Finding A Role For Bills CB Aaron Williams

by Brian Galliford on Jun 22, 2011 8:30 AM EDT in Buffalo Bills Opinion

Heading into the 2011 NFL Draft, we knew that the Buffalo Bills' main focus defensively would be to improve their league-worst run defense. The team took a stab at fixing the issue by selecting run-stuffing defensive end Marcell Dareus at the top of the first round. There's a chance, however, that their second-round pick will have as big an impact against the run in 2011.

Aaron Williams won't be guaranteed playing time at cornerback, simply because the team has made it clear they'd like to re-sign Drayton Florence, which could relegate Williams to dime back duty as a rookie. In conducting our Buffalo Bills re-watch, however, it's become abundantly clear that the team could use more physicality out of their secondary, particularly at nickel cornerback.

Last season, Reggie Corner was the team's nickel back, and he was a liability against the run simply because he's not a very big or physical player. Buffalo struggled to stop the run in any package, but their nickel defense was particularly bad, to my eye. Mel Kiper called Williams the toughest run support corner he's graded in five years. If Williams only has one role as a rookie - a nickel back plugged in to stop the run and do a little hitting in the short passing game (where he'd have a chance to replace Bryan Scott) - he'll have served a very big purpose for his new team.

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Thats a pretty big statement by Kiper

Can’t wait to see what this kid can do. Perhaps by the end of the season he will work his way into a starting corner slot. I don’t think you can get enough help in the secondary, although the Bills could have addressed several other needs, adding pop to our secondary might be a very wise move in the long run.

by Jason Holodook on Jun 22, 2011 8:47 AM EDT reply actions

Sorry, I can't really put to much stock in what Kiper says.

I usually listen but then move on. In this case it is obvious that Buddy felt the same way.

YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde

by VanScottM on Jun 22, 2011 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Not likely a starting CB

Williams doesn’t have the speed to become a starting CB. He will most likely be a nickel and dime CB in the NFL, where he could be a significant upgrade over Reggie Corner. However, do you really draft someone at the top of the 2nd round for that?

by Macktruck on Jun 22, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

With the way the league is changing to a passing league,

but we still get ran all over… Aaron Williams has a chance to be a player that sees lots of playing time as a rookie.

He, along with all rookies, really need a full Training Camp. The quick he can get ahold of our D, the better. And especially playing a new position (Nickel).

Lets Go Buff a lo!!!

by bflo on Jun 22, 2011 9:02 AM EDT reply actions

Let's Face it, reading between the lines.

Dareus makes all the sense in the world considering our run defense. Von Miller would of been nice because we need that pass rush too, but in this case lets stop the run and force the pass, then rush the passer. Dareus was a huge step at run stops. Supporting the run defense from nickle and dime packages, Whitner, who knows what he will do this year, he was very solid in run support last year but still we needed to get better. Also, taking the opponents TE out of the passing game was another demise of our defense. I see Williams as a big contributor to both, run support along side Whitner/Wilson in place of Corner and also, shadowing our opponents TE in passing situations. This is the only explanation I have for Buddy chosing Williams at #34. This makes this pick probably more important than the Dareus pick.

YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde

by VanScottM on Jun 22, 2011 9:05 AM EDT reply actions

Fast and Physical

The guys we drafted in the secondary fit this bill. I hope they can stay heatlhy and contribute. I think the major problem with last years defense was the fact we switched to the 3-4. I’m not sure if I’m sold on it as of yet, it looks like we still have better personnel at DL position and not the LB position.

But Williams and Searcy were good picks.

by doctork44 on Jun 22, 2011 9:20 AM EDT reply actions

I love this, too:

@DonteWhitner @jairusbyrd man help a brotha out I need a playbook ASAP

You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
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by MattRichWarren on Jun 22, 2011 9:47 AM EDT reply actions

Sorry. Williams sent that tweet last night.

You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
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by MattRichWarren on Jun 22, 2011 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions

gotta love it,

Curious to know what Donte’s reaction was.

YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde

by VanScottM on Jun 22, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions

He didn’t have one to send him.

I don’t. Have it bro…..I’m a FA but hopefully I’m in buff w u

You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
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by MattRichWarren on Jun 22, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Leodis.....

Mckelvin played the run more like a Leola McKelvin way too often last year…..never mind Reggie Corner…..If Mckelvin plays like that this year, and Mcgee and Florence are playing, Williams could take his nickel Job…..McKelvin was that bad. The Bills just can’t afford to allow a corner to play the run that soft (no puns intended)….bad for team chemistry and bad for creating a tough SOB D-fence (which, I believe is the plan)

Mckelvin can do it, he proved it his rookie year (IMHO) But, clearly the injury and the fumble have damaged his psyche considerably. He’s gotta get that swagger back and keep it;
Williams is here, to hedge our bets on all three starter-type players…Mckelvin-no confidence, Florence-FA, Mcgee- aging and injured lately. My guess is that through the season all five (including Corner) will play a lot.

gobills!

PodunkO - The great post ender!

by podunkowego on Jun 22, 2011 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

McKelvin wasn’t as bad as you’re making him out to be. He was a significantly better run defender than Corner. It’s not even close.

Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Jun 22, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

well.....

I couldn’t rewatch games last year, like I like to, so i’ll defer to you, but I remember some pretty embarrassing plays on Leola’s part, talk about low-effort….Neon Deon Sanders would blush having seen them…..

gobills!

PodunkO - The great post ender!

by podunkowego on Jun 22, 2011 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions