more than four tackles next year, and the quartet of Peters, Walker, Chambers and Bell is more than acceptable - it's actually quite good. For the first time this off-season, we've got a position that's pretty much set. Just get those extensions taken care of, Misters Inner Circle.
That's it. I'm done with the easy stuff. Now it's on you, folks. Got any more tough love for Jason Peters to spew? Want to talk more about what a pleasant surprise Chambers has been? Have any names of potential additions you'd like to throw into the ring? Have fun with this, and let's get brainstorming.
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On Bell
I assume 307 lbs is not his current weight? Any idea how much he has put on?
Overall, I agree that this group of guys can do the job. We all know the weak link in the line that is holding this group as well as the TE position back.
Any news out of OBD about when they will start contract talks with Jason “Pappa wants a brand new bag” Peters?
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"
by Joe P. on Jan 5, 2009 9:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
no news yet on Peters.
I doubt we will unless:
A) he gets signed or is very close
or
B) he doesn’t sign and holds out or says something to the media about it.
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Jan 5, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, now that Peters is back home in Arkansas, he won’t be here to complain (or politely anwswer direct questions from the media) that negotiations havn’t started yet. So unless Chris Brown delivers some news via his blog, we won’t hear anything unless one of the two things you mention actually happen.
by kaisertown on Jan 5, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bell’s weight has been all over the place. He supposedly played football at around 300 pounds at Northwestern St. I guess he slimmed down for and during basketball season and his listed weight was 288 at a lot of draft sites.
He weighed in at 301 at the combine and add a few pounds for his pro day.
I’m betting 307 is his weight when he showed up for training camp. I would guess he has added a few pounds during the season and will show up to training camp next year weighing at least 315, maybe even 320. That’s all speculation though.
by kaisertown on Jan 5, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he'll put about 20-30 pounds by TC this year
Any player who lives in the weight room at the pro level like he has been for the past 4 months, and all of the spring (with little game day wear and tear too!) will put about that much on. He has really really good footwork (speed wise) and if he Kugler and Co. can bulk him up, I think he might be a really big find. I mean, they kept him off the Practice Squad for a reason, he would never have made it there, or stayed there, after the preseason he had, we would have lost him. I think he will be special by 2010.
Now if only this gopher could play DE, we would be doing better, I mean, who couldn't play better than the corpse brothers Kelsay and Denney?
by WABillsfan on Jan 5, 2009 9:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Chambers
I think signing Chambers this offseason is a priority. he seems to fill in very well when needed. he’s not spectacular, but can definately get the job done.
i also think that this is one area of strength on our team. We seem to have good players starting and solid backups.
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Jan 5, 2009 9:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Peters
we haven’t heard or seen anything to have reason to believe they will extend him this off-season. He still has 2 years left on his deal. Maybe they’ll play hard ball and make him play 1 more year before he gets paid. And if so, will he hold out? I stil think this issue is far from being resolved and I think it has to cross their minds at OBD to trade him, especially if they think they have a good one in Bell. I would never do it, but what do I know
MARVelous
by MARVelous on Jan 5, 2009 10:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
All we know is that the Bills informed Peters when he returned to the team that they would work in good faith with him to get him a new deal. Obviously, that is far from a promise.
I HIGHLY doubt they’ll play hard ball with him again. I think the only reason they played hard ball with him in the first place was because of the fact that he never made a demand for more money nor informed the team of his decision; he simply didn’t show up for work, and the Bills had to guess why he wasn’t there. Now they know. I doubt we’ll see a repeat.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 5, 2009 10:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
it wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense to repeat the hold out. So the options really are
1) pay him
2) trade him
and 3) tell him one more year then he’ll get paid
3a) he agrees
3b) he holds out
You got a franchise LT. Pay the man. BTW, is it April and draft time yet? Is it March 1st and FA yet? Jeez, no worse sports time of the year than right now. Sure I love the NFL, but sour grapes with my favorite team on the sideline for the 9th straight year. NBA = garbage, NHL = i only care when playoffs come around, so College Basketball here I come
MARVelous
by MARVelous on Jan 5, 2009 10:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
NBA = garbage, NHL = i only care when playoffs come around
:(
the sports fan in me just cried
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Jan 5, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jeez, no worse sports time of the year than right now.
I still watch the play-offs even though the Bills aren’t there, but I get you point. February sucks for sports.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jan 5, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
February
yeah, its just tough. I feel emotionally spent after the Bills season. I never play video games, but I find myself playing Rock Band, renting movies, and taking a break from sports. I love the NFL playoffs, especially saturday night games when you can belly up at a bar.
Sometimes I question my devotion to a franchise that I have absolutely no say in anything they do. But that’s why we are “fanatics” fans, I guess.
I love that Bell is viewed as a prospect at Tackle. I wish we had more of those guys at OL and DL. I still think we need to draft an OL in 6th or 7th. Preferably interior Lineman, which I’m sure Brian will get to very soon:)
MARVelous
by MARVelous on Jan 5, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Status Quo
Keep the 4 guys you’ve got. I think that Walker could be pushed next year by Bell, so maybe the Bills will be interested in bringing in another Tackle, (6th or 7th round or even UFA type) to stash on the Practice squad for Walker’s release later next year. But not big priority here. This team has bigger fish to fry.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.
by sireric on Jan 5, 2009 10:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think Bell is more of an athletic pass blocking LT than he is a mauling RT. Walker’s job is probably one of the 5 or 10 safest on the team.
by kaisertown on Jan 5, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why do right tackles have to be “mauling”?
I agree with your assessment of Bell, but not every right tackle is a road grader…
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 5, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Every tackle on a run first team is a much better run blocker than he is pass blocker and it makes sense. Since RTs deal with a team’s second best pass rusher, they don’t have to be dominate pass blockers. Since they don’t need to be great pass blockers you can maximize your talent at the position by playing huge guys like Langston Walker, Adam Terry (BAL, 6’8 – 330), Jeff Otah (CAR, 6’6 – 330), Kareem McKenzie (NYG, 6’6 – 327), Ryan Cook (MIN, 6’6 328), Tyson Clabo (ATL, 6’6 – 332), Vernon Carey (MIA, 6’5 – 350), Tony Pashos (JAX, 6’6 – 325)
Teams that value the run game always have RTs who run block better than they pass block. It’s almost a rule without exception. I don’t think Demetrius bell can ever be an above average RT for a Bills team that wants to win games by running the ball. He could go to any pass happy team or a zone blocking team and maybe excel at RT, but in a power run system like Buffalo, he either has a ton of work to do, or is limited to LT.
by kaisertown on Jan 5, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
To bad he can't play DE
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"
by Joe P. on Jan 5, 2009 3:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Like I said, no argument from me on Bell’s ability to play RT. He’s obviously a better fit on the left side.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 5, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I think everyone can agree that he is a much better fit on the left side. But I will go as far as to say that he isn’t a fit on the right side at all. At least not at this point in his career. And considering that every scouting report of his praised his ability to protect the QB with his athlitic ability, but criticized his strength, toughness and desire in run blocking, I’m not sure he will ever be able to handle the duties of right tackle for a team like the Bills.
by kaisertown on Jan 5, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The original point I was making had a great deal to do with the success that Kirk Chambers had early in the season as our right tackle. Of course, we couldn’t run the ball to save a lick at the time, so your point is completely validated by Chambers. :)
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 5, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Chambers is 6’7, 315 too. He isn’t a huge road grader, but he isn’t a smaller athletic tackle like Bell currently is. Bell would do just fine as a swing tackle and backup at both spots like you were talking about. I think he could be a fine backup at RT even if he isn’t anywhere near that type of player right now. I was merely pointing out that Bell is not the heir apparant to Walker at RT and almost certainly never will be.
by kaisertown on Jan 5, 2009 5:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Chambers is 6’7", 315, while Bell is 6’6", 307 and getting bigger. He’s more athletic than Chambers.
I think you’re right – Bell isn’t the future at RT. If anything, he’s the future at LT.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 5, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On a team with multiple holes, it’s nice to have a position that is actually, for the most part, in decent/very good shape short and likely, long term.
by sabre74kkn on Jan 5, 2009 11:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I can’t believe the Trade Peters group hasn’t voiced that opinion yet!
I wish Bell had gotten some time this year, and at worst have been active for the final few games. I still don’t understand how the team could have gone the last 2 games of the season with only 2 active OT’s. I wish that was explained to us.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 5, 2009 11:40 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
take it for what its worth.
but Jim Kelly was on 97 rock the other day and said he wouldn’t be surprised if they traded Peters and that he had heard something from someone in the front office regarding just that. while that could all be hog wash – he stated the reason was that he was a “me” first guy and not a team guy.
i personally wouldn’t do this as I don’t think he’s done enough to justify us sending him some where else.
but i bet he would net a very good player or good picks
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Jan 5, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and then create another major hole for this team to try to fill.
If we had some good, young OT waiting in the wings, I could somewhat understand it, but not with the talent we have. He’s probably our best player and is just entering his prime. We’ve struggled for years looking for a LT. It’s just too painful to think about this team actually trading him and opening up a Grand Canyon sized hole at LT.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 5, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yea that would be a stupid move in my opinion.
he’s probably the best 1 or 2 players we have at a position on the team – we would be going backward. Even if we traded him, would anyone trust the “inner circle” to get that trade right?
your right on K
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Jan 5, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That ‘inner circle’ comment is as true as it gets…..We’d probably get a late 1st or a 2nd and 4th or something where we definitely don’t get his true value.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 5, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well
a 1st, and a 3rd…..would that change your view??? I don’t know what I would accept for him. But if I could stock pile 3 draft picks, lets say a 1st, 3rd and a 3rd in 2010 that would be fair compensation. However, unless they are so sold on Bell, it is idiotic. I’m guessing though that Peters doesn’t fit into their “character” guys. But with DJ and co. on the hot seat in 2009, they should not be able to do such a disastorous move to the franchise if they could be shown the door in 2009. How many Winfields, Pat Williams’, Nate Clements do we have to let leave before we sign some of these guys?
MARVelous
by MARVelous on Jan 5, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
its possible a 1st and 3rd would – but i doubt it
you can already say that a first would basically be that immediate starter in Peters that we have. So essentially you get a 3rd or even 2 3rds for him.
remember our pick from last year – Ellis saw a lot of playing time huh?
Ewards was our 3rd two years ago so that maybe something to hang your hat on – regardless its kind of hit or miss with our front office. i’ll take proven over potential or possible up grade at this point
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Jan 5, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
To trade Peters
You’d have to start with 2 1st rounders in my book.
I know that might be a lot for some, but you don’t find talented LT’s that have proven themselves in the NFL for cheap. Can he get better and be more consistent? Most definitely. That doesn’t mean taking a 1st and 3rd, and opening a giant hole at LT is worth it…
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 5, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. So basically you franchise him.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 6, 2009 6:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, lets see if he gets the extension this offseason
If he doesn’t and Bell sees the field alot this 2009 season, we could see Peters get traded come the spring of 2010 when there possibly could be an uncapped year. That MIGHT, I repeat MIGHT be the plan at OBD. Unless Bell comes out of nowhere this offseason, then he could be traded during the season, but HIGHLY unlikely.
I would have to get 3 high picks for Peters to let him go this year, a 1, 3, and either a 2 or 3 in 2010 to EVEN consider it. But wouldn’t do it still, until Bell is ready after the 2009 season.
Now if only this gopher could play DE, we would be doing better, I mean, who couldn't play better than the corpse brothers Kelsay and Denney?
by WABillsfan on Jan 5, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope I am wrong, but it is starting to play out the way I said.
Must of us already knew Peters was a me first guy, but I doubt that is the reason they would trade him. This sounds like a possible excuse for trading a player that does not want to play for a team. As I said, Peters value will never be higher than now, for the Bills anyway. If the Bills can’t reach an agreement with Peters, I doubt they will risk losing him at the end of his contract a la JP. Peters does not want to damage his rep, trade value, and lose $s by sitting out 2 years. We might be able to squeeze one more year out of him, but after that we have to trade him. Might as well see what we can get now. If the deal is a good one, (I say 1st, 2nd, and a good vet player to fill a hole, like LB or DE) then do it now. Can anyone actually say we are 1 year from the SB? Maybe this is all smoke, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this is part of the big “splash”.
"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"
by Joe P. on Jan 5, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
thats
the only argument I can listen too. If you get an offer that would allow to flush your roster with some more nice young talent, I am not opposed to that at all being that it seems this roster and this team in general are a ways away from being a contender in the AFC East year after year. But it would require a) a good replacement and b) a sweet, sweet deal
MARVelous
by MARVelous on Jan 5, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Because Jason Whittle is awesome! Yeah, I have no clue why Bell wasn’t at least active those last couple of games.
by kaisertown on Jan 5, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have no clue why Bell wasn’t at least active those last couple of games.
coaches coaching for their jobs. they were out of it and should have developed players (bell, Hamdan) yet their just stupid and did nothing. stunting furthur growth of young players.
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Jan 5, 2009 1:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
trading Peters
I would not want to do it, but if they do they need to get good picks and then they could use the 11th pick on a LT. There are at least 4 out there that probably could come in and start. Look how good Clady did, so starting a rookie would not be the worst thing, but you have to make sure you get the value for Peters.
by billsfan69 on Jan 5, 2009 12:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Is Bell
expected to be the heir to Langston?
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
by poz on Jan 5, 2009 1:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
No, I think they view Bell as that swing tackle they coveted last off-season – the guy who can back up both tackle positions as well as play inside.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 5, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Bell was purely a value pick with huge upside.
by kaisertown on Jan 5, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
At the time, sure. I know for a fact that they love his potential, and they had him hitting the weights hard all season long.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Jan 5, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
trade peters for draft picks
I would trade Peters for draft picks, since the Bills have many holes to fill. They can draft defensive linemen and possibly get another tackle in the draft. How did Peters even make the Pro Bowl, I saw him give up sacks all season. Personally, he is no Walter Jones and even Jeff Otah from the Panthers, a rookie, played better than him and gave up fewer sacks. Reason why DeAngelo Williams ran for 20 TD’s and the backup Jonathan Stewart had 8 T.D.s. He is not worth anything over $3-5 million in my opinion.
by BuffaloWhiner on Jan 5, 2009 2:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Right...
Fill holes by creating another. That makes perfect sense.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 5, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Otah also plays a different position.
by kaisertown on Jan 5, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw Walter Jones get beat more than enough times this year.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
by Kurupt on Jan 5, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice write up Brian..........I dont really have much to add seeing as you've nailed what I think....
however Im in the group that is not opposed to trading Peters if the deal is sweet enough ( I know the arguments against it too, but to me I feel another hold out is coming on…..and thats just not a distraction this team needs right now)
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 5, 2009 2:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
As it stands now, I think Tackle is set for this team
We have 4 players in the good/decent camp and thats a boon for this team. IF Peters gets and extension AND we resign Chambers for say 2 years along with a kid drafted as another project in the draft, say 5-7 rounds type, we will be set for a very long time.
Trading Peters is a possibilty if no extension is worked out this year, and if Bell sees a ton of preseason and in season playing time. At that point I could see a week 6 trade or offseason trade of Peters to another team for multiple picks, especially if Bells strength improves and he keeps his quick feet. I don’t think we see anything happen with Peters till after the pro-bowl, why? Becuase thats when agents and teams start to talk about things like trades and FA, and the rumor mill starts to grind.
Now if only this gopher could play DE, we would be doing better, I mean, who couldn't play better than the corpse brothers Kelsay and Denney?
by WABillsfan on Jan 5, 2009 9:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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