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Who This Helps:
A) Aaron Maybin. He's still going to have to sustain his weight at least in the upper 240's and most likely 250-255. But he has a chance to succeed (hopefully flourish) now; hoping he was another Robert Mathis-type that could work at DE seemed very unlikely, even after one year.
B) Leodis McKelvin. Man coverage responsibilities just seem the most conducive to McKelvin's natural ability. McKelvin still has good speed, sufficient size, and fluid hips to turn, to run, and to stay w/receivers; now his head doesn't have to be swimming in any more responsibilities than just 'Stay with your guy. That's your guy; stay with him.' He was never the brightest guy; now he doesn't need to be.
C) Terrence McGee. Some people have this notion that McGee can only 'play in a zone' because that's what he's been doing since 2006. That's bunk; when we first made the transition to a zone-based scheme, the fear was that the 5'9", 190-lbs. McGee was too short and small to be an effective zone cover corner. Well, he did pretty well, and he had an auspicious start to his career in a man-cover scheme from 2003 to 2005, including having an outstanding season in '05 AND receiving his first contract extention in October of that year. McGee can definitely be a good cornerback in any scheme; he's already proven it.
Who This Hurts:
A) Chris Kelsay. His days with the Bills are now over. He's not athletic enough- nor savvy, consistent, or good enough as a pass rusher- to justify a transition to OLB. And I doubt he's going to bulk up to 290 to play DE. Though admittedly he's 6'7"; he could attempt to add 25 pounds. My money's on him being released, though, since he has no trade value.
B) Keith Ellison. There simply isn't any more room for a 229-lbs. starting linebacker; there really wasn't a compelling one to start, even in our Tampa 2 scheme. Not when that linebacker's of questionable starting ability, anyway.
C) Marcus Stroud. He was failing for a good portion of last year just being asked to occupy a single gap; now w/a move out to a 5-tech DE, he's going to need to control two gaps. At 32 turns of age in June, I hope that his career can experience some revitalization because the Bills are going to need it.
Who This Could Hurt:
A) Kyle Williams. Aside from Bryd, Williams is our best defensive player. But a move out to a 34 DE spot raises questions about whether or not his shortness is going to be a limitation for him there. I think he has the tenacity and will to ultimately make it work- but he certainly is no protypical 34 DE (in the Steelers' Aaron Smith mold, for example).
A) Aaron Maybin. He's still going to have to sustain his weight at least in the upper 240's and most likely 250-255. But he has a chance to succeed (hopefully flourish) now; hoping he was another Robert Mathis-type that could work at DE seemed very unlikely, even after one year.
B) Leodis McKelvin. Man coverage responsibilities just seem the most conducive to McKelvin's natural ability. McKelvin still has good speed, sufficient size, and fluid hips to turn, to run, and to stay w/receivers; now his head doesn't have to be swimming in any more responsibilities than just 'Stay with your guy. That's your guy; stay with him.' He was never the brightest guy; now he doesn't need to be.
C) Terrence McGee. Some people have this notion that McGee can only 'play in a zone' because that's what he's been doing since 2006. That's bunk; when we first made the transition to a zone-based scheme, the fear was that the 5'9", 190-lbs. McGee was too short and small to be an effective zone cover corner. Well, he did pretty well, and he had an auspicious start to his career in a man-cover scheme from 2003 to 2005, including having an outstanding season in '05 AND receiving his first contract extention in October of that year. McGee can definitely be a good cornerback in any scheme; he's already proven it.
Who This Hurts:
A) Chris Kelsay. His days with the Bills are now over. He's not athletic enough- nor savvy, consistent, or good enough as a pass rusher- to justify a transition to OLB. And I doubt he's going to bulk up to 290 to play DE. Though admittedly he's 6'7"; he could attempt to add 25 pounds. My money's on him being released, though, since he has no trade value.
B) Keith Ellison. There simply isn't any more room for a 229-lbs. starting linebacker; there really wasn't a compelling one to start, even in our Tampa 2 scheme. Not when that linebacker's of questionable starting ability, anyway.
C) Marcus Stroud. He was failing for a good portion of last year just being asked to occupy a single gap; now w/a move out to a 5-tech DE, he's going to need to control two gaps. At 32 turns of age in June, I hope that his career can experience some revitalization because the Bills are going to need it.
Who This Could Hurt:
A) Kyle Williams. Aside from Bryd, Williams is our best defensive player. But a move out to a 34 DE spot raises questions about whether or not his shortness is going to be a limitation for him there. I think he has the tenacity and will to ultimately make it work- but he certainly is no protypical 34 DE (in the Steelers' Aaron Smith mold, for example).
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