Pre Camp Bills Position Review by @rdotdeuce – Linebackers

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Pre Camp Bills Position Review by @rdotdeuce - Linebackers
Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson (90), linebackers Eric Striker (50, formerly of OU) and Reggie Ragland (59) take part in drills during their NFL football rookie minicamp in Orchard Park, N.Y., Friday, May 6, 2016. BILL WIPPERT/AP Photo

Inside Linebacker

The Starters: Preston Brown, Reggie Ragland.

The Backup(s): Zach Brown, Kevin Reddick, Eric Striker, Jamari Lattimore.

The Skinny: Last year, Preston Brown’s issues with the communication were put on him, as not being “vocal enough”. This year, he’s been in the lab with Rob Ryan in an effort to become the Ray Lewis of the defense. To that end, the Bills found him a capable Bart Scott clone in Reggie Ragland, a plug-n-play linebacker that eats blocks and physically imposes his will on an offense.

Zach Brown was signed as the replacement for the lost athleticism of Nigel Bradham, who went to Philly to reconnect with Jim Schwartz, heretofore known as the defensive coordinator who shall not be named to the Ryans.

Striker was a jack of all trades for the Sooners and that figures to be his role should he stick with the Bills. Playing a pass rusher/linebacker/end hybrid, that sort of versatility would allow him to make some noise if Rex sees he can grasp the defense. Jamari Lattimore will need to stand out on special teams if he wants more than a summer as a Bill.

Who’s Safe: The top three seem to be the safest, with Striker’s ability to stay incumbent upon whether or not he can be a special teams demon as well.

Outside Linebacker

The Starters: Shaq Lawson, Jerry Hughes.

The Backup(s): Manny Lawson, IK Enemkpali, Randell Johnson, Lorenzo Alexander, Levar Edwards, Cedric Reed, Bryson Albright.

The Skinny: With Shaq Lawson’s surgery, the starters here will be Manny Lawson and Jerry Hughes for at least half the season, maybe even the whole year. As a result, IK Enemkpali and Randell Johnson will have a shot to prove they’re solid depth behind the Lawsons and can give a little bit of rush ability when in the rotation. Edwards, Reed and Albright are going to have to gun for practice squad slots if things hold as they are.

Who’s Safe: Both Lawsons, Jerry (c’mon now) and IK seem to be the locks of the crew. The rest will need to have a blistering camp to even get consideration. Particularly if one of Rex’s former players are late cuts during the pre-season.

Up Next – Defensive Backs and Special Teams

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