Bills Training Camp: First Unit O-Line Set, For Now
by Brian Galliford on Jul 30, 2011 10:54 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Training Camp
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The Buffalo Bills have completed their first walk-through practice of 2011 training camp, and the biggest news coming out of St. John Fisher - via Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com - is what the team's first-unit offensive line looks like. The "starting lineup," for the time being, is nothing that Bills fans hadn't guessed at all summer.
Eric Wood was the first-team player at center. Kraig Urbik was the first-team right guard, and Erik Pears was the first-team right tackle. Naturally, Demetrius Bell and Andy Levitre were at left tackle and left guard, respectively.
Don't be surprised if the team rotates players at those positions, particularly inside. It's highly likely that second-team center Geoff Hangartner will get some first-team reps, and players such as Chad Rinehart and Mansfield Wrotto could sneak in first-team reps down the line, as well. The situation is still fluid, but clearly, this group of five starting camp is something of a statement.
For the record, Brown also confirmed that Marcell Dareus was a first-team player at defensive end. Again, that's not a surprise, just a confirmation of what was expected.
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Yeehaw. Football is back.
Roster battles with 90 players – should be a lot going on.
Year two is upon us.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jul 30, 2011 11:03 AM EDT reply actions
Please, please, please let’s not have a repeat of the musical chairs routine at RT this year. Let whichever guy win the spot in camp and then just him play. I guess it goes for RG now as well….
It can always get worse. Let me tell you how.
I think RT is probably settled, but I would expect Chad Rinehart to challenge Urbik at RG. Rinehart is more mobile and can pull better on running plays, while Urbik is bigger and has an advantage in pass protection. It’s possible Gailey is figuring that he already has two highly mobile interior linemen in Wood and Levitre, so he is going with Urbik, but I definitely wouldn’t write off Rinehart yet.
I think RT is probably settled
I really, truly hope not..at least have a battle during training camp.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I don’t think there is really anyone to battle with unless they sign a free agent at the position. Pears is clearly the best RT we have at the moment. The guy was a two-year starter for the Broncos and only lost his job because the ill-fated Josh McDaniels came in as Head Coach and decided to put his own dim-witted stamp on the team. Pears also had injury problems for a while that are now completely behind him. It would have been great if Nix had managed to sign Clabo, but aside from him I don’t think there is anyone noticeably better than Pears who was actually on the market this year (I’m not counting guys who were obviously going back to their current teams).
I totally agree. The rest of these free agents are not clear upgrades, why bother adding someone who might be slightly better at RT at a high price and at the cost of keeping a younger guy? Just seems like it was Clabo or no one. Focus on another position.
by greysquirrel on Jul 30, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
The guy was a two-year starter for the Broncos and only lost his job because the ill-fated Josh McDaniels came in as Head Coach and decided to put his own dim-witted stamp on the team.
Erik Pears lost his starting gig under Shanahan. Pears got a chance to start after winning the swing tackle job and watching Matt Lepsis go down with a torn ACL. The Broncos immediately drafted Ryan Harris in the 3rd round the following draft because Pears was never supposed to be a starter for them. He held off Harris and Adam Meadows for one season, but lost his job to Harris after that.
Pears also had injury problems for a while that are now completely behind him.
Pears has never missed an opportunity to start because of injury. His only career injury of note was an appendectomy when he was the Broncos’ swing tackle in 2008.
I don’t think there is anyone noticeably better than Pears who was actually on the market this year
With players like Sean Locklear and Jammal Brown still available, I have a hard time believing Pears is anywhere near the class of the better FAs this year. We’re talking about a player who got cut from the Raiders OL last year when he couldn’t beat Khalif Barnes to be the fourth tackle. A player who couldn’t beat out Cornell Green in 2009.
"You mean @TWHITNER. It’s how he prefers to be referenced." - Jon Harrington
by kaisertown on Jul 30, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Jammal Brown: Redksins don’t have someone else, but they are in no rush to resign him. He hasn’t been the same guy for years. A lot better? Just doesn’t seem like a a guy who got traded for and then not resigned is really living up to his rep.
I’ll take the Field Gulls blog word for it, but they described Locklear as one of the worst OTs in football last season. I mean Pears could be worse, I ahve no idea — but CLEARLY worse? I just haven’t watched him. No one is claiming he’s anything more than average, but I don’t think these other guys are really look more than that either.
by greysquirrel on Jul 30, 2011 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions
One thing in common for all of them
Rhinehardt, Urbik, Pears, Wrotto is that they have never had a full camp together for the Buffalo Bills. This might not sound like much, but they all came from different systems last year at different times. This should put them all on the same page in not in the same chapter of the book.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
I don’t think Bell-Levitre-Wood-URbik-Pears is a bad line. IT could actually be quite good if they let them stay at their positions all camp (and crossing fingers that no one gets hurt).
With back-ups like Hangartner, Wrotto, Rinehart, and probably Hairston, it’s not a bad group. If Hairston pans out and Bell develops further, it’s a good line.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Still missing that swing tackle though. I’m not really comfortable with any of those guys holding the edge against quality passrushers if bell gets injured
by bizarro bills on Jul 30, 2011 12:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Mansfield Wrotto is the swing tackle.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jul 30, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Having a guy more suitable to play guard as the backup left tackle scares me a bit…but I suppose its better than a rookie 4th rounder
by bizarro bills on Jul 30, 2011 2:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
right
so we are still missing a swing tackle. haha. oh yeah and a starting RT, and RG, and maybe LT….. and can we please get a TE up in here? i saw Chandler in Dallas and thought he was pretty good there… interested in seeing his development… and was a HUGE FAN of the S Nelson pick at the time… if he works out as even 3/4 of the talent he has… he could be a baller too. but none of that changes the fact i would LOVE LOVE LOVE for Z Miller to be in a Buffalo Bills uni by the start of the regular season. (unless he signed somewhere and i missed that.)
by ThaRealTruth on Jul 30, 2011 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Ugh
I’d rather have the team bring back Langston Walker than keep Mansfield Wrotto.
It can always get worse. Let me tell you how.
Please, please, please let’s not have a repeat of the musical chairs routine at RT this year.
Ron, as much as it affected consistency last year, wouldn’t you say Gailey achieved his goal of reducing injuries along the recovering O-line (particularly Wood and Bell)?
Perception is reality; but if your perception is off, you live in your own reality. -- perkispower
by thefourwinds on Jul 30, 2011 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
wow
what an intelligent view. and i mean this…. but how can you argue against it? well…. i would start with the fact that spelling RG and RT kinda has nothing to do with Wood or Bell. otherwise… i agree that rotating those guys did one thing, kept them fresh. that said… don’t we want guys who can be out there together snap after snap… in order to be effective in the long term?
by ThaRealTruth on Jul 30, 2011 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
It killed consistency at times. I even recall at least one instance when the switcharoo was pulled in scoring position with the game still in doubt. Quite a bit of the time it appeared that guys were pulled on a schedule regardless of the situation. I’d have much rather seen one guy play a half and another play the second half.
The primary benefits were to (a) get experience for young guys and (b) further roster evaluations. Wang, for example, was healthy at the end of the season and left on the bench in favor of a street free agent. I’ll be surprised if Wang is on the opening day roster. Likewise, Wrotto has been given every opportunity and failed to shine.
It can always get worse. Let me tell you how.
Just some thoughts.
Craig Urbik, did slide into the center position for a bit last season didn’t he? This does add some value to his resume for the O-Line . Not to mention he is a bigger stronger guard than what we had in the past excluding Wood. Two, Let’s not confuse the issue with Hangartner, Wood and Center. It would be way early to give Hang some reps at guard until they are certain this is the direction they want to go. Hang is not as big as Urbik, Wrotto and Rhinehardt. Finally, After a quick strength and conditioning evaluation from yesterday and last seasons evaluation it isn’t surprising that Urbik is the first man up but I am guessing that the RG position could be far from settled after the first day. The first day is still telling of what the coaches are thinking.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Urbik slid into center because Hang and Wood went down. It wasn’t pretty though.
by greysquirrel on Jul 30, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Good, Wood should be our starting center.
Kraig Urbik is a power blocker which this team needs more of. Of all the “street free agents” on the line, as they are sometimes called, I have the most hopes for him because of his size, power, and college career.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
I really like him as well…as much as I like the possible guards we have on the team. But I don’t have very high hopes for the right side of the line this year. What I really want is for Hairston to come in and light the world on fire at RT.
Actually, all I really want is for the position to be set by the end of the year for the foreseeable future.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
if we dont grab a RT starter
in the rest of free agency I fully expect Chris Hairston who has a mean streak and size, to be contending in camp to rip the starting job from Pears.
Not saying its going to happen, just saying it very well could.
At this point, if need be, I’d rather Hairston just start getting game experience anyway.
Something that bugs me though, with all the question marks on one of the least established offensive lines in football, it is upsetting not to hear a word about Ed Wang – ever.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
He was a project coming out of college. Didn’t most think he was drafted too high in the 5th? I personally have no expectations for Ed.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I dont recall
but I hope Ed can start to at least crawl into the conversation!
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
My personal opinion – and this is purely speculation – is that Russ Brandon was whispering in Buddy’s ear on this pick. It just screams too much of a PR move to me. I hate to say it, but I think by the end of this training camp we will realize this was a wasted pick.
boy, I hope not billskk
but you could be right. You expect him to get cut?
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
this
in the rest of free agency I fully expect Chris Hairston who has a mean streak and size, to be contending in camp to rip the starting job from Pears.
which means that we are WEAK on the right side of this o line still. not that i don’t FULLY endorse Hairston. I recall literally screaming “YES!!!!!!!!!!!!” into my best friends ear (we were on the phone discussing the Searcy pick which i was angry about because Hairston was still on the board) when we made that selection. I really feel he could be a solid player with some NFL style strength and conditioning.
by ThaRealTruth on Jul 30, 2011 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
…If you like him so much, why do you think we’d be weak for starting him at RT? That’s contradictory.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
not necessarily
there is certainly a jump in competition from the college game to the NFL. i do think he could use to get a little thicker in the lower half, as he gets a little high (he is 6’6" after all) and is going to need to understand a whole different technique to play on a different side of the line (sliding the opposite way, different hand positions, how to recognize who is his guy… etc.) and i think that with those adjustments, he may need some time. i don’t see why you assume i should believe he is a day one starter in the NFL as a late 4th round pick. i was simply speaking to his potential. which in my personal opinion could be arguably better than Pears, who at 6’8" has some of the same problems. so really, i don’t see that as a contradiction. perhaps you do.
by ThaRealTruth on Jul 30, 2011 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Just thinking
was Shepp signed? I dont see anything about his contract, if not, just one roster spot remaining right?
by Fernando brazil on Jul 30, 2011 11:30 AM EDT reply actions
Not yet.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jul 30, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
why is this?
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Jul 30, 2011 11:48 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
probably not as many players in the 3rd signed
so i am not sure the slotting… Brian… do you know why Locker is only getting 12? while Smith or Gabbert are getting 12.5? shouldn’t it be a gradual from top to bottom? or do they factor position (which doesn’t really hold, if Gabbert is making more than Locker?)
by ThaRealTruth on Jul 30, 2011 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Dunno. It’s kind of irrelevant, though, because they’re not going to use them much.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jul 30, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
wont we be needing
that “sixth lineman” type of tight end considering our bookends are Bell and “To Be Determined”? Which of our tight ends is most suited for that type of role?
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
Martin and Chandler.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jul 30, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Which came first though?
Ineffective TE’s or the lack of use?
Gailey had good TE’s in Pittsburgh, and Gonzalez in KC, and used them.
I wonder if Nelson pans out or the team drafts a real TE, if the lack of usage will change. I’d like to see Nelson pan out, due to his ability to flex and go from conventional formation to spread formation without changing personnel.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
has Nelson put those migranes behind him?
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
I don't know why...
but David Nelson first came to mind when I read this. Truthfully I forgot all about Shawn Nelson. For some reason I was thing DJ meant converting D. Nelson to TE, which – I don’t know why – I could see happening.
They don’t use them much on the passing game, but I feel they’re very important as run blockers.
Based on the games I watched last year, Ron’s amazing analysis of the OL every week and you rewatching the games this year, there were tons of plays that failed not because of the Ol but because the TE couldn’t keep his block for fraction of a second more.
I believe Chandler has potential to be a better blocker than Martin or Nelson, but he’s not a sure thing yet.
We need a TE that likes to be physical for the position. I think that guy might Kevin Boss (that is available), I liked Spaeth but he’s no longer available.
????
because we run so much spread? does this mean Freddy J is getting dogged again this year, and we are somehow not going to focus on some run packages to ground and pound the ball? because last i knew, cold weather teams generally benefit from a strong run game to control clock, and to limit defense on the field, and to kinda, well, have a chance? i mean… we are not the pats. we don’t have that kind of talent. why would we not try and take advantage of some solid HBs… kinda the strength of our roster still?
by ThaRealTruth on Jul 30, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
This from BB.com
“Sixth-round pick Chris White lined up next to Moats on the inside. They were flanked by Aaron Maybin and Antonio Coleman. Coleman rotated with Danny Batten who is back at his more natural outside linebacker spot. Late last season Batten was studying up to be an inside linebacker, but after Kelvin Sheppard and White were drafted Batten was moved back outside.”
What the hell Gailey/Edwards/Wannstedt? They really want to make it hard to trust in this coaching staff don’t they? sigh I’ll just sit on my hands and take a wait and see approach I suppose.
Damn my eternal optimism, will I never learn?
NOPE, LET'S GO BUFFALO!
What is wrong with getting them all first team reps during the beginning of camp?
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Chris actually....
was talking about who was getting second team reps in that article…
Went to my first "BB" meeting today... When I stood, introduced myself, and admitted I was a Billsaholic, the other members threw beer cans at me!!
Okay, well then my question is even more poignant.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I'd rather have
Moats practice at olb where he showed promise last year, and where we could use him as a pass rusher, rather than at ilb where he struggled.
And unless I’m mistaken didn’t Batten play better at ilb until he was injured? It just seems backwards to have these players practice positions they aren’t very good at, when you can have them become stronger in their natural position, and ultimately contribute more down the line. I just don’t see the logic.
Damn my eternal optimism, will I never learn?
NOPE, LET'S GO BUFFALO!
by Over the Moon on Jul 30, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Batten was projected on the outside, I think, until he was moved inside because we had no one else. I agree with you on Moats, but the reason he’s playing there now is that Gailey wants to make sure that our best players are on the field, and three of our best LBs happen to be OLBs. At least, that’s what I hope it is…
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
i thought he was projected inside
until someone claimed outside yesterday (sorry i forget who)… but ultimately, he was injured so early, we really don’t know what we have in him. Chris White is supposed to be an instinctual ILB… so i understand how Batten may have gotten bounced outside. I revert to my previous view, that Moats is in the system a second year, and thus has more experience and understanding, and is probably the only reason his inside right now.
by ThaRealTruth on Jul 30, 2011 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
It is...
It’s just an attempt by Wannstedt to actually see these linebackers move (in action). He’ll make a quick determination of who can play what and where. If I were Wannstedt, I would do the same thing.
A lot of concerns going around lately. From what i saw last year, they will give it a few games and see who sticks at RT and RG, and they will be quick to pull the plug if players fail(trent edwards,cornell green). I personally have no problem with any of that. If it dosen’t work then draft or sign a new right side, if it does then good job finding starters in the junk pile. I personally won’t judge till 8 games into the season.
On BB.com.... I saw some footage of the players doing some footwork drills....
…….. and Wang really looked like he’s beefed up.
Sleeper?
If not, hopefully quality depth player who could pan out for us next year.
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jul 30, 2011 2:18 PM EDT reply actions
Test for Wood
Last year you could tell that Wood hadn’t completely recovered from the leg injury in 2009. Is there anyone visiting camp that can give an update on his status? It would be trouble if the injury remained a chronic problem.
Add another RB?
Here’s another Nix thing.
I’d really like to see the Bills add another running back. Fred Jackson is getting on in years and I don’t think Spiller can be counted on as an every down back. There are a lot of good runners still out there… Marion Barber, Michael Bush, Ahmad Bradwhaw, even Ricky Williams. The price shouldn’t be exorbitant. The Bills have a ton of cap space, now’s the time to add someone, maybe with a two year contract.
Well, Buddy?
The kid from Nevada will end up sticking, I have no doubt about that.
by cencalclassics on Jul 30, 2011 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
that nevada offense was NASTY
they put up some ridiculous numbers… i was hoping to see Kaepernick in a bills uniform… but alas, harbaugh was too smart to let him slip outta the 2nd, and we sure couldn’t have afforded to move on him… with so many needs.
by ThaRealTruth on Jul 30, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
we have more than that with our 90 man roster.
by ThaRealTruth on Jul 30, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
i guess i meant that we have 3 that will make the team… and im not sure how adding another guy would really help the bills
i would say, as an example, maybe he is a better downhill runner than white, or maybe he has a knack at the goal line that CJ doesn’t have to run between tackles (not saying CJ can or can’t) i am just saying that any individual with skills that we are lacking, is a viable option for our team at this point, as we have middle to low echelon talent at a number of spots.
by ThaRealTruth on Jul 30, 2011 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
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