Projected Starters for 2011/12

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ARIZONA CARDINALS 2011​

The Cardinals were able to make some key acquisitions through the draft, free agency and via trade. The buzz around Arizona is that they may have drafted the best player in the class in Patrick Peterson. The former LSU Tiger All-American will impact the Cardinals secondary immediately especially after trading Dominique Rogers-Cromartie. He will also impact the Cardinals return game as he was one of the most feared return men in college football. ​

The Cards also added Kevin Kolb. Kolb is the starter and he will be counted on to produce. The NFC West is a weak division and the Cards felt he was the missing link.​

The Cards also brought in TE Todd Heap. Heap was a salary cap casualty in Baltimore. He has fought injuries over the last few years but if healthy he could post huge numbers and keep safeties off of Fitzgerald.​

PROJECTED STARTERS​

OFFENSE​

PRO​

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KOLB MAKING PROGRESS IN CARDS CAMP​

QB - Kevin Kolb​

HB - Chris Wells​

WR - Larry Fitzgerald​

WR - Andre Roberts​

TE - Todd Heap​

TE - Jeff King​

T - Levi Brown​

G - Rex Hadnot​

C - Brent Sendlein​

G - Daryn Colledge​

T - Brandon Keith​

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FITZGERALD IS EXCITED ABOUT HEAP AND KOLB​

Kolb is the key. Thats all that really needs to be said. However in order for Kolb to look good, he has to stay clean. The offensive line is more than a question mark. Levi Brown is very good but other than his play, the inconsistency is alarming. Chris Wells will need to show that he wants to eb the man or he may be shipped off. The Cardinals drafted Ryan Williams a RB out of Virginia Tech that has been turning heads since his arrival. As mentioned above Todd Heap's resurgence could mean more space for Larry Fitzgerald to dominate secondaries. The Cards lack a real option as a #2 WR so look for them to make a move. ​

DEFENSE​

3-4​

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DOCKETT NEEDS TO REGAIN FORM​

DE - Calais Campbell​

NT - Dan Williams​

DT - Darnell Dockett ​

OLB - Joey Porter​

ILB - Stewart Bradley​

ILB - Paris Lenon​

OLB - Clark Haggans​

CB - Patrick Peterson​

CB - Greg Toler​

FS - Kerry Rhodes​

SS - Adrian Wilson​

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WILSON WILL HELP GROOM P.P.​

The Cardinals defense is a mystery. They have the potential to be very good if they get great play from some of its older starters. Those being Joey Porter Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Wilson. If these players dip into the fountain of youth, the Cards defense can turn into a strength. An overlooked free agency deal that instantly improved the Cardinals defense was the addition of Stewart Bradley as an ILB. The Cards must get a better pass rush. Calais Campbell has shown some promise and Darnell Dockett is a top 10 defensive lineman in the NFL when he is interested. If Peterson is the impact player that his body, film, and athletic ability show, then the Cardinals could be on their way to an NFC West crown.​

SPECIAL TEAMS​

K- Jay Feeley​

P - TBD​

KR - Andre Roberts​

PR - Patrick Peterson​

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FEELEY CONTINUES TO LIFT WEIGHTS​

Roberts has major speed and had a nice rookie year out of the Citadel. Peterson will look to follow the footsteps of Darrell Green and Deion Sanders as great returners from the Corner back position. ​

Look for the titans to display their roster either tonight when I get on CPU( currently on phone) or tomorrow when I get back from vacation!

http://forums.traditionsportsonline.com/threads/tso-apparel-new-cotton-tee-design.60609/#post-664834

2011 Minnesota Vikings​

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Donavan McNabb could be the starting QB come Week 1. Only time will tell. He has the weapons around him to make magic again. Many questions are surrounding #5. Not only is he coming off a terrible season with the Washington Redskins, he has to learn a new offense and create timing with new receivers.​

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The Vikings surprised many by taking Christian Ponder in the first round with the #12 pick. A very smart, young man who can learn a lot from a crafty vet in McNabb should be our future franchise QB. The question is, when will he get his chance?​

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Adrian Peterson is the go-to-guy on this Viking offense and will determine how far it can go. If the passing game can be decent, look for AP to get monster stats. He is the best running back in the NFC if not the whole NFL.​

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Percy Harvin has to step up this year with the loss of Sidney Rice. The additions of Michael Jenkins and Devin Aromashodu along with Bernard Berrian doesn't leave #12 in shambles. He will still be able to play his normal slot position but he needs to stay as healthy as possible and make the big plays we know he can make.​

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Kyle Rudolph and Visanthe Shiancoe are the remaining pieces to the puzzle that should help out the quarterback tremendously.​

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The Defensive Line - Minus Ray Edwards, this defense is still a very good one. Anchored by the Williams wall, the Vikings are hoping to get a couple more years out of them. With Jared Allen rushing from the outside, we are looking for some guys to step up. Look for Brian Robison, Everson Griffin, Tremaine Johnson as well as rookie Christian Ballard.​

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E.J. Henderson's return shocked NFL fans, players and coaches. He ended up with 105 tackles, 1 sack and 3 interceptions. He is the leader of the defense and teams up with former Hawkeye Chad Greenway. The loss of Ben Leber leaves a void in the line backer unit but we will fill that somehow.​

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The Vikings secondary hasn't always been the strongest. A couple of players to watch for are Chris Cook and Mistral Raymond. A 2nd year player and a rookie who have caught my eye but they have to perform first to get any real attention. We also have Asher Allen who hails from the SEC's Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Longhorn Cedric Griffin. Of course, the veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield should help mentor some of the young guys. We need to pick up a safety, BAD. ​

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Oakland Raiders Projected Starters 2011​

The Boys are Back!​

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Offense​

QB: Jason Campbell
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HB: Darren McFadden
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TE: Kevin Boss
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WR: Louis Murphy​

WR: Darrius Heyward-Bey
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WR: Jacoby Ford
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LT: Jared Veldheer​

LG: Daniel Loper​

C: Samson Satele​

RG: Cooper Carlisle​

RT: Khalif Barnes​

The offense lost a couple of key players in TE Zach Miller and G Robert Gallery, it looks like the Raider offense will go as McFadden goes as Jason Campbell has showed his whole career that he is mediocre at best, The Raiders have a young and speedy wide receiving core and if they can get the ball in space they can do some real damage but to many dropped balls and poor passes continually hurt the offense so things are going to have to change around here if we are going to win.​

WE Go AS McFadden Goes!​

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Offensive Rookies:​

Denarius Moore WR is having a good camp and can possible get in some 4 and 5 wide packages hopefully could step in incase of an injury​

Stefan Wisneiski C Might have to make room for this guy on the line if things dont go well early as he needs the experience​

David Ausberry TE big guy with decent speed could be a good receiving TE in the future​

Defense (4-3)​

DE: Lamarr Houston​

DT: Richard Seymour​

DT: Tommy Kelly​

DE: Matt Shaugnessy​

OLB: Quentin Groves​

MLB: Rolando McClain​

OLB: Kamerion Wimbley​

SS Tyvon Branch​

FS: Michael Huff​

CB: Stanford Routt​

CB: Chris Johnson​

With the departure of Asomugha it will be hard pressed for this defense to repeat last years performance having the #2 rated pass defense, the run defense was ranked in the lower tier of the league and they were 11th in the league in total yards allowed. The Raiders have some good, young talented players on defense including Matt Shaugnessy who hopes to improve on his 7 sacks last year, Tyvon Branch who lead the Raiders in tackles last year and second year player Rolando McClain who hopes to improve on a really good rookie year. The defense should be steady but will need to get constant pass rush so there DB's dont get used and abused on the outside.​

Defensive Rookies:​

DeMarcus Van Dyke CB, typical Raider corner with great speed we would love to see this guy take over a starting spot with a solid training camp​

We Know Raider Nation is Ready!​

Your starter!?

Never heard of him. What position does he play?

Get a new shirt for your wife

I fully intend to buy some apparel. As soon as I get my new debit card and set it up with pay pal....u guys need to just set up a direct credit card payment option.

You don't have to do anything with PAYPAL...if you have a standard Credit or Debit Card you can just pay the invoice that gets emailed to you.

Well that'd been nice to know when these things came out lol. I'll order something today!

Tennessee Titans 2011 Projected Depth Chart​

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Moving Forward with this guy behind the playbook. ​

QB: Matt Hasselback​

HB: Chris Johnson​

FB: Ahmad Hall​

WR's: Kenny Britt, Nate Washington​

TE: Jared Cook, Craig Stevens and Daniel Graham in hunt​

LT: Michael Roos​

LG: Leroy Harris​

C: Eugene Amano​

RG: Jake Scott​

RT: David Stewart​

LE: Derrick Morgan​

DT: Shaun Smith​

DT: Sen'Derrick Marks​

RE: Jason Jones​

OLB: Akeem Ayers​

MLB: Barrett Rudd​

OLB: Will Witherspoon​

CB:Jason McCourty ​

SS: Chris Hope​

FS: Michael Griffin​

CB: Cortland Finnegan​

We’ll start with the offense and do the defense tomorrow.

QB – #7 Ben Roethlisberger

Easy enough, he won’t be dealing with a suspension this season, and will be playing with a chip on his shoulder, losing your first Super Bowl tends to do that to you after all. Commonly considered one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL today, and being poised to strike into the history books more so than he already has by getting to and winning the big game again expect a big year from the bulky passer.

RB – #34 Rashard Mendenhall

I’ve heard and read some things stating that Mendenhall will be traded, released, etc. because of his comments on Twitter. Let’s put that to rest, it won’t happen. It only happened with Santonio Holmes because he was literally talking about illegal substances, Mendenhall was simply professing a belief he holds that has it’s roots in his fate. And to be honest, a lot worse things have happened because of religious beliefs than a few ill-advised Tweets. He has gotten progressively better every year that he’s been in the league, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin has no plan to lessen the workload placed upon the back.

FB #85 David Johnson

Sure, he’s not an old school type of fullback that’s going to flatten defenders in front of him, but he is a serviceable player at two separate offensive positions with his ability to play both tight end and fullback. I gave him a rather harsh grade on the 2009 NFL Draft Grades, but that was mostly due to the fact that his stats are lethargic at best, even though I should have taken into consideration the fact that he was a 7th round pick. He’s not going anywhere next year, and will more than likely continue to improve.

WR #17 Mike Wallace

This is the year that Mike Wallace succeeds longtime number one option Hines Ward for the Steelers. That’s not knocking Ward either, he’ll likely have a better go against number two corner backs anyway. Wallace and Roethlisberger are becoming one of the NFL’s deadliest duos, with a nearly unparalleled deep threat that ranks among the best in the storied history of the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is Wallace’s chance to step up and take control of the receiving corps and show Ward that he’s been the best teacher #17 could ask for.

WR #86 Hines Ward

You didn’t think he wouldn’t be starting, did you? Hines Ward is as synonymous with Steelers football as blue collar workers are to the town that the team resides in. The most decorated receiver in Steelers history is back for another Super Bowl run with the team that drafted him (something that not many players can claim) and he’s not going to quit until he has three of those rings on his fingers. Not to mention, he literally just won the 12th season of Dancing With The Stars. He’s just a winner.

TE #83 Heath Miller

Miller is the prototypical tight end, and more importantly, the prototypical Steelers player. Always humble, and always leaving it all on the field I was reading an interview with him a few weeks ago, and saw a story that truly speaks for the kind of player, leader, and man that he is. Apparently while in high school (playing quarterback nonetheless) his receiver caught a pass and was thrown the ground rather roughly, had gotten up and thrown a chunk of dirt at the defender. Back in the huddle, Miller calmly looked at him and told him that if he ever did anything like that again, he was never getting another pass from him. Heath remains one of the most underrated players throughout the league, much like Houston’s Owen Daniels was underrated for years before becoming overrated. He possesses some of the softest hands for a tight end and an uncanny ability to shred zone coverage.

LT #78 Max Starks

A revolving door or not along the offensive line, Starks was one of the more consistent players on the line in the past few years, showing a vast improvement after moving to left tackle years ago. Had he not been placed on injured reserve before last season, he would have started at the position in the season opener. And while the Steelers selected Marcus Gilbert in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, they may want to allow him some time to learn the position and the offensive scheme, though it wouldn’t be unheard of if Gilbert got some heavy playing time as the year goes on.

LG #68 Chris Kemoeatu

He’s developed into one of the better pulling guards in the league, a far cry from where he started. Though, his pass protection is weak in comparison to most starting guards at the NFL level, he’s serviceable enough to remain the starter for a Steelers offense that has no elite player at the position.

C #53 Maurkice Pouncey

There are two Pouncey’s in the NFL now, but there’s only one in the hearts of Steelers fan. The Pro Bowl rookie center from Florida that reminded fans of the day of Dermontti Dawson. He suffered an injury during the AFC Championship game, missing the Super Bowl and you have to believe that like Roethlisberger he’s going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder. For a player that’s already considered among the best at his position after just one year the fact that the best is yet to come is a blessing to Steelers fans and a curse to their opponents.

RG #73 Ramon Foster

Foster stepped in and performed admirably next to Pouncey and Adams last season, and looks to take control of the position for next season. There will definitely be a heated battle between a quartet of different players during training camp, and without a doubt will be among the most interesting ones to watch when that time comes.

RT #71 Flozell Adams

Adams was a longtime stalwart along the Dallas Cowboys offensive line, failing to start only 14 games since 1998. He’s definitely sliding quickly on the slope towards retirement, but at the moment, the Steelers need him to play this position next year. He’s not the player that he was for the Cowboys, but he’s still got his noted mean streak and can still be a crushing run blocker. This is likely his last year in the NFL, and he’ll more than likely see Canton in his future.

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New York Football Giants -2011 Starting Roster​

*Subject to Change*​

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Offense​

QB - Eli Manning​

RB - Ahmad Bradshaw​

FB - Henry Hynoski​

WR - Hakeem Nicks​

WR - Mario Manningham​

TE - Travis Beckum​

LT - Will Beatty​

LG - David Diehl​

C - David Baas​

RG - Chris Snee​

RT - Kareem McKenzie​

The offense will be successful as long as the new offense line can gel early. With the release of veterans O'Hara and Seubert, the new look line has work to do in a short amount of time to keep QB Eli Manning sane. The Giants were able to bring back Ahmad Bradshaw, and Bradshaw needs this line to give him running lanes. Bradshaw and Jacobs will continue to be the 1-2 punch, but Jacobs needs to keep his head on his shoulders and not get out of hand. He is on a hot seat to perform well and get back to the guy who runs over and through guys. At the TE position, NY has Travis Beckum destined to be the starter, but offseason injuries could plague that. After losing Boss to Oakland...yes Oakland, the Giants will rely on Beckum and Bear Pascoe. Probably the best looking spot on this roster is the WR position, and NY has good ones. Hakeem Nicks will be the leader of the pack and Mario Manningham also will showcase his talents. The 3rd WR is where it does get a little questionable. New York missed on on Plaxico and got played by a true USC Trojan in Steve Smith. Fortunately for the Giants, they do have Domenik Hixon. Hixon has shown promise in the past and will be a good asset to NY. Also look for Victor Cruz and rookie Jerrel Jernigan to see the field.​

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Defense (4-3)​

LE - Justin Tuck​

DT - Linval Joseph​

DT - Chris Canty​

RE - Osi Umenyiora​

WLB - Michael Boley​

MLB - Jonathan Goff​

SLB - Mathias Kiwanuka​

CB - Corey Webster​

CB - Terrel Thomas​

FS - Antrel Rolle​

SS - Kenny Phillips​

The defense of the Giants should be very solid this season. Osi Umenyiora has had his controversy and could yield his starting RE position to Jason Pierre-Paul if traded, but for now he will start. Pierre-Paul will see plenty of playing time as the front 7 can essentially be interchangeable. Kiwanuka can drop to an end position as well and LBs Clint Sintim and rookie Greg Jones are capable of filling that hole. The defensive back spot is also deep. Webster and Thomas will start at CB as Thomas showed plenty of skill last season. Also look for Aaron Ross, Brian Witherspoon, and rookie 1st round pick Prince Amukumara to be on the field. At safety, Rolle and KP will be the leaders and eyes of the defense, but we have seen great things coming from rookie Tyler Sash.​

DEFENSE FOR STEELERS

Keisel is the prototypical 3-4 defensive lineman, he does his job, and goes home. He won’t receive accolades (although he has been to the Pro Bowl once) and he won’t generally be seen on ESPN’s Top Ten Plays (although he’s done that once as well), but the thing about him is that he has a motor that just doesn’t stop. After being selected in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft, he stepped into a starting position in 2006 and has started every game in which he’s played since. He has missed games the past three years due to injuries, but that’s to be expected when players get older and their bodies aren’t in the same condition that they were at age 21. Barring a phenomenal pre-season performance by rookie Cameron Heyward and former first round pick Ziggy Hood, Keisel will retain his starting spot in 2011.

Nose Tackle #98 Casey Hampton

Lovingly referred to on Steelers Chronicle as Mount Hampton, he remains one of the best at his position, despite being in his mid-thirties at a physically grueling position. He, like the other Steelers defensive linemen are the unsung heroes of the defense, as it all starts with them. He’s a five time Pro Bowler who has been the starter since his rookie year. The Steelers will have to replace him within the next few years, and it’s going to be a tough void to fill.

Defensive End #91 Aaron Smith

Like Keisel, Smith has been to only a single Pro Bowl, though most would agree that his importance to one of the best teams of the past decade would demand more than a single nod in that regard. His age has seemingly caught up to him, in the form of nagging injuries to his shoulder, which has cost him all but 11 games over the past two seasons. Smith is a vital cog to the Steelers defense, and, should he be able to stay on the field will look to get back to his old form in 2011.

Outside Linebacker #92 James Harrison

Harrison got off to a slow start to his career, but once the momentum built up, the undrafted linebacker from Kent State hasn’t stopped moving. Earning four trips to the Pro Bowl, along with two First Team All Pro Selections and a Defensive Player of The Year Award he has accumulated double digit sacks in each of the past three seasons, including 16 three years ago. He’s had multiple back surgeries, but by all accounts seems to be doing well on the road to recovery.

Inside Linebacker #51 James Farrior

The Ultimate Farrior has started all 140 games that he has been healthy for since coming to Pittsburgh in 2002, while earning two trips to the Pro Bowl and one First Team All Pro selection. To add to that, he’s also became a fan favorite in his time with the Steelers. He’s getting older, but still has some gas left in the tank. He is the unquestioned leader of the defense, and has helped groom more than a few players into what they are today.

Inside Linebacker #94 Lawrence Timmons

Timmons is a good inside linebacker, with the potential to be a great outside linebacker, should the opening ever truly arise in Pittsburgh. He has the speed to cover running backs and tight ends, with the strength to take on ball carriers, with the agility and move set to rush the quarterback very well for an inside linebacker. Timmons is the future of the Steelers linebacking corps, and is in no danger of losing his job anytime soon.

Outside Linebacker #56 LaMarr Woodley

Like his bookend, Harrison, Woodley has put up very good numbers in the sack department over the past three seasons, surpassing double digits every year. He keeps putting on weight, and as long as it doesn’t sacrifice too much speed, it can only help him get past offensive tackles, who have learned to expect him coming hard from the edge.

Corner Back #24 Ike Taylor

Taylor is the Steelers number one priority at this point, getting him signed as soon as the lockout is lifted is absolutely vital to the team’s success in 2011. He has remained the Steelers most consistent corner over the years, and while he’s not going to make the highlight reel because of his inability to come down with the ball, he is a very solid cover corner, with the ability to take on the number one receiver of virtually any team. He’s not expected to take a ‘hometown’ discount, but will command and deserve market value.

Cornerback #20 Bryant McFadden

McFadden is the best of the remaining corners on the roster, with the rookies being an unknown value at this point, and with the others showing gaping holes in their games. That’s not to say that McFadden is a terrible corner, which he’s not, he is just more suited to a free safety position at this point in his career. The best facet of his game is his tackling, which would make him ideal to replace Ryan Clark.

Free Safety #25 Ryan Clark

Clark is mainly known for his hard hitting abilities, but with the new rule changes in the NFL, those tactics aren’t going to prove useful, unless you think that 15 yard penalties are useful. Clark is a good teammate, and has overcome a lot to become the Steelers starter, but he’s nearing the end of his career in the black and gold.

Strong Safety #43 Troy Polamalu

The reigning Defensive Player of The Year has had some injury issues the past few years, and without the re-signing of Ike Taylor will no longer be able to play his roamer style of safety play, as he’ll be too busy giving help over the top in coverage. He’s about average as far as missed tackles go for a safety, but his leadership and instincts all but make up for that. Add to that the fact that when a play needs to be made, there’s a 90% chance that he’s going to be the one to make it, and you can see why he’s commonly regarded as the best safety in football.

Buffalo Bills ​

Offensive Starters​

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QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick​

HB: C.J Spiller & Fred Jackson​

FB: Corey McIntyre​

WR: Steve Johnson​

WR: Roscoe Parish​

TE: Shawn Nelson​

LT: Demetrius Bell​

LG: Andy Levitre​

C: George Hangartner​

RG: Eric Wood​

RT: Erik Pears​

Though the offense has lost a big piece in Lee Evans, there is still some good pieces. Steve Johnson, C.J Spiller and Ryan Fitzpatrick will be key this season. The signing of Brad Smith will give another dimension to the offense as it have opportunity to show their new Wildcat formation. Fitzpatrick has a very strong arm and is very capable of putting together a nice season. Running backs, C.J Spiller and Fred Jackson are looking to improve on their difficult 2010 season. While Jackson almost had a 1000 yards season, Spiller rushed for 283 yards. He will have to be a much bigger impact player to get the Bills to the next level. The WR's aren't a strenght. Besides Johnson, the talents drops quite a bit. At the TE position, the potential is there with Shawn Nelson. The offensive line is another area where it will need to improve. The G's Wood and Levitre are pretty decent, but the T's and C are concerning. The Bills might be looking to add some piece up front to give Ryan Fitzpatrick more weapons to work with.​

Defensive Starters (3-4)​

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LDE: Marcell Dareus​

NT: Kyle Williams​

RDE: Dwan Edwards​

LOLB: Chris Kelsay​

MLB: Nick Barnett​

MLB: Andra Davis​

ROLB: Shawne Merriman​

CB: Terrence McGee​

CB: Leodis McKelvin​

FS: George Wilson​

SS: Jairus Byrd​

The defense is very promising is Buffalo. The DL has some great piece in Kyle Williams, Dwan Edwards an rookie Marcell Dareus. The loss of Paul Poszluzny will certainly hurt, but the Bills hope that free agent acquisition Nick Barnett will fill the void. In the secondary, the Bills are well equiped with CB's Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin. With a year under his belt, SS Jairus Byrd should continue to develop. If Shawne Merriman to his Pro Bowl form, the Bills should be able to put some great pressure on opposing QB's. Buffalo has some good depth on the DL with DE Alex Carringtion, NT Torrell Troup who are young players with great potential.​