Merk
April 21st, 2006, 12:08:25 AM
On Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills hosted former University of Oregon nose tackle Haloti Ngata at their facilities in Orchard Park, NY. Most experts believe the Bills will end up selecting Ngata with the eighth overall pick in the draft, but others don't think the 338 pounder makes sense in the Bills' new Cover 2 defensive scheme.
Under new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, the Bills run a system which requires mainly undersized, quick linemen who fit into the "one gap" style. However, that type of defense also requires a run-stuffer inside who can clog up the middle, occupying opposing offensive linemen. That's exactly where the 6'4" Ngata comes in. He has the height and bulk to dictate a football game up front, much like the Carolina Panthers' Kris Jenkins.
After the Bills released mammoth nose tackle Sam Adams last month, they left themselves with a huge void to fill up the middle. They signed former Indianapolis Colts tackle Larry Tripplett, but at 293 pounds, he isn't necessarily the type who can overpower the opposition. However, he will be ideal for the Bills' defense in 2006 because he can get to the quarterback and chase down quick running backs. Ngata isn't exactly a slow-poke, either, since he ran a respectable 5.12 in the scouting combine's 40-yard dash.
Alongside the 27-year-old Tripplett, Ngata would form a lethal starting tackle tandem for the Bills' restructured defense. Combining bulk and speed, the two would be a pain in the neck for opposing offensive linemen, running backs and quarterbacks to deal with. In a division that includes quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Daunte Culpepper, and running backs Corey Dillon and Ronnie Brown, having good defensive tackles is a must.
Not only will Ngata help Tripplett up the middle, but he'll make the defensive ends and middle linebacker better as well.
Judging from defensive end Aaron Schobel's production, he doesn't need a ton of help, but the Bills' left defensive end, Chris Kelsay, certainly does. Ngata's bulk will require one or two linemen to focus on him, which will open things up for the ends, and increase the Bills' sack totals.
At the same time things will be opened up for 30-year-old middle linebacker London Fletcher. After a terrific 2005 season, Fletcher is set to put up major production once again this coming season, and if the Bills get Ngata, he'll aid in Fletcher's continuing solidity. Having Ngata in front of him will allow Fletcher to roam free and play the game at his own pace. Fletcher was robbed of a Pro Bowl bid last season, but he'll be hard to ignore in 2006 with Ngata in front of him.
With the draft just 10 days away, the Bills have plenty of decisions to make, but if Ngata is available when they pick, it should be a no-brainer. Otherwise the Bills will be stuck with backup Tim Anderson starting opposite Tripplett. The two of them will be eaten up by bulky offensive linemen.
Rather than being eaten, the Bills' defense will do the eating next season, so long as Ngata's on their side.
http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/Buffalo-Bills-Ngata060419.php
Under new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, the Bills run a system which requires mainly undersized, quick linemen who fit into the "one gap" style. However, that type of defense also requires a run-stuffer inside who can clog up the middle, occupying opposing offensive linemen. That's exactly where the 6'4" Ngata comes in. He has the height and bulk to dictate a football game up front, much like the Carolina Panthers' Kris Jenkins.
After the Bills released mammoth nose tackle Sam Adams last month, they left themselves with a huge void to fill up the middle. They signed former Indianapolis Colts tackle Larry Tripplett, but at 293 pounds, he isn't necessarily the type who can overpower the opposition. However, he will be ideal for the Bills' defense in 2006 because he can get to the quarterback and chase down quick running backs. Ngata isn't exactly a slow-poke, either, since he ran a respectable 5.12 in the scouting combine's 40-yard dash.
Alongside the 27-year-old Tripplett, Ngata would form a lethal starting tackle tandem for the Bills' restructured defense. Combining bulk and speed, the two would be a pain in the neck for opposing offensive linemen, running backs and quarterbacks to deal with. In a division that includes quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Daunte Culpepper, and running backs Corey Dillon and Ronnie Brown, having good defensive tackles is a must.
Not only will Ngata help Tripplett up the middle, but he'll make the defensive ends and middle linebacker better as well.
Judging from defensive end Aaron Schobel's production, he doesn't need a ton of help, but the Bills' left defensive end, Chris Kelsay, certainly does. Ngata's bulk will require one or two linemen to focus on him, which will open things up for the ends, and increase the Bills' sack totals.
At the same time things will be opened up for 30-year-old middle linebacker London Fletcher. After a terrific 2005 season, Fletcher is set to put up major production once again this coming season, and if the Bills get Ngata, he'll aid in Fletcher's continuing solidity. Having Ngata in front of him will allow Fletcher to roam free and play the game at his own pace. Fletcher was robbed of a Pro Bowl bid last season, but he'll be hard to ignore in 2006 with Ngata in front of him.
With the draft just 10 days away, the Bills have plenty of decisions to make, but if Ngata is available when they pick, it should be a no-brainer. Otherwise the Bills will be stuck with backup Tim Anderson starting opposite Tripplett. The two of them will be eaten up by bulky offensive linemen.
Rather than being eaten, the Bills' defense will do the eating next season, so long as Ngata's on their side.
http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/Buffalo-Bills-Ngata060419.php