The Buffalo Bills recent addition of free agent Akeem King could be the perfect player to fill the “big nickel” for this defense.
This offseason the one position that has been discussed pretty regularly is the “big nickel.” The Buffalo Bills play a majority of their defensive snaps in a nickel formation, a scheme that includes five defensive backs on the field at one time.
The nickel defense is usually smaller personnel and opposing offenses will try to load up with bigger players and lean on the run game to get the advantage. One way Sean McDermott and the defensive coaches combat this is with a “big nickel.”
Last year, the Buffalo Bills used Siran Neal in this role and this offseason there was rumors the Bills were targeting Kyle Dugger in the NFL Draft, and according to reports he was on their radar in the second round.
It appeared the Bills were prepared to go into the 2020 season with Siran Neal once again playing this role but the signing over the weekend of Akeem King gives him some competition now.
King was a seventh round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2015 NFL Draft but was cut and has spent the past three years with the Seattle Seahawks, the past two on their active roster. Over that time he has primarily played special teams, playing over 30% of those snaps the past two years.
However, he also has experience as a nickel and even saw his defensive snaps jump from 15% to 25% last year.
This video breakdown by the Seahawks Maven does a good job showcasing what King can bring to this defense:
The one thing that immediately jumps out is certainly the size at 6’1″ and 213 pounds and why he might be the perfect answer for this role. He showcases a good ability to tackle and play the run, can blitz off the edge and can match up with some of the bigger tight ends in the league.
The biggest question mark for King is his coverage ability, especially against smaller slot receivers, however with Taron Johnson still on the roster he wouldn’t be asked to do this regularly.
The loss of E.J. Gaines, who opted out of the upcoming season, is certainly a disappointment and he provided good depth in the secondary. However, the addition of Akeem King could end up making a bigger impact if he can win the “big nickel” role this training camp.