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Buffalo Bills: 5 players that could surprise everyone in 2017

By Ryan Brennan

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 7: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos shakes hands with defensive end Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills after the Denver Broncos 24-17 win over the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 7, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 7: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos shakes hands with defensive end Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills after the Denver Broncos 24-17 win over the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 7, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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buffalo bills shaq lawson
BUFFALO, NY – OCTOBER 30: Preston Brown #52 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates with Shaq Lawson #90 of the Buffalo Bills after a sack on Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during the first half at New Era Field on October 30, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

DE Shaq Lawson

Shaq Lawson is entering his second season in the NFL after being drafted by the Buffalo Bills last season with the 19th overall pick. He was originally projected to go higher in the draft, but his stock dropped due to a shoulder injury.

Rex Ryan gambled on Lawson and ended up paying when he required surgery on his shoulder. He would miss the first 6 games of the season — as well as the entire offseason, training camp and preseason. Not exactly the best way to start your rookie campaign.

When he returned, he was slowly built into the rotation, but never really got a chance to get situated to the NFL speed. He definitely didn’t look like the Shaq Lawson we all witnessed at Clemson University.

That was all expected, though. The other concern was the defense he was in. Not only was Rex Ryan’s defense difficult to learn as is, but Lawson was used to a 4-3 defense from college — not what Rex implemented.

For those three reasons, Lawson’s rookie season was derailed.

Luckily, this season will be different. All three of those issues stated above are now solved and it should mean a breakout season for Lawson. First of all, he is 100% healthy — the most important of the three. Secondly, he will have a full training camp and preseason to prepare for the season ahead — which he didn’t have last season.

Lastly, he is finally in a defense that will suit his talents — McDermott’s aggressive 4-3 defense.

Get ready for some Shaq-a-Sack this season.

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