Buffalo Bills Sleepers: Players That Will Surprise in 2009

The Bills have been in camp for over a week now, and believe it or not, in another week, we'll be watching them playing live football in the Hall of Fame game. How the time does fly.

I remember a time when I was under the impression that training camp was meaningless summer practices that prepared teams for the regular season - walkthroughs from basic formations and half speed plays. Boy was I wrong. Sometimes we forget that when the players hit the field on Kickoff Weekend they've been going at it for over a month.

Training camp is different for everyone. The entrenched starters use camp to scrap off rust, rejuvenate their competitive spirit, and work to become one of the league's elite. Their performances, good or bad, are well documented. If the Edwards to Owens hookup looks like it might have the possibility of recreating the Kelly to Reed magic, you'll know. If Owens and Edwards are already bickering, you'll know. If the offensive line looks slow and porous, you'll know.

Training camp is also a time when rookies, 2nd string, and even 3rd string players get their shot at impressing the coaches, their chance to display that they've worked hard enough to garner a more significant role on the team.

Many teams have had players go from pleasant surprises during camp to household names by mid-season. The Bills have had them as well. Fred Jackson, Jason Peters, Steve Tasker, Jabari Greer, Terrence McGee to name a few. 

This season's no different. Here's a few guys that should use training camp as a springboard to a great 2009 season.

Roscoe Parrish - He's entering his fifth year with the team, so it'd be incorrect to call him inexperienced, although he hasn't exactly accumulated great statistics. He surpassed 1,000 receiving yards on his career last season, and he's reached the paint only five times from the wideout position. He's known for his remarkable return ability, as he's returned 3 punts for touchdowns in his first four seasons.

Many believe he can't beat press coverage at the line, but this season I can't imagine offensive coordinator Turk Schonert not calling his number more often. I've said it before, they need to use Parrish like Wes Welker and I believe they will.

With Owens and Evans occupying double and triple coverage on the outside, Parrish will have more than enough room to run, spin, juke, and break ankles down the middle of the field. Look for 40-45 catches while nearing 500 yards receiving. 

Bryan Scott - Though he's been a consistently mediocre player during his tenure as a Buffalo Bill, Scott has what it takes to become a great strong safety. He manned the position when Ko Simpson continued to disappoint last season ( I'll get to him in later ) and held his own. He matched up well against Antonio Gates, and Tony Gonzalez, plus his size allows him to be a great run-stopper.

With rumors swirling in Buffalo that Donte Whitner will be utilized more as a free safety with hopes to yield more turnovers from the defense's vocal leader, Scott can feast on running plays, while covering team's tight ends, something he's shown he can do without being a glaring weakness.

His work's cut out for him in 2009, as he'll be covering the likes of Kellen Winslow, Jeremy Shockey, Dallas Clark, Tony Gonzalez and Owen Daniels. Scott shouldn't have a problem containing opposing backs when he's the eighth man in the box, but he'll surely be tested in coverage. I think he's up for the challenge. 

Dominic Rhodes - BuffaloBills.com recently ran a story on Rhodes' familiarity with the no-huddle offense, that has been a fixture of Bills' training camp thus far. His experience with the fast-pace attack will be invaluable for the Bills this season. He's worked alongside the most efficient operator in Peyton Manning, and I wouldn't be shocked if Rhodes provides great insight on how to tweak the no-huddle when Buffalo's having a tough time executing. 

I'm as upset as much as the next guy that Marshawn Lynch is suspended for the season's first three games, but it may be a blessing in disguise for the Bills. Rhodes and Jackson can create a good rhythm together, and Buffalo will be forced to use Rhodes often, something I'm not sure they would have done had Lynch not been suspended.

They'll like what they see out of the former Indianapolis Colt, because his versatility can't be ignored. Not a monster statistical season for Rhodes, but he'll be an integral part of the Bills offense in 2009. 

That's the good news. Potential under the radar players, contributing in an unexpected, positive way.

Now the bad news. 

These Buffalo Bills have been great at one thing thus far in their careers - being a major disappointment.

Although I'd love to think they may revitalize their careers in a hype-filled 2009, I just don't see it happening.

Ko Simpson - A former fourth round pick out of South Carolina in 2006, Simpson won the starting safety role after a rookie season where he picked off two passes and forced a fumble. He hasn't been involved in a turnover since. He was lost after the Denver Broncos game opening weekend in 2007, and he regressed last season from his respectable rookie campaign.

With Donte Whitner, Bryan Scott, John Wendling, George Wilson, and rookie turnover specialist Jarius Byrd forming a logjam at the safety spot, Simpson may be on the outside looking in, if he doesn't become more aggressive in the secondary.

He's been given somewhat of a second chance, because Byrd hasn't seen the playing field thus far, and may not be inserted into the starting lineup until the third or fourth preseason game. The Bills are reportedly looking to institute a three safety look, which may shed more hope for Simpson, but expect the starting back line to be Whitner, Scott, and Byrd.  

Any Tight End - The position as a whole has been more frustrating for the Bills offense than one particular player and production hasn't been established, and I don't see much change in the tight end's production this season. Shawn Nelson has the ability to become a great pass-catching target down the seam, but it's a tough transition from Conference USA competition to the NFL, so don't expect much. 

I like the Dereks, Fine and Schouman, but they don't possess the speed, agility, or escapability to stretch the field. You'll hear more from them this season as they're slated as the starters heading into the regular season, but their value lies in blitz pickups and catching short play-action role outs. The tight end position remains the Bills biggest offensive liability. 

Ryan Denney - I recently wrote that I'm expecting the Bills pass rush to show progression in 2009, and Denney gathered 4 sacks in 2008, but any revitalization will come from elsewhere. Denney is one of the higher paid players on the team, and I don't think he'll live up to the 2.4 million he's owed this season. He's never eclipsed 6 sacks and he often disappears for long stretches during a game. With Chris Ellis having an inspired camp, Aaron Schobel back and Aaron Maybin lurking in the distance, Denney may be out of a starting job.

Keep a close eye on these players during this season. Their play will be pivotal in the Bills' failure or success.