Bills’ DiGiorgio could deliver as starter

By Anthony Bialy  |   Thursday, February 19, 2009  |  Comments( 73 )

Buffalo Bills
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The Buffalo Bills re-signed a valuable linebacker who didn’t play linebacker last season. Coming off a knee injury suffered while competing on special teams that ended his year in the seventh game, John DiGiorgio is nonetheless one of this team’s important components, as he is at worst a fine defensive reserve and at best a potential starter. He must heal first, and the team might find someone else for the job, but the reasonable option is now available thanks to his new contract.

DiGiorgio made his biggest mark during 2007 when he wasn’t even supposed to play: his 113 NFL-credited tackles when he stepped in for the wounded Paul Posluszny put him second-highest on the team, as he conducted himself well while staying and getting to the right places. The unfortunate reality of losing their prized, highly-drafted rookie to injury was partially tempered by the ensuing bright play of their obscure, undrafted second-year man.

That replacement showed DiGiorgio is capable of jumping on the field and contributing, a valuable attribute in general and certainly at this position. Buffalo has struggled with wounded linebackers: in addition to Posluszny’s injury, they lost Angelo Crowell and Alvin Bowen to injured reserve last season before there was a season. Takeo Spikes’ final two years with the team were also checkered with extensive missed time, which is further evidence that linebackers’ careers are tenuous propositions. If a team thinks they possess enough good linebackers, it means it’s time to go out and nab one more.

With that thought hovering, DiGiorgio ought to get a promotion to accompany his signing: the Saginaw Valley State product should move up the current depth chart. At 6’2” and 229 pounds, he is listed at two inches taller and the exact same weight as still-restricted free agent Keith Ellison. He’d offer more than extra height as a starter compared to Ellison, who brings a fine attitude and thorough enthusiasm but not the physical makeup to be a regular NFL starter.

Although listed as a middle linebacker due his range, DiGiorgio is more significantly a solid athlete who’s dedicated to toil, qualities which would allow him to flourish at a neighboring address. If football fans were blessed by having the season start today, this defense would be best off using Poz, naturally and of course, in the middle with DiGiorgio on the weak side and Kawika Mitchell hovering nearer the tight end. That would get the team’s three best current linebackers on the field simultaneously.

That said, the talent pool could get deeper. A third starting-caliber linebacker might remain an external free agent goal for the Bills; they could also stay inside and decide whether it’s worth keeping both Crowell and Crowell’s baggage. But DiGiorgio has shown that he can hold his own with zero notice, and he’d be a fair option if he can use this offseason to not only get healthy but also prepare to start. It’s too early to know whether he’ll be past his October 19 injury by this year’s Week 1, but this team should be hopeful that a successful rehabilitation could mean they’ve got a potential starter.

More generally, the Bills are addressing some of their minor yet crucial needs. As with signing wide receiver Justin Jenkins earlier this week, retaining DiGiorgio is a move that doesn’t smack of glamour. But depth and quality special teams play are crucial for triumph, and Buffalo is ensuring its stage crew is properly assembled so the stars can set about their business without worry. DiGiorgio is the sort who can help just by his presence, and he might play defense in addition to simply being there.
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