Where will Mike Tolbert fit in the Buffalo Bills’ offense?
By Ryan Brennan
After signing Mike Tolbert early in free agency, it looks like he will be sticking around with the Buffalo Bills. Where will we see him in action?
Mike Tolbert was one of the first free agent signings made by the Buffalo Bills this offseason. It was a shock to the fans, noting that he was signed shortly after the Bills signed fullback Patrick DiMarco to be their starter.
The part that made sense about the signing was his history with Sean McDermott. Tolbert spent the past five seasons with the Carolina Panthers, where Sean McDermott was the team’s defensive coordinator. Although on opposite sides of the ball, McDermott knew the effect Tolbert has on a locker room.
That was one of the main reasons he was brought in. Whenever a team fires their coach and hires a new one, the locker room can get a little confused — especially when you go from the relaxed Rex Ryan to the detail-oriented McDermott.
With such a drastic change and complete-180 for this franchise, Tolbert was one of the players brought in to smooth the transition and act as a messenger for how McD wants things run.
There’s no doubt he will act as a leader in the locker room this season, but what can we expect from the veteran on the field?
A couple of weeks ago, Pro Football Focus pondered the question and gave an answer that a lot of fans should be happy about. Over the past two seasons, Mike Tolbert has ranked in the top-three in pass-blocking throughout the NFL.
When you consider the amount of pressure Tyrod Taylor faced in the pocket last season, the Bills can definitely use some help limiting that in 2017. Tolbert won’t be given a lot of opportunities on the ground this season, but expect to see him a lot in blocking roles.
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When it comes to pass blocking, Mike Tolbert ranked second in 2016 with a 98.1 — he only allowed one pressure and appeared in 39 snaps as a pass-blocker. The only back with a higher efficiency grade was Rashad Jennings (98.3).
Although Tolbert’s run-blocking hasn’t been as successful, I would still expect to see him there as well. For the most part though, it looks like third-down passing plays will be his main home.
Given his size and the fact that he has earned the nickname “Toldozer,” he could help the Buffalo Bills in goal-line situations as well. He’s reliable in that regard and can bulldoze his way into the endzone, no matter who gets in his way. Looking at how little LeSean McCoy was used in those situations last season, this could be a good spot for Tolbert too.
In his career, Tolbert has compiled 2,402 yards and 33 touchdowns in 9 seasons (5 with Carolina, 4 with San Diego). His breakout season came in 2010 when he finished with 735 yards and 11 touchdowns. Those days are long gone, but Tolbert has always found a way to contribute.
I wouldn’t expect anything different from him in Buffalo.
Next: 7 best free agent signings in Buffalo Bills' history
Where do you see Mike Tolbert being used in 2017? Leave your thoughts below!