Buffalo Bills 2018 Position Battles: Right and left guard
Vladimir Ducasse, 9th Year
(6-foot-5, 329 pounds)
Contract: 2 year- $3.6 Million
Career Notes:
- Second-round pick (No. 61 overall) in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Massachusetts.
- Has started 42 games for five separate NFL teams (NYJ, MIN, BAL, CHI, BUF).
- Started 12 games (most in career for a season) for Buffalo last year at RG.
Analysis:
Ducasse is easily the most experienced offensive lineman left on the roster. During his NFL career he has been a part of several different offensive schemes and has really caught on as a Buffalo Bill. The Bills’ power run game fits his ability to latch onto defenders and drive them away from the play.
During his time starting at guard alongside Eric Wood, there were rarely lapses in his pass protection. I believe playing next to Wood helped him understand blitzes and defensive schemes a bit better and allowed him to play with aggression.
His veteran presence will be needed when the Bills look to replace two of their starters from last season. He will need to help his young teammates communicate to protect whoever starts at quarterback in 2018. Ducasse has the inside track to return as the starter on the right side.