ORCHARD PARK NY - DECEMBER 12: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills looks to pass with pressure from David Bowens #96 of the Cleveland Browns at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 12 2010 in Orchard Park New York. Buffalo won 13-6. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
With the NFL lockout expected to end this week and the Buffalo Bills preparing for the start of training camp somewhere between July 29 and August 2, it's time to start looking at some of the positional battles that will be waged at St. John Fisher College leading into the 2011 season. The right tackle position looks to be particularly interesting heading into the fall.
The Incumbent: Mansfield Wrotto. In a long year of fluctuation at this position, the Bills got the most sustained success out of Wrotto, a player that fits best at guard but who nonetheless had some redeeming moments on the edge. The Bills gave Wrotto a contract extension prior to the lockout.
The Challenger: Erik Pears. Pears started the final two games of the 2010 season at right tackle, and has been talked up all off-season by the Bills as the type of heady vet that can plug in and play right away.
The Unknown: The Bills appear to have their long-term right tackle in mind with rookie Chris Hairston, but it's also possible that the team looks to add further competition to this position in the form of a free agent - particularly if they'd like Wrotto to compete for a guard spot.
Poll
Other factors (i.e. injury) notwithstanding, predict who the Bills' opening day starter at right tackle will be.
Mansfield Wrotto (135 votes)
Erik Pears (509 votes)
A yet-to-be-signed free agent (337 votes)
981 total votes


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