FanPost

NT options dwindling



http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/07/ryan-tucker-jason-ferguson-suspended-eight-games-each/

Also suspended for the first eight games of the 2010 season, per Balzer, is Dolphins nose tackle Jason Ferguson.

Balzer reports that it's believed the suspensions arise under the NFL's policy regarding performance-enhancing substances; we believe that's the only plausible explanation.

Many Bills fans, myself included, have seemed to subscribe to the idea that NT might be the most pressing need on the defensive side of the ball. While the coaching staff wants us to buy the idea that they could go with Kyle Williams at NT, I just don't buy it. NT seems to be a defining position for the success of any 3-4, and Kyle Williams just doesn't seem to fit the mold of a 3-4 NT .

All that being said,thee options available to fill the NT position seem to be dwindling. Prior to free agency, the best and brightest prospects available at the position were retained by their existing teams (Franklin, Wilfork, Hampton). Many thought that with these veteran NT's off the market, the best remaining NT option for the Bills might be Jason Ferguson. Well, count him out too. The St. Louis Globe Democrat is reporting that Ferguson is facing an 8 game suspension for the use of PED's.

As the field keeps narrowing you are left to wonder what direction the Bills might go at this position. I am most interested in the two recently cut NT's, Jamal Williams and Ma'ake Kemoatu, as well as Kendrick Clancy. Each are coming off injuries, but both have also proven themselves above average starters at the NT position. I think one of these three would be a risk, but a risk worth taking. Der Jager had a nice post this morning about the lessons from the Dolphins. The Dolphins took a chance on an aging NT when they picked up Ferguson, and he worked out pretty well. It might be that this off season, the Bills need to take a chance on an injury case at NT.

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.