Wood already helping the line’s core

By Anthony Bialy  |   Thursday, April 30, 2009  |  Comments( 275 )

Buffalo Bills
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It’s easier to make an inventory of who’s staying on the Buffalo Bills offensive line than it is to list who’s gone. But at least they’re trying to upgrade what busted. First-round draftee Eric Wood could be an option at either left guard or center, even though the team claims it's planning on using free agent pickup Geoff Hangartner to staff the latter opening. Fans may be disappointed that Wood’s not a tackle. But it’s not his fault which team drafted him. On top of that, he’s proven himself in his particular area of expertise.

If nothing else, Wood is always there. He compiled 49 consecutive starts at Louisville, a testament of course to durability but also to the competence gained by knowing what to do on every down. He gained a reputation for preparing obsessively, as he skipped more traditional nocturnal collegiate activities like hanging out in the dormitory lounge or passing out on the chancellor’s lawn in favor of spending time in the film room.

The willingness to studiously prepare is a better quality for a rookie to bring than mere formidable ability. It’s also a good sign by the Bills: Picking up a dedicated worker is far better than bringing in a loafer who coasted on natural athleticism throughout school.

Additionally, he’s worked to maximize his physical gifts, specifically by developing a nasty reputation as a blocker who thirsts for gore through the whistle. Tellingly, Wood was credited with throwing 16 touchdown-resulting blocks last season by whoever’s job it is to track “touchdown-resulting blocks.” He was the steadiest presence on a 5-7 team, which is good news for his new 7-9 squad.

It’s still odd that the Bills went for a non-tackle blocker in Round 1; regardless, Wood appears to be a fine choice for his position. Plus, aside from distress about who’s playing on the edge, it’s easy to forget that Buffalo was soft last year in its center-left positions, too.

The pick was driven by the reality that, for a few seasons, they haven’t had a center; rather, the Bills have had someone snapping the ball. Throw in the play of ex-Bill Derrick Dockery, a blocker overpaid by any standard and especially his own, and it’s obvious why they’re replacing a great deal of the interior.

Concerns will linger about the offense’s ultimate tackle strategy. But the coaches now have steadfast options for patching the line’s other two holes, whether it’s Wood or Hangartner at center or Wood next to Hangartner as the left guard. The Bills of course need to be sure they have a competent player at the extreme left, but at least defenses won’t enjoy the alternative of easily stomping through the gut.
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CommentsComments: 275  |  Sign Up  View all comments
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No.1
8and8Forever		09:28 AM
04/30/2009
Not bad AB, you're up to speed on what the bisons intend to do this year.. You missed that Butler will be the right tackle, but...
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No.2
ddd		09:30 AM
04/30/2009
It's clear the Bills are rebuilding their OL and the chances of making the playoffs are worse than last year. For you Jauron...
No.3
09:35 AM
04/30/2009
Woods looks to be a solid selection by the Bills. There was no general consensus among the so called draft experts as to whom was...
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