Buffalo Bills' 2008 Preview: Getting To Know Your Offense

Evans didn't get many chances to shine last year, but had some spectacular catches deep down the field, and even on some end-zone fade routes, tip-toeing the sideline. His most spectacular catch was his game-winner against the Jets in Week Eight. Losman threw a pass that was under thrown late in the fourth quarter, with the Bills clinging to a 6-3 lead, and Evans fought through two Jets for the ball. He landed on his feet and kept running the rest of the way for an 85-yard score to win 13-3. The Bills will probably keep five wideouts on their 53-man roster and a practice squad player.

Tight End: Tight end is one of the team's weakest positions. They tried to address it over the offseason in free agency and in the draft. They have Robert Royal (6'4" 255 lbs) returning as the probable starter after offseason knee surgery. Royal is a sound blocker, but has shaky hands and fumble problems. Losing Michael Gaines was a big blow to this position, but he was not worth what the Lions gave him in my opinion.

I like the addition of Teyo Johnson, an early signing in January; it has gone under the radar. Johnson is a second-round pick (63rd overall) by the Raiders back in 2003 out of Stanford, where he played both football and basketball. He has good speed for a tight end, and is a big target at 6'6" and 260 pounds; he could be what the team is looking for at the position.

Another free agent brought in to compete is Courtney Anderson, another big tight end (6'6" 270 pounds) with the ability to stretch the field. The Bills still have Derek Schouman, a seventh-round choice last year and Tim Massaquoi a free-agent pickup last year. The Bills did draft a tight end this year with their second pick in the fourth round in Derek Fine out of Kansas. Fine is a decent receiver and a willing blocker, who will most likely make his mark on special teams this season.

The Bills will probably keep three tight ends instead of four on the 53-man roster, because of the fullback position will take up one of those spots. This should be a good battle to watch develop in training camp and through the preseason.

Offensive Line: One of our weakest positions has become one of our strongest, and looks to stay that way for a few more seasons. The improvement of Jason Peters on the left side has been remarkable. The addition of Derrick Dockery last season has been a good move, along with bringing in Langston Walker, a solid right tackle, and both were free-agent signings last year.

Brad Butler has been a nice surprise as well at the right guard. Melvin Fowler is a smart, technically sound center at the one spot on the O-line I thought they would bring in some serious competition. I think they will upgrade the position next year through the draft (see my "Looking Ahead" article for more info).

We have solid depth with Jason Whittle coming off of injured reserve, and Duke Preston as our interior backups, both also play special teams. Kirk Chambers is our swing tackle. We have some good, young talent on the way in rookie free-agent guard Robert Felton out of Arkansas, and seventh-round pick Demetrius Bell out of Northwestern, a former basketball center turned offensive tackle. We also have practice squad players Nevin McCaskill, Christian Gaddis, Patrick Estes, and tight end turned tackle Matt Murphy. 

This is one of the most solid lines in the league, and it will only be their second season together, so watch for more improvement. It is also one of the biggest lines in the league. The former 2004, college free-agent out of Arkansas, Jason Peters, who was a tight end there and is now a Pro-Bowl left tackle (and don't worry, he will get his money, he has every other year) is 6'4" 340 pounds.

Derrick Dockery, our road-grading right guard, a former third-round pick (81st overall) in the 2003 NFL draft out of Texas by the Redskins, is a massive 6'6" 330 pounds.

At center we have the former Brown and Viking Melvin Fowler, a third-round pick (76th overall) in the 2002 draft, who stands in at 6'3" 310 pounds. Our starting right guard is our fifth-round pick (143rd overall) in 2006 out of Virginia, Brad Butler, who is 6'7" 315 pounds.

Langston Walker was a second-round pick (57th overall) out of California in the 2002 draft by the Raiders is our huge, right tackle who weighs at 366 pounds and 6'8". That's 1,661 pounds of protection for Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch. The Bills will probably keep nine offensive linemen on their 53-man roster and two on the practice squad.

I am going to put out a "Breaking Down the 2008 Buffalo Bills: Getting to Know Your Defense", discussing the improved defense and special teams very soon.

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