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If Whitner fared so well in his inaugural year with Buffalo, one would think he'll be that much better in his second season.
Another thing to consider is that the former collegiate All-American is now fully aware of his role in the Bills' Tampa 2 defensive scheme. He's been learning the system since last summer, and it's likely safe to say he -- thanks largely to D-coordinator Perry Fewell -- knows exactly what it entails.
And with veterans like linebackers Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher and cornerback Nate Clements off the roster, the still-young Whitner (he turns 22 in July) has suddenly had a leadership role thrust upon him, which he handled well at Ohio State.
In 2007, Whitner and free safety Ko Simpson, a fellow second-year man, should form a tandem at the position that is at least above average. However, because the latter was a fourth-round pick, the expectations for him are naturally lower.
But considering Whitner was such a high first-round choice, Bills fans are right to look for a great deal out of him from this point on. He only intercepted one pass last year (a Week 1 pick of the Patriots' Tom Brady), which will have to increase if he wants to soon join elite safeties like Baltimore's Ed Reed and Philadelphia's Brian Dawkins as not only dependable tacklers and solid coverage men but game-changing, Pro Bowl-caliber defenders, too.
Another thing to consider is that the former collegiate All-American is now fully aware of his role in the Bills' Tampa 2 defensive scheme. He's been learning the system since last summer, and it's likely safe to say he -- thanks largely to D-coordinator Perry Fewell -- knows exactly what it entails.
And with veterans like linebackers Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher and cornerback Nate Clements off the roster, the still-young Whitner (he turns 22 in July) has suddenly had a leadership role thrust upon him, which he handled well at Ohio State.
In 2007, Whitner and free safety Ko Simpson, a fellow second-year man, should form a tandem at the position that is at least above average. However, because the latter was a fourth-round pick, the expectations for him are naturally lower.
But considering Whitner was such a high first-round choice, Bills fans are right to look for a great deal out of him from this point on. He only intercepted one pass last year (a Week 1 pick of the Patriots' Tom Brady), which will have to increase if he wants to soon join elite safeties like Baltimore's Ed Reed and Philadelphia's Brian Dawkins as not only dependable tacklers and solid coverage men but game-changing, Pro Bowl-caliber defenders, too.
"Expect rejection, but expect more to overcome it." 
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