Potential battle brewing at MLB in Buffalo (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills LB DiGiorgio makes case to start

By Allen Wilson

NEWS SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 06/13/07 6:52 AM

John DiGiorgio beat the odds last season to make the Buffalo Bills’ 53- man roster as an undrafted rookie free agent from a Division II college. With London Fletcher leaving via free agency, DiGiorgio has his sights set on taking over at middle linebacker.

But there is one obstacle standing in DiGiorgio’s way: Paul Posluszny. The Bills traded up in the second round to get the highly touted Penn State star, who is the heir apparent to Fletcher.

Although DiGiorgio has gotten all the snaps with the first-team defense during the three weeks of organized team activities and the Bills’ ongoing three-day minicamp, the popular belief is he’s merely keeping the seat warm until Posluszny is ready to take over.

But DiGiorgio believes he’s got as good a chance to claim the starting middle linebacker job as Posluszny does.

“I think my chances are pretty good as long as I’m doing the right things, I’m making the right calls, getting everybody lined up and just going out there and making plays,” Di- Giorgio said Tuesday after practice at the Bills’ training facility. “Competition is what this game is all about. Poz is a great player, but I want that spot as well as he does, and we’re going to compete for it.”

As much as the Bills like Posluszny, they insist he won’t be handed the job. He’ll have to earn it by beating out DiGiorgio. Judging from his efforts this offseason, DiGiorgio isn’t going to relinquish the job without a fight.

He has made quite an impression with his quickness and playmaking ability. He’s instinctive and diagnoses plays well. He also has been solid in pass coverage, recording a pair of interceptions and breaking up a couple of other throws.

“When you look at the tape he’s always around the ball,” Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said. “He’s always in the frame; he’s always in the picture. You can’t help but talk about him because he’s always there. That’s something that we see and we like. We’re always saying, ‘This guy hustles to the ball every play. He’s around the ball, he’s getting interceptions or he’s picking up a fumble.’

“He’s always doing something to get himself noticed every day.”

DiGiorgio said he was a little overwhelmed when he first joined the Bills. Coming from Saginaw Valley State he didn’t doubt his ability to play, but he was uncertain about adapting to the speed of the game.

Then there was the playbook, which was twice as thick as the one he studied in college.

“I came in a little wide-eyed because I didn’t know what was going on,” said DiGiorgio, whose younger brother, Joe, played one year at the University at Buffalo before transferring to Saginaw Valley. “But I had an opportunity to learn from one of the best linebackers in the game in London Fletcher. He taught me a lot of stuff just by observing him. I feel a lot more comfortable with the defense now.”

DiGiorgio’s work ethic has accelerated his development as well. He stayed in town the entire offseason to work out and add more strength and muscle to his 6-foot-2, 230- pound frame. He also spent a lot of time studying film, working on improving his techniques and getting a better feel for the defense.

The result is a vastly improved player with a legitimate shot to have a major role this fall.

“I’m excited how much better J.D. has become in the past year,” Fewell said. “He’s a guy who just loves the game. He eats it, he breathes it, and he studies it. From where he was last year to right now, it is unbelievable.

“He’s had to work on his football smarts because he came from a small Division II school, and he’s really improved on that. Now he’s combining his hard work ethic with his instincts and athletic ability, and he’s going to be a good, solid starter or a fine backup.”

DiGiorgio would rather be a starter, even though he knows it won’t be easy. Just as he did a year ago, he has to prove himself all over again.

“Not only to the coaches, but to myself,” he said. “Each and every day, I’m trying to get better. I’m an undrafted player, so I’m easily disposable. They could let me go any day, so I’ve got to go out there and make plays. It’s the same as last year. I’m not only trying to fight for that spot on the team, but also for that starting middle linebacker spot. I’m ready to take on that challenge.”

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/97686.htmlPoz should still win the job but looks like he'll have to earn it.

 

[Beaumont]

Bills LB DiGiorgio makes case to start

By Allen Wilson

NEWS SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 06/13/07 6:52 AM

John DiGiorgio beat the odds last season to make the Buffalo Bills’ 53- man roster as an undrafted rookie free agent from a Division II college. With London Fletcher leaving via free agency, DiGiorgio has his sights set on taking over at middle linebacker.

But there is one obstacle standing in DiGiorgio’s way: Paul Posluszny. The Bills traded up in the second round to get the highly touted Penn State star, who is the heir apparent to Fletcher.

Although DiGiorgio has gotten all the snaps with the first-team defense during the three weeks of organized team activities and the Bills’ ongoing three-day minicamp, the popular belief is he’s merely keeping the seat warm until Posluszny is ready to take over.

But DiGiorgio believes he’s got as good a chance to claim the starting middle linebacker job as Posluszny does.

“I think my chances are pretty good as long as I’m doing the right things, I’m making the right calls, getting everybody lined up and just going out there and making plays,” Di- Giorgio said Tuesday after practice at the Bills’ training facility. “Competition is what this game is all about. Poz is a great player, but I want that spot as well as he does, and we’re going to compete for it.”

As much as the Bills like Posluszny, they insist he won’t be handed the job. He’ll have to earn it by beating out DiGiorgio. Judging from his efforts this offseason, DiGiorgio isn’t going to relinquish the job without a fight.

He has made quite an impression with his quickness and playmaking ability. He’s instinctive and diagnoses plays well. He also has been solid in pass coverage, recording a pair of interceptions and breaking up a couple of other throws.

“When you look at the tape he’s always around the ball,” Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said. “He’s always in the frame; he’s always in the picture. You can’t help but talk about him because he’s always there. That’s something that we see and we like. We’re always saying, ‘This guy hustles to the ball every play. He’s around the ball, he’s getting interceptions or he’s picking up a fumble.’

“He’s always doing something to get himself noticed every day.”

DiGiorgio said he was a little overwhelmed when he first joined the Bills. Coming from Saginaw Valley State he didn’t doubt his ability to play, but he was uncertain about adapting to the speed of the game.

Then there was the playbook, which was twice as thick as the one he studied in college.

“I came in a little wide-eyed because I didn’t know what was going on,” said DiGiorgio, whose younger brother, Joe, played one year at the University at Buffalo before transferring to Saginaw Valley. “But I had an opportunity to learn from one of the best linebackers in the game in London Fletcher. He taught me a lot of stuff just by observing him. I feel a lot more comfortable with the defense now.”

DiGiorgio’s work ethic has accelerated his development as well. He stayed in town the entire offseason to work out and add more strength and muscle to his 6-foot-2, 230- pound frame. He also spent a lot of time studying film, working on improving his techniques and getting a better feel for the defense.

The result is a vastly improved player with a legitimate shot to have a major role this fall.

“I’m excited how much better J.D. has become in the past year,” Fewell said. “He’s a guy who just loves the game. He eats it, he breathes it, and he studies it. From where he was last year to right now, it is unbelievable.

“He’s had to work on his football smarts because he came from a small Division II school, and he’s really improved on that. Now he’s combining his hard work ethic with his instincts and athletic ability, and he’s going to be a good, solid starter or a fine backup.”

DiGiorgio would rather be a starter, even though he knows it won’t be easy. Just as he did a year ago, he has to prove himself all over again.

“Not only to the coaches, but to myself,” he said. “Each and every day, I’m trying to get better. I’m an undrafted player, so I’m easily disposable. They could let me go any day, so I’ve got to go out there and make plays. It’s the same as last year. I’m not only trying to fight for that spot on the team, but also for that starting middle linebacker spot. I’m ready to take on that challenge.”

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/97686.htmlPoz should still win the job but looks like he'll have to earn it.

Or Poz could take Ellison's job ...

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Bills LB DiGiorgio makes case to start

By Allen Wilson

NEWS SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 06/13/07 6:52 AM

John DiGiorgio beat the odds last season to make the Buffalo Bills’ 53- man roster as an undrafted rookie free agent from a Division II college. With London Fletcher leaving via free agency, DiGiorgio has his sights set on taking over at middle linebacker.

But there is one obstacle standing in DiGiorgio’s way: Paul Posluszny. The Bills traded up in the second round to get the highly touted Penn State star, who is the heir apparent to Fletcher.

Although DiGiorgio has gotten all the snaps with the first-team defense during the three weeks of organized team activities and the Bills’ ongoing three-day minicamp, the popular belief is he’s merely keeping the seat warm until Posluszny is ready to take over.

But DiGiorgio believes he’s got as good a chance to claim the starting middle linebacker job as Posluszny does.

“I think my chances are pretty good as long as I’m doing the right things, I’m making the right calls, getting everybody lined up and just going out there and making plays,” Di- Giorgio said Tuesday after practice at the Bills’ training facility. “Competition is what this game is all about. Poz is a great player, but I want that spot as well as he does, and we’re going to compete for it.”

As much as the Bills like Posluszny, they insist he won’t be handed the job. He’ll have to earn it by beating out DiGiorgio. Judging from his efforts this offseason, DiGiorgio isn’t going to relinquish the job without a fight.

He has made quite an impression with his quickness and playmaking ability. He’s instinctive and diagnoses plays well. He also has been solid in pass coverage, recording a pair of interceptions and breaking up a couple of other throws.

“When you look at the tape he’s always around the ball,” Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said. “He’s always in the frame; he’s always in the picture. You can’t help but talk about him because he’s always there. That’s something that we see and we like. We’re always saying, ‘This guy hustles to the ball every play. He’s around the ball, he’s getting interceptions or he’s picking up a fumble.’

“He’s always doing something to get himself noticed every day.”

DiGiorgio said he was a little overwhelmed when he first joined the Bills. Coming from Saginaw Valley State he didn’t doubt his ability to play, but he was uncertain about adapting to the speed of the game.

Then there was the playbook, which was twice as thick as the one he studied in college.

“I came in a little wide-eyed because I didn’t know what was going on,” said DiGiorgio, whose younger brother, Joe, played one year at the University at Buffalo before transferring to Saginaw Valley. “But I had an opportunity to learn from one of the best linebackers in the game in London Fletcher. He taught me a lot of stuff just by observing him. I feel a lot more comfortable with the defense now.”

DiGiorgio’s work ethic has accelerated his development as well. He stayed in town the entire offseason to work out and add more strength and muscle to his 6-foot-2, 230- pound frame. He also spent a lot of time studying film, working on improving his techniques and getting a better feel for the defense.

The result is a vastly improved player with a legitimate shot to have a major role this fall.

“I’m excited how much better J.D. has become in the past year,” Fewell said. “He’s a guy who just loves the game. He eats it, he breathes it, and he studies it. From where he was last year to right now, it is unbelievable.

“He’s had to work on his football smarts because he came from a small Division II school, and he’s really improved on that. Now he’s combining his hard work ethic with his instincts and athletic ability, and he’s going to be a good, solid starter or a fine backup.”

DiGiorgio would rather be a starter, even though he knows it won’t be easy. Just as he did a year ago, he has to prove himself all over again.

“Not only to the coaches, but to myself,” he said. “Each and every day, I’m trying to get better. I’m an undrafted player, so I’m easily disposable. They could let me go any day, so I’ve got to go out there and make plays. It’s the same as last year. I’m not only trying to fight for that spot on the team, but also for that starting middle linebacker spot. I’m ready to take on that challenge.”

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/97686.htmlPoz should still win the job but looks like he'll have to earn it.

Or Poz could take Ellison's job ...

That's what i was thinking too. I think Ellison could be the odd man out here. DiGiorgio can also play the strong side which will allow Poz to play the middle and Crowell to play the WLB. Or just like Beaumont suggested, Poz could play the WLB and DiGiorgio could stay at MLB (lets hope for the fantasy owners sake they don't consider Poz at SLB). One of the things that makes it easy on the coaching staff is that Crowell could play any of these positions and do really well.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Bills LB DiGiorgio makes case to start

By Allen Wilson

NEWS SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 06/13/07 6:52 AM

But DiGiorgio believes he’s got as good a chance to claim the starting middle linebacker job as Posluszny does.

In no way is this meant as a slight on our esteemed messenger and colleague, but...

There, I feel better.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

In no way is this meant as a slight on our esteemed messenger and colleague, but... There, I feel better.

DiGiorgio has been an afterthought for me as well (I was surprised he even made the team last year), but you never know sometimes. I don't think he beats out Poz, but he wouldn't be the first nobody to emerge as a quality player and potential starter after entering the league. Just figured he was a player to put on people's radars. If he can continue his strong play into the preseason and really impress the coaching staff, he could at least establish himself as a reasonable option to play significant minutes if one of the top-3 get hurt. Additionally, if Ellison struggles, moving Poz to WLB and inserting DiGiorgio at MLB also doesn't seem that far-fetched.

 

[Jene Bramel]

In no way is this meant as a slight on our esteemed messenger and colleague, but... There, I feel better.

DiGiorgio has been an afterthought for me as well (I was surprised he even made the team last year), but you never know sometimes. I don't think he beats out Poz, but he wouldn't be the first nobody to emerge as a quality player and potential starter after entering the league. Just figured he was a player to put on people's radars. If he can continue his strong play into the preseason and really impress the coaching staff, he could at least establish himself as a reasonable option to play significant minutes if one of the top-3 get hurt. Additionally, if Ellison struggles, moving Poz to WLB and inserting DiGiorgio at MLB also doesn't seem that far-fetched.

I hear you. And I appreciate the link; I never heard of the guy before today. I just had to laugh at DiGiorgio's suggestion that he's got as good a chance to start in the middle as the guy the Bills had focused so much energy to trade up and get in the draft. Got to like the confidence and purpose, though.

 

[Rozelle]

I read article this morning and like Jean, hadn't heard of him. Glad to see Aaron post this. Though he came from Division II Saginaw Valley State, had he not broken his leg in his senoir year (High School) good chance he would have been playing Division I in the MAC. I doubt there is much to this, but you never know, stranger things have happened.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

As a Poz owner in one league, I'm not concerned......

.....mostly.

I did pick up this guy in a very deep league just to hedge my bets.

 

[cpstorm]

 

[ebcpastor2004]

Clipped from the Bills website--

"June 13, 2007 Posted By: Chris Brown | Time: 3:15 PM ET | Link

BEST SPRING PERFORMERS: Keep in mind that during the OTAs and minicamp it's very difficult for the offensive and defensive linemen to make noticeable performances in this non-live football setting. That's why the following lists will be dominated by a lot of the skill position players since it's largely a passing camp.

...

Solid work:

Jason Webster - Came in and made an immediate impression. Made plays on the ball (2 INTs) and for the most part was able to hang with Buffalo's deep receiving corps.

John DiGiorgio - Got off to a fast start with some interceptions and took advantage of the first team reps he received at MLB.

Flashed potential:

Riley Swanson - The cornerback is pretty polished in some technique areas of his game and was getting 3rd team corner reps.

George Wilson - The receiver turned safety made some plays (2 INTs) and may have a shot to make the 53 man roster on defense.

"

Link: http://buffalobills.com/blog/index.jsp?blogger_id=1

Edited to take out the offensive mumbo-jumbo.

 

[Mapmaker]

As a Poz owner in one league, I'm not concerned...........mostly.I did pick up this guy in a very deep league just to hedge my bets.

I just did a quick check and he's not even listed in the available players list over at RTSports ....

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

June 13, 2007

Ellison has speed

Second-year linebacker Keith Ellison is one of the men on the spot in the Buffalo Bills' defense this year. He's taking over as a starter in place of Takeo Spikes. Ellison has bulked up this year but he's still on the smallish side. Ellison's best asset, however, is speed, and that has been in evidence at minicamp. Ellison closed the gap between himself and tight end Kevin Everett during 7 on 7 drills Wednesday and got himself just a couple yards shy of the sideline in order to distract Everett and force a drop of a pass from J.P. Losman. The Bills have a good coverage 'backer in Ellison. How will he hold up when the Denver Broncos line up and pound the run on the Bills in the season opener? We'll have to wait and see.

Other good plays by defenders in Wednesday's final minicamp practice included: Ashton Youboty punching the ball out of the hands of Josh Reed for a fumble on an underneath completion; Angelo Crowell forcing a fumble after another underneath completion; an interception by safety Jim Leonhard on a forced deep sideline throw by Craig Nall; and a leaping pickoff by rookie linebacker Thaddaeus Washington (he's wearing London Fletcher's No. 59) at the goal line on a throw over the middle by rookie Trent Edwards.

--- Mark Gaughan.

http://buffalonews.typepad.com/billboard/

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

as a crowell owner i'm hoping they both struggle. being a michigan fan and having watched Poz play against him them for a few years it seems obvious that Poz best position is WLB. he's not such a natural at MLB like so many draft experts have proclaimed. forget about the injury he wasn't as 'instinctual' there and as dominant as he was so very much so at WLB.

 

[redman]

Great, so Giorgino is vying for the starting job in June. Let's talk in the fall. I put even money on him even being on the roster.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I put even money on him even being on the roster.

that's easy money. not exactly a crowded LB situation. he's taken all 1st team reps up to this point and should easily make the roster this year.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

#13: Who Starts At Middle Linebacker?

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 7/9/2007 2:11 PM ET

Bills owner Ralph Wilson made it pretty clear where things stood with respect to the middle linebacker position after the club moved up in round two of the 2007 NFL draft to grab linebacker Paul Posluszny.

"We feel they're going to come in and start right away for the team," said Wilson back in late April at a press conference introducing Posluszny and top pick Marshawn Lynch. "They will fill a big gap for us."

But by no means is Posluszny going to be handed a job, and that was evident in the spring camps. Second-year linebacker John DiGiorgio assumed the starting middle linebacker position and never relinquished it over the month of practice sessions in May and June. Posluszny worked with the second team in the middle.

DiGiorgio, a former rookie free agent, made the 53-man roster last season due to his strong special teams contributions and speed, a major asset in Buffalo's defensive scheme.

The Saginaw Valley State product let his actions speak for themselves in the spring as he led all linebackers in interceptions with two and was efficient in getting his defensive teammates aligned with consistent pre-snap recognition.

And he has a fan in Bills head coach **** Jauron.

"John is just a football player," said Jauron. "He can really run and is a heady player."

DiGiorgio has also earned the respect of the linebacking corps leader with his play throughout the spring.

"Speed kills and that's the type of linebackers they're always looking for here," said Angelo Crowell. "They want almost defensive back style linebackers here that can run and hit and just play the game, and J.D. is a linebacker that can run."

By no means does that mean that Posluszny lacks speed, but DiGiorgio does appear to be at least a faster linebacker which may partly be due to the fact that he carries almost 10 fewer pounds (229) than Posluszny (238).

Where DiGiorgio clearly has an advantage over Posluszny is with knowledge of the system having spent a full year engrossed in it.

"Seeing everything the second time he's bound to be a little sharper," said Crowell of DiGiorgio. "But Poz is coming along well. He's a great athlete. As long as they both study and develop their game I think both will do well for us."

Linebackers coach Matt Sheldon assures that although Posluszny wasn't perfect with his calls through the springs camps, the rookie linebacker has shown good retention for what was installed in May and June and has improved his recognition time and execution as it applies to Buffalo's defensive system.

"He's able to pick the stuff up fairly quickly which is something that will be a good advantage for him and for us," said Sheldon. "We've just got to keep the pressure on and teach to the brightest guy in the room and have that be the rate of how we're going to do our teaching."

"He has the ability to take his game to the next level," said Crowell of Posluszny. "He just needs more mental preparation so he's sharper every day. He has the physical attributes or he wouldn't be here. Learning the defense is his biggest hurdle right now. He needs to get to the point where he can just go out and play. He's going to make some mistakes and there are going to be growing pains, but he's going to be a heck of a player once he gets the mental aspect of the game down."

Posluszny admitted that there were times in the spring where it took him an extra second to recognize a formation before making the proper call so his teammates could get lined up, but he felt better and better about his game with each passing day.

"There's so much information to pick up and process and then act, so it's a difficult process, especially for a rookie," he said. "I'm trying to learn everything and each day I got a little bit better at it. I'm definitely feeling more comfortable with it now."

With respect to the physical side of the game both Posluszny and DiGiorgio are known as solid tacklers, so when the pads go on in training camp it will only add another dimension to the competition.

"They're going to compete and it's going to be a battle and you've got to step up your game," said Crowell. "That's the thing about competition, it makes everyone better. We're a family in the linebackers room, but no one is handed a job."

And though Posluszny's pedigree makes him the favorite to land the starting role, he more than anyone else knows he's got to fight for it.

"I know that nothing is going to be given, and I'm going to have to earn it through hard work in practice," said Posluszny. "But I'm definitely looking forward to it."

Buffalo's coaching staff doesn't reward pedigree, they reward results. That's why Crowell feels landing the middle linebacker job won't be a cake walk for anyone.

"With that battle right there with Poz and J.D. they're both young players," said Crowell. "It's going to come down to the guy that can go out there and run the defense, take command of the defense and make plays."

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4902

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Today Posted By: Chris Brown | Time: 2:23 PM ET |

CROWELL ON PLAYING WITH YOUNG MLB: Whether it's the expected starter Paul Posluszny at MLB or John DiGiorgio, Angelo Crowell is going to have a very young middle linebacker next to him trying to get the defense lined up pre-snap down in and down out. I asked him what he thought of that prospect and this was his answer.

“It sits well with me. We’re a family out there. I just have to listen a little more closely to the checks, or if he might not see a check help him with a different adjustment that he might not see right off the bat. I can help him being that I know what’s going on and help him get the defense lined up that much faster. The ‘mike’ linebacker controls the huddle and the defense out there. As long as he’s sharp we’ll be good out there. The most important thing at ‘mike’ linebacker is to make a call and stay with it right or wrong so we’re all on the same page. You’re going to have some plays out there where we’ve just got to get through the down.”

What Crowell is referring to at the end is that not every alignment call in a game is ever perfect, but what is important is making the best of that call. That means giving up only 8-10 yards instead of 20-30... or worse. Crowell thinks both DiGiorgio and Posluszny are pretty sharp tacks, which is likely why the staff appears committed to going with those two young players at a very cerebral position in the defensive scheme.

Ultimately Posluszny will likely be the starter, but DiGiorgio will fight him tooth and nail for it which will make it anything but a foregone conclusion.

http://buffalobills.com/blog/index.jsp?blogger_id=1

 

[redman]

So we're to believe that a guy one year removed from being a UDFA is going to hold off a very solid 1st rounder? I see this as just emphasizing to Poz that he needs to earn the job, but this won't be an issue past week 3 at the latest, and maybe not even week 3 of camp.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

So we're to believe that a guy one year removed from being a UDFA is going to hold off a very solid 1st rounder? I see this as just emphasizing to Poz that he needs to earn the job, but this won't be an issue past week 3 at the latest, and maybe not even week 3 of camp.

not sure who is trying to make you believe that. Posluszny is still the favorite and will almost certainly be the starter by the time the season gets here, but the job isn't his yet.more than anything, sometimes it's good to know who the clear backup for a key IDP will be in case something happens in preseason. doesn't hurt anyone to know about how well DiGiorgio has played this offseason.

 

[-OZ-]

So we're to believe that a guy one year removed from being a UDFA is going to hold off a very solid 1st rounder? I see this as just emphasizing to Poz that he needs to earn the job, but this won't be an issue past week 3 at the latest, and maybe not even week 3 of camp.

not sure who is trying to make you believe that. Posluszny is still the favorite and will almost certainly be the starter by the time the season gets here, but the job isn't his yet.more than anything, sometimes it's good to know who the clear backup for a key IDP will be in case something happens in preseason. doesn't hurt anyone to know about how well DiGiorgio has played this offseason.

Poz is a lock to start.Somewhere, it just might not be in the middle as anticipated. SLBs are still worth a fair bit in the NFL, just not in FF.

 

[Franchise Playa]

So we're to believe that a guy one year removed from being a UDFA is going to hold off a very solid 1st rounder? I see this as just emphasizing to Poz that he needs to earn the job, but this won't be an issue past week 3 at the latest, and maybe not even week 3 of camp.

not sure who is trying to make you believe that. Posluszny is still the favorite and will almost certainly be the starter by the time the season gets here, but the job isn't his yet.more than anything, sometimes it's good to know who the clear backup for a key IDP will be in case something happens in preseason. doesn't hurt anyone to know about how well DiGiorgio has played this offseason.

Poz is a lock to start.Somewhere, it just might not be in the middle as anticipated. SLBs are still worth a fair bit in the NFL, just not in FF.

If both are so great at the middle why not just kick Ellison to the curb and put Poz in the weak? They can't love Ellison THAT much to pass over Digiorgio if he is playing that well. I guess im all about putting your best guys on the field and if those 2 are your best at MLB get em both on.

 

[bcr8f]

If both are so great at the middle why not just kick Ellison to the curb and put Poz in the weak? They can't love Ellison THAT much to pass over Digiorgio if he is playing that well. I guess im all about putting your best guys on the field and if those 2 are your best at MLB get em both on.

If that's the case in TC they probably will. This could be an interesting team to watch.

 

[chook]

Just some more on this...

John DiGiorgio - A former rookie free agent whose speed and anticipation skills make him difficult to ignore defensively. With a command of the defensive system DiGiorgio will make it more of a competition for the starting middle linebacker spot with Paul Posluszny than most expect. He's arguably one of the most valuable young special teams cover players.

This kid is very much starting to sound like someone to be paying attention to over TC.

 

[Warpig]

Just some more on this...

John DiGiorgio - A former rookie free agent whose speed and anticipation skills make him difficult to ignore defensively. With a command of the defensive system DiGiorgio will make it more of a competition for the starting middle linebacker spot with Paul Posluszny than most expect. He's arguably one of the most valuable young special teams cover players.

This kid is very much starting to sound like someone to be paying attention to over TC.

I'm certainly hoping so! I just picked him up in my 32 team dynasty league for a measly $2!!!Even the Buffalo "homer" in my division didn't try to bid on him.

Not sure that's a good or bad thing.

It certainly sounds as though he's making it tough on the coaching staff. Since Buffalo seems to be pretty thin at LB depth I'm hoping atleast that maybe he gets some decent rotation time and either keeps Poz at bay for a season (if he has trouble picking up the NFL play) or he beats out Ellison at the WLB spot.

 

[Beaumont]

Just some more on this...

John DiGiorgio - A former rookie free agent whose speed and anticipation skills make him difficult to ignore defensively. With a command of the defensive system DiGiorgio will make it more of a competition for the starting middle linebacker spot with Paul Posluszny than most expect. He's arguably one of the most valuable young special teams cover players.

This kid is very much starting to sound like someone to be paying attention to over TC.

I'm certainly hoping so! I just picked him up in my 32 team dynasty league for a measly $2!!!Even the Buffalo "homer" in my division didn't try to bid on him.

Not sure that's a good or bad thing.

It certainly sounds as though he's making it tough on the coaching staff. Since Buffalo seems to be pretty thin at LB depth I'm hoping atleast that maybe he gets some decent rotation time and either keeps Poz at bay for a season (if he has trouble picking up the NFL play) or he beats out Ellison at the WLB spot.

:(

"zoomanji" picked him up in my 32 teamer before I even knew who he was ...Its a nice grab.

 

[stevegamer]

He's nice insurance for those who drafted Poz.

 

[ATC1]

Did Poz sign his contract yet?

Until he does this is leverage.

 

[bcr8f]

Did Poz sign his contract yet?Until he does this is leverage.

From Bills fans I have read that doesn't seem to be the case. Priest Holmes and Mike Bell weren't drafted either.Poz could take Ellison's job.

 

[WisWolvrns]

Did Poz sign his contract yet?Until he does this is leverage.

That is exactly what I figure too. Also, from what I read, he is a great special teams player, so my guess is, since Poz isn't signed yet, then get as many reps in now for his probable backup for experience, since Poz will be getting all the time once he is signed and camp starts.

 

[bcr8f]

Did Poz sign his contract yet?Until he does this is leverage.

That is exactly what I figure too. Also, from what I read, he is a great special teams player, so my guess is, since Poz isn't signed yet, then get as many reps in now for his probable backup for experience, since Poz will be getting all the time once he is signed and camp starts.

You guys think the whole team is in on contract leverage? That's pretty sad. I can see the front office doing it but not the assistant coaches on the field. Thy don't want to be involved in that.

 

[bcr8f]

What are the odds of him replacing Ellison if Poz is the MLB?

 

[Zoomanji]

What are the odds of him replacing Ellison if Poz is the MLB?

I would think that they get the best 3 LBs on the field. Crowell & Pos will be 2 of them. Ellison & DiGiorgio will fight it out and Pos will play outside or inside depending on who wins. If Pos can't play inside or plays badly in TC, I could see Digiorio win be default.And can we just call him Delivery since its easier to spell?

 

[redman]

What are the odds of him replacing Ellison if Poz is the MLB?

And can we just call him Delivery since its easier to spell?

That shouldn't be funny but it is.

 

[bcr8f]

What are the odds of him replacing Ellison if Poz is the MLB?

I would think that they get the best 3 LBs on the field. Crowell & Pos will be 2 of them. Ellison & DiGiorgio will fight it out and Pos will play outside or inside depending on who wins. If Pos can't play inside or plays badly in TC, I could see Digiorio win be default.And can we just call him Delivery since its easier to spell?

They call him DiG at the Bills boards.

 

[chook]

Good article and comments at the bottom

DiGiorgio over Posluszny a camp ploy for Bills?

By Anthony Bialy on July 23, 2007 12:22 AM

Wait, Paul Posluszny is the starting middle linebacker for the Buffalo Bills . Um, right? Most thought that was the plan when the Bills maneuvered to pick up a player that, if not for their excruciatingly desperate need for a stud running back, they might have nabbed with their first pick at 12th overall (they managed to get Posluszny early in the second round; RB Marshawn Lynch was the team's first-rounder). The idea was that, on the draft's opening day, Buffalo needed two starters at noon and were cleverly all set before dinnertime.

But the news is that Posluszny faces competition for a starting spot in the form of . . . John DiGiorgio. His name may not be as prominent as erstwhile Bills linebackers Takeo Spikes or London Fletcher, but he's still trying to squirm his way into the starting lineup. Accounts are he played well in the post-draft, pre-camp workouts, and the second-year man, a former undrafted free agent, got most of the first-team snaps. He's also currently listed as the first-string middle linebacker on the Bills' depth chart. Could he possibly, conceivably stay there through September?

It's feasible that the smaller DiGiorgio could have more range in the middle than the player from, ahem, Linebacker U (Penn State). DiGiorgio has one asset that, next to hitting a baseball, is the hardest sporting skill to teach: speed. His ability to get in gear quickly has allowed him to obtain at least a tenuous hold on the starting MLB spot, but no matter how well he did without pads in the spring, this can't be for real.

DiGiorgio, as with Josh Stamer and Mario Haggan, seems better suited for depth. The Bills are blessed with solid linebacker reserves: They have guys who work hard, excel at special teams, and could fill in competently in a disaster situation. And keeping them in backup roles is also the logically inevitable move, especially when one watches the newest Bills linebacker compete.

All evidence about Posluszny, particularly footage of him wreaking destruction as a Nittany Lion, indicates he was placed on Earth for the purpose of corralling ball carriers. He's fast for someone as big and powerful as he is, but more importantly, he has a sense for where the play is headed and how to stop it as soon as possible. I changed my mind: Football instincts are harder to teach than batting. Forget baseball, because diagnosing, then ruining, an offense's play is a talent that one simply can't learn. Posluszny's instincts and athleticism lead one to conclude that DiGiorgio is just holding the former's place right now.

So why is the promising rookie still technically a backup? This could be a case where **** Jauron knows full well that Posluszny will be on the field for the Bills' first play of the season, against the Denver Broncos , and the coach just doesn't want to announce that he's handing the rookie a job. Maybe the staff intends for Posluszny to work his way into the lineup as a motivation tactic for the player and as a signal to the rest of the team that future stars don't get cushy treatment.

After all, Jauron had to clean up the mess that Mike Mularkey created with J.P. Losman by handing him the starting job; if Mularkey had enough sense to at least go through the motions of holding a competition before anointing Losman the starter, it could have aided both team and player. Jauron might be thinking that even the appearance of a competition with DiGiorgio playing the Kelly Holcomb role would benefit Posluszny. The coach didn't exactly turn to the news cameras and wink when he announced that there would be a quarterback competition before last season, but he could have, and the same scenario could be playing out this year at middle linebacker.

It would be a shame if Jauron wasn't simply treating Posluszny in the same manner he dealt with Losman going into the previous training camp. Not starting Posluszny would be a waste, like going to a theme park and doing nothing all day but drive those old timey cars on the rail: If you've paid the admission, ride the coasters, already. I'm positive the game will slow down for Posluszny in the midst of training camp, and he'll start from the initial game of his career. It's nothing against DiGiorgio, but Posluszny needs to be on the field.

 

[JOBOOZOSO]

Poz by a landslide

 

[chook]

From KFFL:

Aug 1 Mark Gaughan, of the Buffalo News, reports Buffalo Bills LB Keith Ellison is having a strong training camp thus far, recording three interceptions in the first two days of practice.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

From KFFL:

Aug 1 Mark Gaughan, of the Buffalo News, reports Buffalo Bills LB Keith Ellison is having a strong training camp thus far, recording three interceptions in the first two days of practice.

Ellison is Bills’ ballhawk

Rookie surprise of 2006 getting bulkier, better

By Mark Gaughan

Updated: 08/01/07 7:15 AM

PITTSFORD — Buffalo Bills linebacker Keith Ellison made three interceptions in the first two days of training camp, and he would have taken all of them back for touchdowns if the plays came in a real game.

“Guys are asking me if I’m paying off the quarterbacks,” Ellison laughed.

It won’t pay opposing quarterbacks to throw in Ellison’s direction this season if the young linebacker continues his rapid progress.

Ellison was the most surprising young player on the Bills’ team last year. He was drafted in the sixth round out of Oregon State. Yet he wound up playing nine full games due to injuries to Takeo Spikes and Angelo Crowell. He played so well the Bills’ coaches marked him down for a starting outside linebacker job in March after they parted ways with Spikes.

“Boy, he is having a tremendous camp so far,” said Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. “I’ll tell you this, he was a consistent guy last year. He just went out and did his job, and that’s what he’s doing again this year.”

Fewell and head coach **** Jauron put a high priority on speed on their defense. Ellison brings good quickness and mobility. He was a safety his first two college seasons, and he was surprisingly good dropping into pass coverage as a rookie.

“He has definitely benefited from being a safety,” Fewell said. “I was joking with the linebacker coaches that we were in a man coverage and Keith had coverage on a tight end. I said, ‘Why is Keith playing off the tight end?’ During the season we let him go down and work one-on-one against [Lee] Evans and [Peerless] Price and those kind of guys, and he would press them and he would fare well. I said, ‘Hey, we’ve got to use his talents.’ ”

“Last year was a big surprise to me,” Ellison said. “Coming into camp I was just hoping to make the team. Then after I made the roster for the first game I was just hoping to be on special teams. Then Takeo goes down and they tell me I’m going in and everything got rushed forward. That experience I got last year I wouldn’t trade for anything because it’s going to help me this year.”

Ellison also picked the defense up quickly last year. While he says he’s “no Rhodes scholar,” Ellison is only two classes shy of getting a degree in history. He also scored 36 on the Wonderlic intelligence test before the draft. The smartest quarterbacks typically score 35 to 40. The average score for draftees on the 12-minute, 50- question exam reportedly is 21.

The reason Ellison lasted until the sixth round was lack of bulk. By the end of last season he was only 223 pounds. So his mission this offseason was to get up to 230 pounds without adding any fat. Gaining seven pounds of pure muscle is not easy.

“I hit 230 the first day of camp,” Ellison said. “I give a lot of credit to the strength coaches. They put us on a nutrition plan that worked.”

Ellison ate three meals and three good snacks every day since last season ended.

“I tried eating throughout the day because I’m not good at eating a lot at one sitting,” Ellison said. “I love chicken. I’d make chicken and rice, because it’s so easy to cook and I don’t like to spend a lot of time cooking.”

With a little more bulk and a year’s experience, the Bills think Ellison will be an asset this year.

“I think he is making that jump from Year One to Year Two because the knowledge is there, the knowhow is there, and you’re seeing some of his playmaking abilities show up,” Fewell said.

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/131636.html

we could certainly see Crowell/Ellison in the Bills nickel this year, which would hurt the value of Poz (or DiG)

 

[Jene Bramel]

I don't have it in front of me, but FootballOutsiders metrics suggest that Ellison was one of the better cover backers in the league in 2006.

 

[chook]

From RealFootball365

Defense:

Keith Ellison, LB - A sixth-round pick in the 2006 draft, many were surprised to see Ellison make the Bills' Opening-Day roster last year. However, he performed admirably as a pro freshman, accumulating 65 tackles in 14 games. In his second camp, the 23-year-old is showing why he was a star at Oregon State. Ellison, who has gained seven pounds since the end of last year to get to 230, was penciled in as the Bills' weakside linebacker after veteran Takeo Spikes was traded in March, and the summer interception machine will become a household name soon if his strong play carries into the season.

"I'll tell you this, he was a consistent guy last year. He just went out and did his job, and that's what he's doing again this year," Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell told the Buffalo News.

Ellison's doing his job, for sure. This time, though, he's doing it a lot better.

It's sounding more and more like he's going to make the Bills' WLB spot his own, with Posluszny now working with the first team at MLB in front of DiGiorgio.

 

[chook]

Here's the Pos talk...

Bills' rookie LB Posluszny gets a shot with first unit

ASSOCIATED PRESS

12:29 p.m. August 4, 2007

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – Buffalo Bills rookie linebacker Paul Posluszny admits he has a lot to learn about playing in the NFL. It's a good thing he's proving to be a quick study.

Posluszny, Buffalo's second-round draft pick out of Penn State, played middle linebacker with the first unit for most of the week and looked solid most of the time.

“The more you see of him, the more it confirms our opinion of him, why we wanted him,” Bills coach **** Jauron said. “He's really a great guy to have on the team. He's got a great attitude, and he's only going to get better.”

Posluszny practiced with the first unit because second-year player John DiGiorgio has been hampered by a hip flexor. DiGiorgio practiced with the second team Saturday.

“Our plan for John was to get him warmed up, get him back in the seven-on-sevens,” Jauron said. “Hopefully, he'll get this day-and-a-half off and be ready when camp reopens Monday.”

Posluszny was excited about working with the top unit.

“Practicing with the No. 1 group is the most important thing,” Posluszny said. “The more I'm able to get together with them, the better I'll be.”

A first-team Associated Press All-American for the Nittany Lions last season, Posluszny said there are many adjustments to make in the jump from college to the NFL.

“One of the biggest things is the speed of the game,” he said. “In college, you may have that extra second to decide where to go. That's not the case up here.”

But Jauron is confident Posluszny has the tools to make it in the NFL.

“He's a very sharp guy and he works at it,” Jauron said. “It's a lot of new learning.”

Posluszny, an academic All-American at Penn State, is aware that there's still a long way to go.

“Mentally, the toughest part is picking up the playbook and making decisions very quickly. It's tough, it's physical, but it's what I expected,” he said. “I think I held my own with the first team. But to be a great player in this league, you need to have a lot of experience. And I'm getting more each day.”

 

[bcr8f]

From RealFootball365

Defense:

Keith Ellison, LB - A sixth-round pick in the 2006 draft, many were surprised to see Ellison make the Bills' Opening-Day roster last year. However, he performed admirably as a pro freshman, accumulating 65 tackles in 14 games. In his second camp, the 23-year-old is showing why he was a star at Oregon State. Ellison, who has gained seven pounds since the end of last year to get to 230, was penciled in as the Bills' weakside linebacker after veteran Takeo Spikes was traded in March, and the summer interception machine will become a household name soon if his strong play carries into the season.

"I'll tell you this, he was a consistent guy last year. He just went out and did his job, and that's what he's doing again this year," Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell told the Buffalo News.

Ellison's doing his job, for sure. This time, though, he's doing it a lot better.

It's sounding more and more like he's going to make the Bills' WLB spot his own, with Posluszny now working with the first team at MLB in front of DiGiorgio.

That makes the most sense.

 

[bcr8f]

DiGiorgio returns

John DiGiorgio was full go for the first time in about a week and was back getting reps with the first team defense. The highlight of his evening was his interception off J.P. Losman which he took back for a touchdown.

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?NEWS_ID=5033

 

[Warpig]

DiGiorgio returns

John DiGiorgio was full go for the first time in about a week and was back getting reps with the first team defense. The highlight of his evening was his interception off J.P. Losman which he took back for a touchdown.

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?NEWS_ID=5033