Discussion: George Wilson As Bills' Strong Safety

Over the past five seasons, Donte Whitner has been a mainstay as the starting strong safety of the Buffalo Bills, making 66 starts in that time frame. Whitner, an impending unrestricted free agent (once the lockout is lifted), is not expected back with the club, leaving a spot open for a new starter in the secondary.

The Bills aren't lacking in options to replace Whitner should the 2006 first-round pick be calling a new city home this fall. The most experienced alternative would be Bryan Scott, an eight-year league veteran with 55 starts of his own. Buffalo also spent a fourth-round draft pick on defensive back Da'Norris Searcy - with the idea that his 225-pound frame would be ideally suited as an in-the-box safety.

George Wilson is the fan favorite to replace Whitner however, even though the majority of the starts he's earned with the Bills have come at free safety. As a part-time safety over the last four years, Wilson has contributed eight interceptions, 3.5 sacks and two defensive touchdowns. A team captain and a playmaker, it's long been assumed he is, if only for the short term, Whitner's heir apparent.

Our question for you: is that a universal opinion? Does anyone want to make the case for a player other than Wilson in this scenario? Discuss.