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Youboty now seems backed into corner
Allen Wilson
Updated: 05/29/08 6:34 AM
Ashton Youboty didn’t need to be reminded that the Buffalo Bills loaded up on cornerbacks. He insists he isn’t bothered by the moves, but the message sent is clear.
Heading into his third season, Youboty is already at a career crossroads. It’s time for him to fulfill the expectations that accompanied his third-round selection in 2006, and he knows it.
“I worked out hard this offseason because this has got to be it,” Youboty said after a practice this week. “It’s not the end of the world, but I know it’s time for me to step up.”
Coach Dick Jauron said adding four cornerbacks was always part of the Bills’ offseason plan, and it had nothing to do with the position being decimated by injuries last season.
But no matter what anyone says, a team doesn’t add that many cornerbacks unless it is looking for an upgrade.
Leodis McKelvin could be starting on opening day. Will James figures to be the third or fourth corner. Rookie draftees Reggie Corner and Kennard Cox will get plenty of chances to earn roster spots.
The Bills have eight cornerbacks. All of them won’t make the team. For now, Youboty appears safe. But you have to wonder if it will remain that way...."
Youboty knows that he has been put on notice, but the question is whether he has the fire inside to respond and prove that he really wants to play this game.
I've been pulling for him since the Bills drafted him, but he has got to show that he can get the job done this preseason or else.
I'd hate to see the Bills trade him to a potential playoff rival in the AFC, like Cleveland, and then see him suddenly blossom into a real player for them. But, he's going to have to show a lot more than he has to nail down a roster spot with the Bills this season.
If the Bills keep six CBs--which they probably will--Youboty should still make the team, but there's no guarantee that that will be the case. Right now, the best thing that he has going for him is that his competition for the last of those six spots are Dustin Fox and rookie Kennard Cox, who, as a rookie, can go on the PS, if the Bills want to keep him--that and the fact that the Bills almost certainly will be keeping two rookies in McKelvin and Corner and may not want to keep three rookies in their top 6.
Allen Wilson
Updated: 05/29/08 6:34 AM
Ashton Youboty didn’t need to be reminded that the Buffalo Bills loaded up on cornerbacks. He insists he isn’t bothered by the moves, but the message sent is clear.
Heading into his third season, Youboty is already at a career crossroads. It’s time for him to fulfill the expectations that accompanied his third-round selection in 2006, and he knows it.
“I worked out hard this offseason because this has got to be it,” Youboty said after a practice this week. “It’s not the end of the world, but I know it’s time for me to step up.”
Coach Dick Jauron said adding four cornerbacks was always part of the Bills’ offseason plan, and it had nothing to do with the position being decimated by injuries last season.
But no matter what anyone says, a team doesn’t add that many cornerbacks unless it is looking for an upgrade.
Leodis McKelvin could be starting on opening day. Will James figures to be the third or fourth corner. Rookie draftees Reggie Corner and Kennard Cox will get plenty of chances to earn roster spots.
The Bills have eight cornerbacks. All of them won’t make the team. For now, Youboty appears safe. But you have to wonder if it will remain that way...."
Youboty knows that he has been put on notice, but the question is whether he has the fire inside to respond and prove that he really wants to play this game.
I've been pulling for him since the Bills drafted him, but he has got to show that he can get the job done this preseason or else.
I'd hate to see the Bills trade him to a potential playoff rival in the AFC, like Cleveland, and then see him suddenly blossom into a real player for them. But, he's going to have to show a lot more than he has to nail down a roster spot with the Bills this season.
If the Bills keep six CBs--which they probably will--Youboty should still make the team, but there's no guarantee that that will be the case. Right now, the best thing that he has going for him is that his competition for the last of those six spots are Dustin Fox and rookie Kennard Cox, who, as a rookie, can go on the PS, if the Bills want to keep him--that and the fact that the Bills almost certainly will be keeping two rookies in McKelvin and Corner and may not want to keep three rookies in their top 6.
" ~ yordad
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