Linebacker Experimentation Underway

[YardRat]

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2012/7/26/3192083/buffalo-bills-training-camp-battles-linebacker

Per WGR 550's Joe Buscaglia (http://www.twitter.com/JoeB_WGR), aside from shoo-in starters Nick Barnett (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1921/nick-barnett) and Kelvin Sheppard (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/131203/kelvin-sheppard), three more players saw first-team reps in some capacity: veterans Kirk Morrison (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/3331/kirk-morrison) and Arthur Moats (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/108463/arthur-moats), as well as rookie fourth-round pick Nigel Bradham (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/155016/nigel-bradham). Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News reports that each player saw first-unit reps based on very specific packages. Morrison is the strong-side linebacker in the base defense, and Moats is seeing time as an additional pass rusher in certain nickel packages. Bradham, perhaps the second-best athlete at linebacker behind Barnett on the roster, may be getting reps because of his ability in coverage...

[ublinkwescore]

I have a really good feeling about bradham. Derrick brooks v 2.0

[OpIv37]

Moats as a situational pass rusher over Merriman?

[Skooby]

Day 1 drama, don't read into it.

[T-Long]

I think merriman is staying strictly at DE, not LB in the 4-3

[mayotm]

I have a really good feeling about bradham. Derrick brooks v 2.0That's a generous comparison. Brooks is a first ballot hall of famer.

[OpIv37]

I think merriman is staying strictly at DE, not LB in the 4-3

Interesting. So who would come out then? I'm assuming Anderson, as it would be stupid to take M Williams out in a pass rush situation.

Either that, or Anderson or M Williams could move inside while K Williams or Dareus could come out, essentially giving us a smaller but faster DL for the pass rush situation.

[ZAZusmc03]

In the other thread, I picked Bradham to be the guy that really steps up and contributes significantly as a rookie. I really like his athletic ability, I just hope he can keep up with the mental aspect.

[ServoBillieves]

Interesting. So who would come out then? I'm assuming Anderson, as it would be stupid to take M Williams out in a pass rush situation.

Either that, or Anderson or M Williams could move inside while K Williams or Dareus could come out, essentially giving us a smaller but faster DL for the pass rush situation.

That was my take on it as well. Moats is that wild card who will either drop back or rush, while Anderson - Williams - Williams - Merriman man the front 4. That's a nightmare matchup on the inside. Now I know that I'm playing armchair QB here but I'd assume Mario could jump inside with his frame.

[chernobylwraiths]

I have a feeling Moats won't make the final roster.

[superbills]

I have a feeling Moats won't make the final roster.

I don't think Moats is going anywhere. He's good on special teams as well and he has a decent contribution factor rushing the passer. I see him making the 53.

[MattyNH]

Interesting. So who would come out then? I'm assuming Anderson, as it would be stupid to take M Williams out in a pass rush situation.

Either that, or Anderson or M Williams could move inside while K Williams or Dareus could come out, essentially giving us a smaller but faster DL for the pass rush situation.

First, there will be a rotation, I agree M Williams will be in there for most pass rushing situations. It is entirely possible That Dareus or K Williams will be replaced on third and long with Merriman, where you will have 3 DE's on the field. The Giants play with 4 DE's on the DL in passing situations. But in any event, I think the stash will have a heavy rotation to keep guys fresh.

[BillsOverDolphins]

Great news...Bradham was probably my fav draft pick of the Bills. He's a sick athlete and his coverage skills will be invaluable against NE