Buffalo Bills LB competition

Dec 13, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) tries to pass against Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Manny Lawson (99) at Lincoln Financial Field. The Bengals defeated the Eagles 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo bills currently have 11 LBs and OLB’s listed on their roster.  Assuming that they will be running a 4-3 defense this leaves 3 spots for starters and probably 3 to 4 additional spots for backups giving a total of 7 LBs that the Bills will carry going into the season.

Who will the Buffalo Bills keep as their 7?

They brought in Lawson and Hughes and drafted Alonso as well.  These are three that will stay.  The others that will compete for a spot are Nigel Bradham, Kourtnei Brown, Marcus Dowtin, Arthur Moats, Keith Pough, Bryan Scott, Brian Smith, and Chris White.

Nigel Bradham was able to come into the season last year and fill in.  He played in all 16 games and started 11 of them.  He finished the season with 57 tackles.  He is also a special teams player that may hold his spot on the roster.

Dowtin came to the Bills via free agency from the Jets.  He was picked up by the Jets as a rookie after the NFL draft in 2012.  He played in 4 games last year and was able to record 2 tackles.  His collegiate career was a little better playing in 47 games and picking up 246 tackle, 7.5 sacks and 2 interceptions.

Brown was drafted by the 49ers and was released and signed to the practice squad by the Redskins.  He did not see any playing time last year.

Moats started 4 games last year and played in 14 of them.  He was able to put together 25 tackles in those 14 games.

Bryan Scott played in all 16games last year but only started 1.  He was a special teams player and was able to rack up 66 total tackles and 4 interceptions.

White was able to play in 15 games last year and was able to record 11 tackles.

Brian Smith comes to the Bills via free agency from Cleveland.  He played in 2011 and was able to record 0 tackles in 2 games played.

Looking at the LB crew that is listed on the roster.  I have to say that Hughes, Alonso, and Lawson will most likely make the team.  Bryan Scott and Bradham will also be there.  Dowtin, having worked under Pettine last year will have a good shot as well.  The last player that makes it I think will be Arthur Moats.  I believe that Pough if he doesn’t make the team will be put o the practice squad.  Smith , Brown and White being released during training camp.