SportingNews.com - NFL - Bills Team Report
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DE Anthony Hargrove's four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy cuts into the team's defensive line depth. The defensive end position remains in good shape with the experienced three-man rotation of Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney. But Hargrove's absence would hurt if one of those three players went down with an injury. In addition, he has the ability to slide inside to tackle in passing situations and is effective on special teams will be missed. Hargrove's suspension comes on the heels of his arrest on August 5 for allegedly striking a police officer. He pled not guilty to three misdemeanor charges. He could be subjected to further discipline if the league finds that his arrest violated the personal conduct policy. ...
Weakside LB Keith Ellison has unquestionably been the star of training camp thus far. He has especially stood out in pass coverage, where his past experience as a safety is evident. He has shown outstanding range and registered several interceptions and pass breakups during practices. The second-year pro, who was pressed into service as a starter for seven games last season, has built on a strong offseason in which he added more weight and strength while also developing a better feel for the defense. He's still undersized for his position (6-0, 230), which could be a concern against the run. But the team believes the additional muscle on his frame will help him be stouter at the point of attack. His exceptional speed also should be an asset as an outside blitzer. ...
RB Anthony Thomas has responded to the arrival of rookie first-round draft pick Marshawn Lynch by coming to training camp in the best shape of his career. Thomas is a downhill runner who relies on power and vision than pure speed. However, he looks much quicker and more explosive hitting the holes this summer, the result of some intense offseason work. Thomas also has provided leadership as a mentor to Lynch and the other young backs. Lynch will be the primary ballcarrier this season, but look for Thomas to get eight to 10 touches per game.
NEWCOMER REPORT: LG Derrick Dockery has been everything the team expected of the high-priced free agent. He is a big (6-6, 330), physical road grater who mauls opponents in the run game. He's surprisingly athletic for a big man and has the quickness and agility to pull and wipe out cornerbacks on sweeps and hit moving targets on the second level. He's nearly impossible to bull rush because he stays in balance and anchors well when setting up for pass protection. He has some trouble with quicker pass rushers, but he can handle most defenders once he locks onto them. Dockery has never been to a Pro Bowl during five years in Washington. But with a team-record $49 million contract, the Bills are paying him to play like an All-Pro this season.
SCOUTING REPORT: CB Terrence McGee can play some man to man, but is better in zone coverage where he can use his recovery speed to come up and break up passes or deliver hard tackles on receivers. McGee isn't a risk taken. When he gets overaggressive, which isn't often, he has a tendency to bite on double moves. His lack of size (5-9, 198) is an issue on jump balls against tall receivers, but he has excellent leaping ability and will use his body to fight for position.