Who Will Step Up In 2010

Every year on each NFL team, players step up and become something great.  It happened to players such as Desean Jackson and Miles Austin, and Tracy Porter as well.  Last year the Bills had a few of those players.  Kyle Williams went from being a average DT, to a playmaking DT.  Jarious Byrd stepped in after injuries to the Safety postiton and tied for interceptions on the season.  It also happened to George Wilson who played great after stepping in at Strong Safety as a result of injuries.  The question is who will go from being on the Bubble this season, to becoming a core player.

Trent Edwards QB:  I know you all are sick of this, but I believe any Quarterback can be good if they have a coordinator who understands them, and provides consistency.  I thought JP Losman could have been a good QB too (he broke multiple records at the QB position).  Trent Edwards though will benefit from having experience on the line this season.  And I fully expect the Gailey to provide Edwards a chance for the starting job.  However, I do believe Troy Smith would give us a good option.  Remember he was going to be the starter for the Ravens before he got the Flu and Flacco played great.

James Hardy WR:  His injury cost him much of the season, and realistically he probably need more time for his knee and this offseason will make sure he will be ready.  Last season he watched tape and also learned behind T.O.  He got a better feel for the pro game.  And now he will have the chance to go through off-season workouts and get involved in this offense.  Stats: 50 completions,700 yards, 8 TD's

Steve Johnson WR:  When the Bills selected Steve Johnson in the draft I was extremely excited.  He is loved by most hardcore Bills fans because of his learning in the Pro-style offense in college.  To me he showed in his rookie season that he could play the pro game.  Personally I think he already deserved the Slot receiver position.  He has great hands and is a nice target.  He also possesses above average speed for the slot position.  If awarded the slot position expect, 44 completions, 497 yards, 3 TD's.

Shawn Nelson TE:  Shawn Nelson was viewed as a steal in the 4th round of the draft.   He had great receiving skills coming out of college, but his blocking was below average.  With injuries to the Tight End position he was thrust into the lineup.  Though he missed some games from Migraines, he still flashed great catching abilities with some tough catches in traffic.  He is a nice big target for our QB and I believe he will start the season as the starter.  Stats:  39 catches, 440 yards, 4 TDs

Aaron Maybin OLB: With the Bills switching to a 3-4 defense, this gives Maybin the opportunity to face more tight ends instead of tackles when rushing the Quarterback.  He has a quick first step but was too small to play defensive end.  However, now he is the perfect OLB.  If he gains around 8 pounds of muscle I expect him to have a big season.  Stats:  54 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles.

These are the players that I think will step up in the 2010 season.  Most of them have shown some type of flash in the past.  And now with a new coach and another year of experience, I believe they will finally make the jump.