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One of the most frequently-requested features from me by readers of this blog is a defensive depth chart for the Buffalo Bills and their new-look 4-3 defense. Since it's Saturday, and there's not a whole heck of a lot else going on, let's take a look at one.
Please note that the depth chart - which is after the jump - is in no way official. It is purely my opinion, and it's structured less around being buried on the depth chart, and more about what position the player is best suited for. As an example: Alex Carrington appears on the depth chart as a fourth-team defensive tackle, but I've listed him at the "under tackle" position, where I believe he is a best fit in Dave Wannstedt's likely system.
If anyone has any questions about why I placed a player in his particular spot, feel free to ask. Three things that stuck out to me: the Sam linebacker spot is interesting; the team really needs to groom a guy behind Nick Barnett; and wow, is there a depth problem at safety. Last note: bolded names are impending free agents.
Pos. | # | STARTER | # | Backup | # | Reserve | # | Reserve | # | Reserve | # | Reserve |
LE | 90 | C. Kelsay | 73 | J. Gilbert | ||||||||
NT | 99 | M. Dareus | 96 | T. Troup | 72 | K. Heard | ||||||
UT | 95 | K. Williams | 98 | D. Edwards | 91 | S. Johnson | 92 | A. Carrington | 97 | L. Dotson | 93 | J. Ross |
RE | 94 | K. Moore | 56 | S. Merriman | ||||||||
SLB | 52 | A. Moats | 57 | D. Batten | 49 | R. Eddins | 53 | R. Torbor | ||||
MLB | 55 | K. Sheppard | 58 | K. Morrison | 54 | A. Davis | 51 | C. White | ## | S. McKillop | ||
WLB | 50 | N. Barnett | 43 | B. Scott | ||||||||
LCB | 23 | A. Williams | 24 | T. McGee | 27 | R. Corner | 44 | P. Miller | ||||
SS | 37 | G. Wilson | 25 | D. Searcy | ||||||||
FS | 31 | J. Byrd | 47 | J. Nesbitt | ||||||||
RCB | 29 | D. Florence | 26 | J. Rogers | 21 | L. McKelvin |