To reiterate my point from yesterday, the Bills’ front 5 should look exactly the same in ‘08, as it did a season ago.  On the other hand, there is the little issue of Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters, and his tantrum with management.  With that in mind, a couple young, and not so young players have the opportunity to get the reps, and open the eyes of the coaching staff.  And for one or two of them, it may pay dividends.

Current Roster Players (In order of NFL experience)

Langston Walker - Entering his 7th NFL season - 2nd with the Bills

Matt Murphy - Entering 6th NFL season - 2nd full season with the Bills

Jason Peters - Entering 5th NFL season - 5th with the Bills

Kirk Chambers - Entering 4th NFL season - 2nd with the Bills

Patrick Estes - Entering 4th NFL season - 1st full season with the Bills

Nevin McCaskill - Entering 2nd NFL season - 2nd season with the Bills

Demetrius Bell - Rookie

The starters

Sadly, the only player from this group that I can peg with 100% confidence as a starter, is right tackle Langston Walker.  Obviously, Jason Peters will have the job as Buffalo’s starting left tackle for as long as he desires, once he and the Bills work out a deal - a deal that I will say with 90% confidence, gets done.

Battle for back-ups

Because of Peters’ contract dispute, I’m sure a few players are coming into camp with eyes as wide as saucers.  Among these, are 4th year Stanford product Kirk Chambers, and 4th year Virginia man Patrick Estes.  I’m sure Chambers expects that he will be the man going in Peters’ stead if an agreement between he and ownership is not reached.  And, despite his lackluster performances against the Giants and Eagles the final two weeks of the season a year ago, he is probably right.  That is, unless Estes can make an impression to the coaching staff that would warrant reconsideration.  He may not have a boatload of playing experience, but he has been around - something the Bills would prefer in their current situation.   Also lying in the weeds among this crop, is young 7th round draft pick Demetrius Bell, who may not have much football experience, but will stand out with his athleticism.  In the end, I think Chambers wins the back up job, at least on the left side.

Who to watch for

You’ve heard it from me before, but you’ll here it again.  I loved the draft selection of Demetrius Bell, and he will have my undivided attention as training camp gets underway.  His raw athletic ability puts him strides above some of the others seeking to wiggle their way onto the final roster.  That said, he should not be expected to see any action this season, barring a series of injuries.  He is certainly a project, but it will be exciting to watch his progression in the upcoming weeks.

Potentially Shocking Cut

For the first time in this training camp series, I have absolutely no inclination to believe that there will be a surprise cut.

Final Predictions

Quantity Kept: Five.  Without the project in Bell, I would have gone with four, but I can’t see the Bills going with only 3 NFL ready players at the most important position on the field behind the quarterback.  Moreover, their flexibility at other positions has created the room.  Thus, Estes sneaks into the fray due to his experience - as limited as it may be.  This of course, is all assuming that the Bills hammer out a deal with disgruntled star Jason Peters. 

Players Cut: McCaskill, Murphy.  Murphy seems like an ideal fit with his flexibility between tackle and tight end, but the Bills already have one project, and Murphy is not valuable enough to make it two.

Practice Squad Candidates: Normally, I would have tagged the aforementioned Bell here, but I fear his upside could see the Bills losing him if they let him go - even for a short time.  But, because I anticipate Buffalo making him a part of the active roster, I won’t predict any OT’s heading to the practice squad.

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