Bills Training Camp: Free Agent Additions Return Thursday

by Brian Galliford on Aug 3, 2011 8:53 AM EDT in Buffalo Bills Training Camp

After four straight days of practices at 2011 training camp, Buffalo Bills players will have today off for a little rest and recuperation. When they get back onto the fields at Growney Stadium tomorrow afternoon, they'll be joined for the first time by several new teammates.

All of the team's veteran free agent signings - quarterback Tyler Thigpen, slash Brad Smith, linebacker Nick Barnett and cornerback Drayton Florence - will be back on the practice field on Thursday. In that sense, it'll be the first full-team workout of the new NFL season for the Bills.

We're particularly interested to see how Florence's return shakes up the pecking order at cornerback, where Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin have been running with the ones, and where rookie Aaron Williams has been one of the team's bright spots in the early stages of camp. Williams has served as the de facto nickel back, coming in and sliding McGee down into the slot in that package. Florence, expected to be a starter, will change how that works, and we're curious to see exactly how that goes down.

The Bills have a night practice tomorrow, which as you're all aware requires a ticket for admission.

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It’s also the first time the RFAs will be on the field if I’m not mistaken. Scott Chandler and Garrison Sanborn.

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by MattRichWarren on Aug 3, 2011 8:56 AM EDT reply actions

Im excited about the FA's being able to practice now.

Cant wait to see what Gailey actually has in store for Smith.

And like you said, how is Flo going to shake up the DB’s.

Also, Chan/Edwards/Wanstedt must see something in Antonio Coleman for him to basically take Moats spot as the #2 pass rusher and to have him run with the 1’s yesterday at practice. I know that he lead the SEC in sacks 2 years ago, so he can do it… but it seems hes put on a lot of weight, Im assuming muscle, and could be a huge weapon for us, spelling Merriman. We know they will not play Merriman much, if any, in the pre-season so he should get a lot of reps.

On a side note… I was a little tipsy and saw something on twitter from @buffalobills saying something about “McGee playing awful in the slot” and I thought that this could be the end of the road for him, until I kept re-reading it and it actually said “hes been playing an awfully lot in the slot.”

Now attending the Univ. of Hockey.

by bflo on Aug 3, 2011 9:03 AM EDT reply actions

I’m also excited to see what Coleman and Batten can do to strengthen the OLB situation behind Merriman and Kelsey. Moving Moats was a fairly big decision and it must speak as much about how they see the OLBers as how they see the ILBers.

by paxon on Aug 4, 2011 12:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Pecking Order

I think that initially it will be flo and Mcgee as the starting corners, with Mckelvin and Williams splitting the rest of the reps. However I think that the coaching staff will put the best 2 on the field once the season is under way regardless. It could very well be Mckelvin and Florence or Florence and Williams or even Mcgee and Williams…Who knows. I think it is a position up for grabs in camp.

by gmeyer on Aug 3, 2011 9:05 AM EDT reply actions

Have the UDFA’s been held out too?

by bizarro bills on Aug 3, 2011 9:20 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Nope, just the UFA and RFA's.

I still think its dumb that the re-signed UFA’s couldnt practice with the team. I know that technically that Flo was a Bill for a while… but still…

Now attending the Univ. of Hockey.

by bflo on Aug 3, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Undrafted FA's

I haven’t had a chance to visit camp yet. Any undrafted guys making a name for themselves? I remember last year there was a buzz about Joique Bell in the preseason, even though he never ended up making the team.

Or does that usually happen during the preseason games?

by RochBillsFan on Aug 3, 2011 9:43 AM EDT reply actions

Lets get them in...

It’ll be nice to get these guys in and practicing. It’s early but go to hear the news the def is bigger and more physical and is translating on the field. If our run def can improve from 165 yrds a game to 100-120 a game and the pass def #‘s stay about the same; It will be a BIG change and allow our offense more opportunities each game. Good def. draft picks actually allows our offense a chance to improve it’s production because of these extra opportunities. Looking forward to our pre-season games and soon enough WEEK 1!!!

by Dareurush! on Aug 3, 2011 10:00 AM EDT reply actions

It will be interesting to see Florence and Williams lining up outside against the bigger WRs. They seem to be mirror images of each other in terms of size.

LOL @ CleanCoalEnergyAds. Even after wiping off the blood of West Virginians (Massey Energy [multiple times], anyone?), it still pollutes our country and is terrible for both the environment and public health.

by NordicBillsfan on Aug 3, 2011 10:26 AM EDT reply actions

?????

Has anyone figured out or heard why the NFL instituted the 8/4 date for UFA’s and RFA’s to report? It makes no sense that signed players couldn’t report.

Money can't buy you happiness. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery.
- Spike Milligan

by Goose22 on Aug 3, 2011 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah

It’s because the CBA must be ratified first and that won’t happen until tonight or tomorrow at the earliest.

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Aug 3, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks

Money can't buy you happiness. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery.
- Spike Milligan

by Goose22 on Aug 3, 2011 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions

What about an OT?

I’m really excited to see this new D on the field. Seems the O is pretty loaded from a talent standpoint. I would love a TE (like Boss) but can understand if Chan feels it’s not an important part of his system. But I don’t understand why for the umpteenth year in a row the O-line goes unaddressed. Bell is a nice story and a serviceable LT, but we need some veteran depth. Fitzpatrick has to be protected to produce. Opposing teams will be blitzing often and furious. Max Starks is out there, along with Flozell Adams. Not big names,but upgrades and depth. I would feel so much better :0)

by rybear124 on Aug 3, 2011 8:08 PM EDT reply actions