Outlook for 2011 Buffalo Bills

As the players and owners are hitting the collective bargaining table more aggressively, it appears as though the end of the NFL Lockout is near and as a result I’ve decided to do 32 blogs analyzing all of the 32 NFL rosters, while also determining where free agents will end up.

Up first on my agenda will be the Buffalo Bills because they unveiled their new uniforms tonight and I was there to see it all.

In 2010, Buddy Nix took over the Bills GM role and made his presence felt immediately. Nix hired Chan Gailey in order to change atmosphere around One Bills Drive. Under Coach Gailey, the Bills stressed fundamentals and despite their 4-12 record, and though their defense struggled, the team played more competitive and the Bills were fun to watch again.

In the 2011 NFL Draft, the Bills opted to go defense with seven of their nine picks in an effort to take some pressure off of the offense. The Bills did a great job too as many NFL analysts have praised them as their each of their top four picks has a chance to start this year.

With the addition of the rookies, let’s take a look at the Bills current roster and see what positions are in need of upgrades.

Quarterbacks (2)

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Levi Brown

Last season, Ryan Fitzpatrick stepped up admirably after Trent Edwards proved to be incapable of holding down the starting quarterback job. Through 13 games, Fitzpatrick completed 57.8 percent of his passes for 3000 yards while throwing 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. With Fitzpatrick as the starter, the Bills became a lot more competitive and were often still in games late in the fourth quarter. The key for Fitzpatrick was his ability to win over the locker room with his leadership and confidence in his teammates. Those two traits ultimately helped the Bills decide to let him remain the starting quarterback heading into the 2011 season.

While the starting quarterback job is settled for 2011, the backup quarterback job is up for grabs as last year’s backup Brian Brohm is now a free agent and likely won’t be resigned. The only other quarterback on the roster is last year’s seventh round pick Levi Brown whom is considered to be a developmental project.

Free Agent Analysis:

With Fitzpatrick set to start for the Bills in 2011, the Bills won’t be looking in free agency for a starting quarterback this year. However, the Bills do need a backup since the only other quarterback, Levi Brown, isn’t qualified to be a number 2 quarterback at this point in his career. Looking though the list of free agents here are a few names that the Bills should consider: Marc Bulger, Kerry Collins, Todd Collins, Jim Sorgi, or Billy Volek. It’s also possible that the Bills could consider trading for Kevin Kolb, but given the organization’s history of trading for starting quarterbacks (Rob Johnson, and Drew Bledsoe); they likely won’t trade for him.

Halfbacks (3)

Fred Jackson, C.J. Spiller, Johnny White

Last season, Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller began the year as the backup halfbacks as the Bills opted to give Marshawn Lynch the majority of the trio’s carries. Most Bills’ fans believe that the reason behind this was to enhance Lynch’s trade value as Lynch would eventually be traded to the Seattle Seahawks for a 4^th round pick in 2011 and a 5^th round pick in 2012. However, once Lynch was gone, Jackson regained the starting role and Spiller became his backup, only entering the game when Jackson needed a breather. Throughout the entire season on the ground, Jackson averaged 4.2 yards per carry, piling up 222 carries for 957 yards and 5 touchdowns. In the passing game, Jackson proved to be a versatile back with 31 receptions for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Even though Spiller wasn’t a starter in 2010 he was still able to gain experience on the ground as he averaged 3.8 yards per carry and had 74 carries for 283 yards and 0 touchdowns. In the passing game, Spiller was often used as a third-down back and he snagged 24 receptions for 157 yards and 1 touchdown.

The only other halfback on the Bills roster is this year’s 5^th round draft pick Johnny White. While known for his versatility at UNC, White likely won’t receive many carries this year. However, White should have a huge impact on special teams as a role player. Beyond the 2011 season White’s role will likely expand as his draft notes list him as a good pass protector (something Spiller lacked last year) and a running back with good pass catching skills.

Free Agent Analysis:

Despite having three halfbacks on their roster, the Bills will likely sign a veteran to help young cast of halfbacks (Jackson is 30, Spiller is 23, and White is 23). Free Agents that the Bills might consider: Michael Bennett, Ladell Betts, Kevin Faulk, Julius Jones, Mewelde Moore, Sammy Morris, Dominic Rhodes, or Fred Taylor.

Fullback (2)

Corey McIntyre, Jehuu Caulcrick

Last season, Corey McIntyre was used primarily as a blocker. He only had 4 carries for 5 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground and in the passing game he had 4 receptions for 32 yards. Compared to other fullbacks, ESPN lists him as an “adequate” starting fullback and ranks him as tied for 24^th best in the league because he isn’t very physical at the point of attack. He’s more effective at walling off or chip blocking in space. McIntyre should make the roster and start for the Bills this year as well

Former Clymer High School all-time leading rusher, Jehuu Caulcrick began last season on the Bills’ practice squad. However, the Bills called up Caulcrick late in the season and he appeared in the last two games of the season. He received only one carry last season, but made the most of it, gaining 2 yards on a third-and-one play in the red zone in the fourth quarter.

Free Agent Analysis:

With Corey McIntyre on the roster as well as Jehuu Caulcrick, the Bills appear to be set at the full back position.

Wide Receivers (9)

Steve Johnson,Lee Evans, Roscoe Parrish, David Nelson, Donald Jones, Marcus Easley, Naaman Roosevelt, Felton Huggins, Paul Hubbard

Under the previous regime at One Bills Drive, Steve Johnson had often been overlooked; playing in just 16 games over his first 2 seasons and catching only 12 receptions for 112 yards, but then last season, Head Coach Chan Gailey gave Johnson a chance. Johnson took the opportunity and had a breakout year, putting up career numbers with 82 receptions for 1,073 yards and 10 touchdowns. His counterpart Lee Evans however, had yet another season where his production decreased as he played in just 13 games and his final stats ended with 37 receptions for 578 yards and 4 touchdowns.

When the Bills signed Evans to a four-year $37.25 million contract extension, they never imagined in their wildest dreams that their investment would be a waste as the Bills paid top dollar for a receiver that has reached over 1,000 yards only twice in his eight year career. Evans needs to step up his game the next two seasons or he will never receive a contract offer that high ever again.

Roscoe Parrish, listed as 5’9’’ 178 lbs on ESPN.com, is another receiver whose talents went unnoticed under former Head Coach Dick Jauron. As he was known for his speed and his abilities on special teams and not-so-much his receiving skills, Coach Gailey presumably saved Parrish’s job in the NFL last season. Coach Gailey took advantage of Parrish’s speed, placing him in the slot and helping him become a better receiver before an injury ended his season. In only 8 games last season, Parrish managed to snag 33 receptions for 400 yards and 2 touchdowns.

When Parrish was done for the season with an injury, David Nelson replaced him in the slot and filled in capably. Toward the end of the season, Nelson was a big contributor as he proved himself worthy of a roster spot in the 2011 season. In 15 games, Nelson had 31 receptions for 353 yards and three touchdowns. He will compete for the fourth receiver spot yet again.

Last season, Donald Jones began the season as the fifth receiver on the Bills depth chart, but that didn’t stop him from having an impact with the team. On special teams, Jones played a big role as a gunner as he accounted for 10 of the Bills’ special teams tackles. On offense, however, Jones was able to take advantage of Parrish’s injury as he moved up to fourth receiver and came down with 18 receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown, proving that he is worthy of competing for the number four spot yet again next year.

Former University of Buffalo standout, Naaman Roosevelt started last year on the practice squad, but eventually landed a spot on the Bills’ 53-man roster. Known for his heroics at UB, the Bills wanted to see how Roosevelt’s game translated into the NFL and he didn’t disappoint in limited duty, catching 9 receptions for 139 yards. Roosevelt will be competing for the fourth receiver spot

Last year’s fourth round draft pick Marcus Easley injured his knee last season and was placed on injured reserve before the season began. He should get another attempt to make the roster, but the odds are against him, which coincidentally is how he made the NFL. In his first three seasons at UConn, Easley made the team as a walk-on, but in his final season, he was given more playing time and he made the most of it. In his final ten games, Easley grabbed 48 receptions for 893 yards and 8 touchdowns, so it will be interesting to see how he responds to the challenge in 2011.

Felton Huggins and Paul Hubbard never played for the Bills as they spent their time on the Bills’ practice squad last season and will likely do the same in 2011 or be cut.

Free Agent Analysis:

The Bills currently have nine receivers on their roster and with Steve Johnson, Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish guaranteed roster spots, the other six will have to battle it out to remain with the team. With so many receivers on the current roster, the Bills don’t need to add any more, they need to subtract.

Tight End (3)

David Martin, Scott Chandler, Shawn Nelson, Mike Caussin

Last season, David Martin was not much of a factor in the passing game, as the Bills felt the need to keep him on the line to help block because the Bills fielded one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. However, Martin managed to grab 7 receptions for 43 yards and 1 touchdown last season.

Scott Chandler has a good chance to start this season. Bills GM Buddy Nix is very high on this kid as he previously helped draft on his former team, the San Diego Chargers. Chandler, a 6’7’’ 265 pound tight end with good blocking skills, needs to work on his receiving hands if he wants to win the job.

Serving a suspension for substance abuse last season, Nelson missed out on the Bills’ first four games. When Nelson came back however, he only lasted five games before an injury ended his season limiting him to just 3 receptions for 25 yards with 0 touchdowns. Nelson should get another chance this season to earn the starting job.

Mike Caussin signed with the Bills late last season, but never played. Prior to his contract with the Bills, Caussin spent time on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. Caussin isn’t expected to make the Bills roster assuming the Bills resign Scott Chandler, but the Bills practice squad isn’t out of the question.

Free Agent Analysis:

This could be a position of need for the Bills as most teams are looking for Tight Ends to produce in the passing game. Shawn Nelson is the only player on the Bills’ roster that can handle those responsibilities, but he must prove that he can handle the starter’s job. If it were up to me, I would look at these free agents: Desmond Clark, Reggie Kelly, and Randy McMichael.

O-Line (12)

Demetrius Bell,Andy Levitre,Eric Wood,Mansfield Wrotto,Erik Pears, Geoff Hangartner, Chris Hairston, Kraig Urbik, Ed Wang, Cordaro Howard, Chad Rinehart, Colin Brown

Demetrius Bell is an average starting left tackle, who struggles against double moves and is not very physical in the run game. Despite showing very good foot quickness, Bell needs to bulk up this season, or it may be his last as a starter in the NFL.

Andy Levitre is a good left guard with the potential to be great. Levitre struggles against the bigger and stronger interior defensive lineman, and is better suited in pass pro, than in the run game. Levitre does a nice job of protecting the edges against penetration and adjusts well to double moves. Levitre is the second best offensive lineman on the team and will start the season at left guard.

Eric Wood is the best offensive lineman on the Bills, given his size and athletic ability. Wood will likely start the year center replacing last year’s starting center Geoff Hangartner, depending on what the Bills do during free agency.

Mansfield Wrotto is a massive offensive lineman with good power and strength, but lacks the quickness and agility to sustain or finish off blocks.Wrotto also has limited range in pass protection and struggles to recover against counter moves. However, Wrotto understands angles and blocking schemes and it usually helps him avoid trouble. Assuming the Bills don’t sign any significant offensive lineman, Wrotto should get the chance to start at right guard in the 2011 season.

Erik Pears is a good sized tackle (6’8’’ 305 lbs) with long arms and above-average short-area quickness and is expected to land the starting right tackle job, barring any major player addition. Prior to signing with the Bills late last season, Pears began his rookie season in 2005 on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad before being promoted in 2006 and eventually a fulltime starter in 2007. Pears missed the 2008 season after undergoing an appendectomy and later signed with Raiders in 2009, starting in just 4 of 12 games he appeared in. While Pears can fill in at tackle he seems to be better suited to be a backup at multiple positions.

Geoff Hangartner is a player who makes a living off of understanding block angles. His weakness, however is that he is limited in terms of athletic ability and strength and often needs help from the guards in one-on-one battles. Speculation is that Eric Wood is going to start at center this season, with Hangartner as his backup.

Rookie Chris Hairston likely won’t start right away as the Bills’ right tackle, but his tremendous size (6’6’’ 325 lbs) suggests he will at some point down the line.

Kraig Urbik began his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers mostly inactive in 2009 after losing the top where he was claimed by the Bills and started in 2 of the 10 games he appeared in as his season was ended early by a knee injury. The Bills don’t currently have a better backup guard than Urbik, so it’s likely he will remain on the roster.

Ed Wang, the first full-blooded Chinese player in the NFL, appeared in only 6 games in his rookie season last year and should receive more consideration for a bigger role from the Bills staff once the lockout ends. Wang missed training camp last season due to a hand injury, so the Bills will likely keep him on the roster in order to see if he has what it takes to play in the NFL.

Last season, Cordaro Howard started in 4 of the 10 games he appeared in, taking over for Cornell Green, when Green proved to be incapable of handling the starting right tackle job. The Bills were high on the undrafted free agent, so he’ll likely be given another opportunity to make the roster.

Chad Rinehart was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 2008 and his short term with the Redskins ended after he suffered a broken fibula. During Rinehart’s next two years, he would spend time on the Jets and Bills practice squad until the Bills had to promote him because of Keith Urbik’s season ending knee injury. Rinehart likely will end up on the practice squad or will get cut

Colin Brown joined the late last season Bills after being injured his whole rookie season in 2009 with the Kansas City Chiefs and spending majority of 2010 on the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. Brown will likely end up on the practice squad or get cut.

Free Agent Analysis:

The Bills have needed to improve their offensive line for a long time now and this year is no different. While Eric Wood and Andy Levitre have turned into good starters, the rest of the offensive line wouldn’t be given a chance to start on any other team. If I were the Bills GM, I would immediately pursue these free agents: Alex Barron, Jammal Brown, Matt Light, or Ray Willis. However, the Bills seem to want to gamble and give Demetrius Bell, Erik Pears and Mansfield Wrotto another chance.

D-Line (8)

Dwan Edwards,Kyle Williams,Marcell Dareus, Terrell Troup, Spencer Johnson, Alex Carrington, Kellen Heard, Michael Jasper

Last season, Dwan Edwards piled up a career high 57 tackles with a sack, a forced fumble and an interception, despite playing in only 11 games as his season was ended early by a hamstring injury. Looking ahead to the 2011 season, Edwards needs to develop more moves and counters in order for him to become a better pass rusher.

Nose Tackle Kyle Williams enjoyed his best season last year. Williams enjoyed career highs with 77 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries in the NFL last season and he was rewarded with his first ever Pro Bowl appearance. If Williams can perform at the same level this season, the Bills could have one of the best defensive lines in football as Dwan Edwards will hopefully stay healthy along with rookie first round pick Marcell Dareus.

Marcell Dareus was arguably the best defensive player taken in the 2011 NFL Draft, and he will immediately fill a huge need for the Bills. Last season, the Bills struggled against the run, and at Alabama, Dareus excelled at stopping the run. Dareus’ is very versatile and has a nose for finding the football. Dareus has an elite level of awareness and is excellent at disengaging off of blocks.

Terrell Troup began his rookie season subbing in off the bench whenever the Bills needed. Troup recorded 23 tackles in limited time and figures to be given a bigger role in the future.

Spencer Johnson was the main backup defensive end for the Bills last season. In 14 games, Johnson recorded career high 55 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. However, his role will likely decrease this year as the Bills look to get Alex Carrington more playing time.

Alex Carrington took a few snaps here and there during his rookie season and recorded 8 tackles and a sack in only 9 games. Carrington, last year’s third round pick figures to get an expanded role this season as the Bills would like to justify his selection.

Kellen Heard and Michael Jasper will compete for the final defensive line spot on the roster and the loser will likely remain with the team on the practice squad. Both players carry interesting stories with them. Heard was the player that was ejected after giving Colt McCoy a cheap shot in college and Jasper was the player that once weighed 448 pounds. Although since then, Jasper has lost weight and is now 6’4’’ 375lbs, while Heard weighs in at 6’6’’ 355lbs.

Free Agent Analysis:

Over the last two drafts, the Bills significantly upgraded their defensive line, realizing that the key to a good 3-4 defense begins at the line of scrimmage. With 8 defensive linemen, the Bills have enough depth to get them through the season, so it appears do not need to look here in free agency.

Linebackers (10)

Shawne Merriman,Andra Davis,Reggie Torbor,Chris Kelsay, Arthur Moats, Kelvin Sheppard, Antonio Coleman, Chris White, Danny Batten, Aaron Maybin

Outside Linebacker Shawne Merriman heads into 2011 hoping to stay healthy for a full season after injuries over the last three years prevented him from playing like the 3-time pro bowler that he is. When he was healthy, Merriman used to give opposing quarterbacks nightmares as he totaled 39.5 sacks in his first three seasons.

Inside Linebacker Andra Davis was having a fine season with 41 tackles, a force fumble and an interception until a shoulder injury ended his season just six games in. If Andra Davis can stay healthy, it’ll be tough to run against the Bills next year.

As the injuries piled up last season, many Bills were given the opportunity to play. Reggie Torbor was one of those players and he filled in adequately, recording 41 tackles in 10 games at outside linebacker until the Bills had to place him on injured reserve because of his shoulder. This year, Torbor will move back inside as the Bills will have him compete with Kelvin Sheppard for the other starting inside line backer job.

Speculation amongst fans is that the only reason that Chris Kelsay is still starting at outside linebacker is because of his relationship with Ralph Wilson. In 16 games, Kelsay recorded 72 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble and that was not the kind of production the Bills needed from their pass rusher. Kelsay will be the starter, but given his lack of coverage skills, how Arthur Moats performs could determine how much longer that will be

Arthur Moats started in 4 of the 15 games he appeared in last season and did a very good job for an undrafted rookie. Moats recorded 33 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble, making the most of the playing time he received. Moats season was highlighted with ending Brett Favre’s consecutive games played streak. Moats has shown lots of potential and could take over the starting outside linebacker at some point in the near future.

Third round pick Kelvin Sheppard was considered the heart and soul of the LSU defense during his time there. Sheppard’s toughness and improvement in play recognition could make him the steal of the 2011 NFL Draft. With Paul Posluszny headed to free agency, Sheppard can expect to compete with Reggie Torbor for the second inside linebacker job alongside Andra Davis.

Antonio Coleman was another undrafted rookie, who looked good in limited playing time last season. Coleman appeared in eight games and recorded 12 tackles until he was lost for the season with a knee injury. Coleman should get some looks in training camp, but Kelsay and Moats will likely see most of the field with the first team defense

At the Senior Bowl, Coach Gailey witnessed that rookie Chris White is a hard-nosed player with good instincts. Though the Bills look set at inside linebacker this season, the Bills took the approach that a team can never have enough linebackers. White should make the team as a backup is expected to play a big role on special teams this season.

Danny Batten landed on the injured reserve last season before it even began as he required shoulder surgery and the Bills needed other players to replace him. However, this season he feels he is better prepared for it after learning the playbook and watching from the sidelines. Batten will likely have to show the Bills that he still has potential or else he’ll probably get cut.

Aaron Maybin hasn’t lived up to his first round status so far, and a bad performance through preseason could influence the Bills to give up on him and cut him. Coach Gailey admitted that Maybin’s roster spot is “tenuous” during the offseason.

Free Agent Analysis:

Linebacker is another position that the Bills currently employ a lot of and for good reason. Last year, the Bills were hit hard with injuries and it’s clear the Bills wanted younger players when they selected 2 in this year’s NFL Draft. Now the Bills current roster consists of 10 linebackers, with the possibility that Paul Posluszny might return. I would let Posluszny go if I was the Bills GM, but the Bills might feel compelled to keep him despite his injury history.

Cornerbacks (5)

Terrence McGee,Leodis McKelvin, Aaron Williams, Reggie Corner, Justin Rogers

If Terrence McGee can stay healthy, the Bills will be able to let Jairus Byrd be the ball hawking safety that he is. When McGee was healthy, the Bills boasted one of the best secondaries in the NFL. McGee is guaranteed to be the number cornerback come opening day.

Leodis McKelvin so far has proven to be too inconsistent to just hand him the starting job. With the Bills selecting Aaron Williams in the NFL Draft, McKelvin is going to have to prove to the Bills’ coaching staff that he is worthy of starting in the NFL.

The Bills selected Aaron Williams with their second round pick because last year’s starting cornerback Drayton Florence is a free agent and they didn’t feel Leodis McKelvin was capable of starting. Williams will compete with Leodis McKelvin and Reggie Corner for the other starting cornerback job.

Reggie Corner started 2 games last year due to Terrence McGee’s injuries, and will compete with Leodis McKelvin and Aaron Williams for starting job. Corner likely won’t win the job and will begin the season as the fourth cornerback on the roster.

The Bills selected Justin Rogers in the seventh round for depth purposes because they only had four cornerbacks on their roster. Rogers will compete with whomever the Bills sign in free agency for the final cornerback spot.

Free Agent Analysis:

The Bills drafted 2 cornerbacks to fill in their depth chart, and with Aaron Williams, the Bills have given themselves a potential starter should, McKelvin struggle or McGee gets hurt. The Bills roster consists of 5 cornerbacks, and while they don’t need to find a starter, the Bills will probably go out and sign an undrafted free agent to push Justin Rogers and Reggie Corner through preseason.

Safeties (5)

Jairus Byrd,George Wilson, Da’Norris Searcy, Bryan Scott, Jon Corto

In his rookie season, Jairus Byrd racked up 9 interceptions and was a candidate for rookie of the year despite only playing in 14 games. However, Byrd became a better tackler last season, finishing the season with 89 tackles and 3 forced fumbles. Byrd’s interception total dropped to only 1, but that likely had more to do with his dedication to get more involved in the run game. Byrd is pretty much guaranteed to be starting at free safety in 2011.

Former wide receiver George Wilson initially began his career with the Bills, earning playing time as a special teamer, but due to injuries over the last two years, Wilson has been able pick up starts at both safety positions. With an expanded role, Wilson has demonstrated a nose for the football, racking up 6 interceptions over the last 2 seasons, but he also struggled in man-to-man situations with tight ends. Wilson filled in capably when he was needed last season and has earned the right to compete for the strong safety job with fellow veteran Bryan Scott and rookie Da’Norris Searcy.

Searcy has a good chance of winning the strong safety job because he has a good combination of size, strength and athleticism and is more of a threat when it comes to bringing down the ball carrier. If Searcy can hold his own in coverage, especially against the tight ends, then the job should be his.

Bryan Scott is a veteran with experience at both safety positions and even some at linebacker. When Scott first came into the league, he was a perennial starter, but eventually settled into becoming a backup with Bills because they were intrigued by his toughness and his above average athleticism. While Scott has a good combination of size and strength and is aggressive against the run, he is too inconsistent and lacks the quickness desired to be handed the starting job.

Jon Corto will make the roster as a significant special teams’ contributor. Corto is a run-and-hit player and is an average tackler, but he is able to do a good job of wrapping up the ball carrier.

Free Agent Analysis:

The Bills safety depth is among the best in the NFL, as three of the Bills safeties have started in the NFL and Da’Norris Searcy likely would’ve been selected high in the 2011 NFL draft had it not been for his suspension. The Bills obviously do not need to sign a free agent at this position.

Kicker (1)

Rian Lindell

Compared to recent seasons, 2010 was a down year for Rian Lindell. For the first time in his career, Lindell missed an extra point, snapping a streak of 321 extra points converted. Also Lindell’s 76.2% field goal conversion in 2010 ranks as his second worst during his eight year tenure with the Bills.

Free Agent Analysis:

Lindell is 34 years old and will likely retire as a Buffalo Bill whenever he is ready. The Bills won’t need to worry about this position for another couple of years unless he gets hurt.

Punter (1)

Brian Moorman

Often joked upon by Bills’ fans as the Bills’ best player over the past couple of years, Brian Moorman has proved to deserve his name being mentioned with the best punters in the NFL. However, 2010 was a down year for Moorman as well. Compared to the other punters, Moorman’s net punting average of 36.6 ranked as 23^rd best and his gross punting average of 42.4 ranked as 24^th best.

Free Agent Analysis:

Moorman is 35 years old, but plays a position that allows him to beyond the age of 40. That said his drop in production is a cause for concern, but not to the extent that the Bills need to go out and sign another new punter right now, unless he gets injured.

Long Snapper (1)

Garrison Sanborn

In 2009 as an undrafted free agent, Garrison Sanborn beat out former Bills’ snapper Ryan Neill for the long snapping job. Since then, Sanborn has proven to be the smarter choice, as the Bills haven’t had a kick/punt blocked since he joined the team.

Free Agent Analysis:

Sanborn is 25 years old, and has demonstrated great velocity in his snaps since entering the NFL in 2009. The Bills definitely don’t need to address this position right now.

Kick/Punt Returners (3)

C.J. Spiller, Roscoe Parrish

In his rookie season, C.J. Spiller finished 22^nd in kick return average with 23.0 yards and a touchdown. That’s not bad for most rookies, but coming out of college, Spiller was known for his explosiveness and playmaking ability, so he must improve these numbers in 2011.

Despite getting injured and participating in half of a season, Roscoe Parrish’s punt return average of 10.6 yards ranked 23^rd best in the NFL. While Parrish’s average improved from 5.5 in 2009, he used to be even better. In 2008, Parrish averaged 15.3 yards and in 2007 he averaged 16.3 yards.

Free Agent Analysis:

Returner is not a position of need for the Bills. If either Spiller or Parrish were to go down with an injury, the Bills have numerous options to find a replacement on their roster.

Bills Unrestricted Free Agents (9)

Akin Ayodele, Brian Brohm, Keith Ellison, Drayton Florence, John McCargo, Paul Posluszny, Jonathan Stupar, Donte Whitner, Ashton Youboty

Akin Ayodele signed with the Bills last season after former Bills’ linebacker Kawika Mitchell was placed on injured reserve at the beginning of the season. In 15 games, Ayodele recorded 106 tackles and 2 forced fumbles. Even though he played well, Ayodele struggled in coverage and with the depth the Bills now have at linebacker, he is expendable.

Brian Brohm started at quarterback in the last game of the season for the Bills and he didn’t help his chances of being resigned. Brohm completed 10 of 23 passes for 106 yards and 3 interceptions. It’s safe to say that Brohm is no longer in the Bills future plans.

Keith Ellison is a natural 4-3 linebacker and isn’t suited for the 3-4. Ellison earned his pay in 2010 as a special teamer and won’t be resigned as the Bills have too many linebackers as it is.

Drayton Florence was the Bills number two cornerback last season, and given that the Bills have uncertainty about their cornerback position, the Bills will likely offer him a new contract.

John McCargo has been a bust ever since the Bills traded up for him in the 2006 NFL Draft. McCargo has made one start over his five year career with the Bills, so perhaps a change of scenery would do him good. It better because he won’t be on the Bills next year

Despite being injury prone and playing in only 14 games last season, Paul Posluszny ranked 3^rd in the NFL with 151 tackles. While the tackles were a career high for him, just 2 sacks with 0 interceptions and forced fumbles is a cause for concern. Prior to the Lockout, the Bills tendered Posluszny under the assumption that he would be a restricted free agent, so it’s likely the Bills will try to resign him.

Jonathan Stupar beat out Shawn Nelson for the starting tight end job at the beginning of last season, and finished the season with 12 receptions for 111 yards. However, Stupar eventually lost the starting job to David Martin and he won’t be brought back as the Bills want to take a better look at Scott Chandler.

Known as a big hitter, Donte Whitner racked up 140 tackles with 0.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception. Whitner likely won’t be back though as Bills GM Buddy Nix doesn’t believe that he wants to come back. Whitner however says otherwise, but that might be for publicity purposes. The Indianapolis Colts are expected to heavily pursue Whitner because they think he’s capable of taking over Bob Sander’s previous role.

Ashton Youboty had only 2 tackles last season and barely ever got on the field, so it would appear as though he isn’t in the Bills’ plans anymore.