(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
The Tampa 2, that’s what Buffalo’s base scheme is. It consists of smaller, speedier guys that fly to football with ease and employ the bend but don’t break philosophy. But what if there is something more?
Something that has been brewing and is being tweaked, tested, and tinkered with—occasionally on game days—the past three years under Dick Jauron.
Jauron likes to take a one step at a time approach; he prefers to have his players learn different facets of the game at his pace, rather than overwhelming his squad.
When you look at the majority of Jauron’s defensive player selection, he goes for guys that can play multiple positions.
So let’s take a look at his team: draft selections, free agency selections, and inherited players.
*Due to the sheer size of this piece, it will be running as a four part article. First the team, then the scheme.
DRAFT SELECTIONS
Donte Whitner, Ohio State, FS/SS, 5’10, 208 lbs
HOW ACQUIRED: 2006 NFL DRAFT, RD 1, PICK 8
Donte Whitner, Jauron’s first ever selection as Buffalo’s head coach, can play SS, FS, NB, and can even get the team out of a jam playing outside CB. It helps that he has an exceptional burst and that he likes to play mean.
Certain fans of the team like to rag on Whitner’s play due to a lack of big turnover plays. Perhaps this is the year Whitner starts dominating the defensive backfield.
John McCargo, NC State, UT/NT, 6’2, 307 lbs
HOW ACQUIRED: 2006 NFL DRAFT, RD 1, PICK 26
John McCargo—the unheralded DT out of N.C. State—can play UT in a 4-3 and most likely DE in a 3-4. The problem with him is health history and desire. Potential is the number one word associated with McCargo.
Unfortunately, a certain adjective called "realized" can’t be placed next to him. He should realize that now that Bob Sanders is here, teaching defensive line techniques such as counter moves, he has no excuses not to perform.
Ashton Youboty, Ohio State, CB, 5’11, 189 lbs
HOW ACQUIRED: 2006 NFL DRAFT, RD 3, PICK 70
Ashton Youboty’s career has been mired by one roadblock after another. In 2006 he lost his mother, which was a mental setback. In 2007 he battled for playing time, but was relegated to spot duty.
2008 looked to be a breakout year for Youboty, but Plantar fasciitis sidelined the promising NB’s career. Youboty has the size and speed to play both inside and outside corner positions.
He is another player that you can place in the untapped section.
Ko Simpson, South Carolina, FS, 6’1, 202 lbs
HOW ACQUIRED: 2006 NFL DRAFT, RD 4, PICK 105
Ko Simpson showed promise his rookie season as he recorded 77 tackles, a forced fumble and two interceptions. Since breaking his ankle in the 2007 home opener against Denver, he has relatively been a non-factor on the field.
Simpson needs to have a solid camp or he may be cut due to a certain rookie emerging, or because of solid veteran play. Either way, Simpson is on a very hot seat.
He could play CB in a zone based scheme.
Kyle Williams, LSU, NT/UT, 6’1, 306 lbs
HOW ACQUIRED: 2006 NFL DRAFT, RD 5, PICK 134
Kyle Williams has been viewed as a solid player since coming to Buffalo in 2006. He played in every game since becoming a Buffalo Bill, and has started 43 of those contests.
He could play NT or UT in 4-3 schemes and DE in a 3-4. This guy plays with a high motor. Although physically his potential is probably maxed out, his football IQ and awareness can continue to get better.
Keith Ellison, Oregon State, SLB/SS, 6’, 229 lbs
HOW ACQUIRED: 2006 NFL DRAFT, RD 6, PICK 178
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