Bills Changing Course On Danny Batten's Position Switch

and with not really not knowing where we are with Merriman a little insurance? Which ILB position did they have Batten playing before he got hurt last year?

you got to like his pass rushing ability from college and the fact that he can implement it from the OLB stand point Vs ILB seems more consistent with what he brings. Waiting for it to unfold.

A lot of people feel UDFA Antonio Coleman make the roster because of Danny Batten’s injury and placement on IR last season. Coleman didn’t dress for many games, playing in 8 last year and didn’t have anything remarkable about his season last year where only Moats was the OLB who produced much of a pass rush or something in the sack department.

This year’s battle will be interesting as it will be intriguing to see if Batten is much more productive than Coleman (which is what many are assuming), then the battle turns into Coleman vs. Maybin…

Most of us are ready to complete write off Maybin (and judging by Nix’s comments he might be too without a drastic turn around), but I think this will be an intriguing battle as both have a lot to prove and enough motivation to try to make the roster. Merriman is a big question mark and we know that Kelsay is on the decline. So if any of our younger OLB want to take this opportunity and run with it. This is the off-season/pre-season to do it.

Get your eleven best players on the field.

Although, I was intrigued by the possibility of Batten playing the big, thumper role at ILB, I think his better position might be OLB, at least for now. Since none of us has seen Batten play any meaningful snaps in the pros (preseason included), it’s tough to figure out if he has the quickness to play on the edge and rush the passer. I don’t see him playing the SOLB position unless he’s bulked up a bit to play over the TE and funnel the junk back inside, but it’s possible.

The playing time is probably more available at OLB, which benefits both the player and the team, especially if Batten can add sort of pass rush help. There is a major question mark (Merriman), a bad fit (Kelsay, to be nice), a group of average prospects (Moats, Coleman, and even Jammie Kerlew and John Russell), a journeyman tweener (Torbor) and a nobody (Maybin). Playing time is certainly out there to be had if Batten can step up. In fact, he really has a chance to carve a niche and be a sizable part of this defense.

At ILB, they added the two rookies with extensive experience inside, they’ll likely re-up Poz, have a solid vet in Davis and could re-sign Ayodele. Torbor could also play inside. When the Bills go 4-3 or nickel/dime, even less PT would be available. There really wasn’t any room left at this inn for a guy to make the switch inside, IMO.

I think Batten will have a great opportunity to make a name for himself. There is certainly the need for a play to step up and show he can rush the passer and help against the run. Even as a rotational player, he could have a big role if he can stay healthy. I really hope his shoulder doesn’t plague his progress or potential for us.

Batten and Easley. May their seasons pan out injury-free.

I wonder if Batten and Fitz knew each other prior to their time in Buffalo, since both are from Gilbert, AZ…..

Kelsay is the one and only SAM!!!!!!!

This is a great decision by Buffalo. I thought it was a little nuts that they were even considering moving him inside to a less important position without really giving him a look as a pass rusher. For a player with no track record, but some physical ability (like Batten), moving inside to be a thumper ILB should only be a back up plan if plan A fails (plan A being, hope he develops into a dominant pass rusher).