Billszone: Tough Battles Expected in August

August 01, 2004

Posted at 11:01 AM

Tough Battles Expected in August

As a precursor to the opening of the Buffalo Bills training camp this month, we at BillsAddiction.com felt the time was right to break down the position battles that will be determined during training camp. Most of the starting positions are already set, but there are some positions in which minor battles will change the depth chart and 2 positions (LG and FS) that are open outright to competition.

First the battles on the offensive side of the ball:

Running Back - Willis McGahee vs. Travis Henry

McGahee is now 100% and ready to prove he is worth the 1st round pick the Bills used on him in the 2003 draft. Henry however has played and an elite level for 2 plus seasons and has constantly proven his toughness, dedication and ability. McGahee has yet to test his knee in full contract drills or a game, but has thus far been very impressive in non-contact mini camps. If McGahee shows the talent he had prior to the knee injury that would have had him drafted in the top 3 overall, it will be hard to keep him off the field for long. But Henry is the incumbent starter and deserves to keep his job until McGahee can prove he is clearly the superior player.

Projected starter: Henry, but expect his carries to drop as the season goes on.

Tight End – Mark Campbell vs. Ryan Neufeld vs. Tim Euhus vs. Jason Peters

Not a big competition here as Campbell is by far the most proven player. A solid blocker and descent receiver he is fearless over the middle. The bigger question is who is #2. Neufeld has shown promise in the past as both a blocker and receiver. Euhus was drafted for his receiving skills and may or may not be ready to contribute. The X factor here is Peters. The 300+lb behemoth OT/TE tweener, that has was signed as an undrafted free agent been, surprisingly impressive as a receiver and could throw a wrench into the depth chart. Camp will be a big factor as to who sticks and who goes. With a 3rd rounder tied up in Euhus, one would assume he makes the roster, so either Neufeld will be cut or Peters will be either cut or relegated to the practice squad. Projected starter: Campbell, but the 2nd spot on the depth chart will be very interesting as Mularkey is bound to use more 2 TE sets.

#2 Wide Receiver– Josh Reed vs. Lee Evans vs. Bobby Shaw

Mould is clearly #1. But the question of who is #2 to start the year will be very interesting, and most likely win-win. Evans is the 1st round speedster who is most likely better suited to play opposite Moulds as he can stretch the field better than Reed. Both have fantastic hands. Provided Evans (a 4 year college player) is ready to make any kind of an impact in his rookie year he should win the spot if only to move Reed back to the slot where is most effective. There is talk that Reed could become an elite slot receiver like a lesser Cris Carter. He definitely took a step back last year when asked to replace Price. Shaw played excellent football down the stretch last year, giving the Bills incredible depth at the position, but is unlikely to beat out Reed or Evans. Sam Aiken has been impressive in mini camp as well but is likely to be the #5 receiver.

Projected starter: Evans, although mainly because his abilities and Reed’s abilities fit better this way.

Left Guard – Mike Pucillo vs. Marques Sullivan vs. Ross Tucker

There is definitely a wide-open competition at left guard. Pucillo started the most last year, but faces tough competition from Tucker and Sullivan. Tucker seems to be the odds on favorite to win the job right now, but Sullivan had shown flashes of talent prior to last season when he took a big step backwards. If McNally can coach the best out of Sullivan he could win the job based on his talent, but that may be expecting too much too soon.

Projected starter: Tucker by a nose.

Over to the defense, where most spots are bit more settled:

Left Defensive End – Ryan Denney vs. Chris Kelsay

Tough call to make at the weakest position on the defense. Denney was the starter last year and played the run fairly well but was a non factor when it came to the pass rush. Kelsay was barely used at all much to the dismay of Jerry Gray who though he could help but was vetoed by Gregg Williams and Dick LeBeau. He should see more time this year no matter what. DE Keith McKenzie did a descent job in limited action last year.

Projected starter: Denney will start, based on his experience, unless Kelsay tears it up in camp. Expect Kelsay to see more playing time as the season wears on though.

Free Safety – Coy Wire vs. Izell Reese vs. Pierson Prioleau

Another position that is a wide open competition heading into camp is free safety. Wire is obviously the fan favorite to win the job, and he just may. Prioleau split time with Reese last year but is more likely to end up as the backup SS this year. Reese is the starter for now with Wire playing catch-up as he moves to another new position. Wire’s tenacity and hard hitting could win him the job if he learns fast enough. Reese has far more experience however. None of thee players will be in the top half of the league at the position however.

Projected starter: Reese, until Wire has enough time to learn the position well.

KR/PR - Antonio Brown vs Drew Haddad vs. Jonathan Smith vs others

Maybe the most interesting position to watch during camp. Brown has blazing speed but didn't impress very much last year. He didn't set himself very well while fielding punts and his first move was normally east-west instead of upfield. He seems to lack the vision and elusiveness to be effective on punts. He did somewhat better on kickoffs, but if he can't win the punt returner job, considering the depth of the WR's he will likely be cut. Since you can't teach that kind of speed, thenew coaching staff will likely take one last stab at teaching him to be a good returner during camp. If he does not improve that will open the door for Haddad or Smith. Haddad was recently signed to compete for the job and has been effective in NFLE and other places, although he does not have a great deal of speed. 7th rounder Johnathan Smith may be the best bet here. He was very good in college on returns, and his versatility and athletisism would make him an asset to Clements and Mularkey who like to have slash type players to use on certain trick plays. Clements and McGee are other options as both have a history of being good punt returners, but with Clements starting and McGee needing to concentrate on playing the Nickel the team would probably prefer not to have them handling special teams duties.

Projected starter: Jonathan Smith -he's the kind of versitile player this coaching staff likes and Brown has not shown enough elusiveness.

All these questions will be answered starting at the end of this month. now lets just hope the next few weeks fly by so we can find out who the winners are.

(Photos by Michael J Thomas, Associated Press)