RT Jason Peters was a pleasant surprise last season, and is expected to join the upper ranks of right tackles this season if his current rate of progress continues. While LT Mike Gandy didn't progress as much as his battery-mate, he still held his own and has looked better in camps this year than he did last year.
At RG, Chris Villareal can be expected to be as solid as ever, especially in the running game.
This line is much more talented than last season between the added experience of their young tackles and the replacements at LG and center, so expect better things from this unit as a whole this year.
Defense
Defensive Line: This was a unit that got decent pressure on the QB last season (24 sacks from linemen), but was horrendous against the run (surrendered league-worst 146 first downs via the run, and was second-to-last in the NFL in giving up 137.8 rushing yards per game).
Don't expect them to be any better against the run this year, as their primary run-stuffers, Justin Bannan and Sam Adams, are both gone and were replaced by Larry Tripplet and John McCargo, two players who are undersized and decidedly better pass-rushers than run-stuffers, although their ability to penetrate may help against the run. Still, though, teams will be able to run against Buffalo, and it will be the team's weakness again this year.
Linebacker: The biggest injury Buffalo took all year was the loss of All-Pro LB Takeo Spikes, but he's back and has been flying around thus far in training camp, so things look up for the Bills' linebacker corps. Jeff Posey, who was an occasional liability last season, especially in pass coverage, has been cut after being severely outplayed by Angelo Crowell (who really came out last year in replacing Spikes) in mini-camps. London Fletcher is finally healthy again, having been dinged much of the past two seasons, though not missing any games, so expect big things from him as usual.
Depth is improved despite the loss of Posey, after a trade brought in the talented but underachieving Courtney Watson from New Orleans, a player who desperately needed a change of scenery. Between Watson, Mario Haggan, and Josh Stamer, the Bills look to have a solid second line of 'backers should a starter falter or go down. Expect good things from this unit, as they really suit Jauron's attacking and flying style of defense.
Defensive Backs: Injuries really hurt this unit last season, wracking the safeties and robbing the cornerback depth. However, this unit is healthy again and with a couple of new faces, should be a strength of the team this season.
Standout Nate Clement is back, and Terrance McGee had a solid season last year. Rookie Ashton Youboty may have been a steal in the third round, as he definitely possesses all the tools and, most importantly, the head to have been picked in the first. Expect good things from him this year and in the future.
Eric King and Jabari Greer round out the depth at what ought to be one of the league's better corner units.
On the deep patrol, the Bills look to have a different look than in years' past. Matt Bowen will compete with first-round pick Donte Whitner for the strong safety role, and whoever loses the starting role should still see plenty of action. Troy Vincent should still start at free safety, but pleasant 2005 surprise Rashad Baker should figure to get plenty of action, especially in nickel packages.
Fourth-round rookie Ko Simpson has looked good in practices thus far, and should at least figure prominently in a special-teams role. The odd man out figures to be Coy Wire, a solid special teamer and a fixture on the depth chart for several years.
This looks to be the deepest and most talented secondary that the Bills have had in some years, possibly since the Super Bowl years.
Overview
This Bills' squad looks better in almost all fields than last year's team, which is a decided plus. However, they have a new head coach, are in a tough division, with the Patriots and Dolphins expected to slug it out for the division crown, and have a tough schedule as well, having to go to Chicago and Indianapolis, as well as hosting other tough playoff hopefuls like Jacksonville, San Diego, and Minnesota.
While it's too early to say anything for sure, it could be a long season again in Buffalo, but they could also surprise some people and take wins away from playoff contenders. The future looks fairly promising for the Bills, but they need to first concentrate on the now if they wish to contend in the future.
