Defensive ROY on Bills Roster? It’s Possible.

The Buffalo Bills have at least one thing to be very excited about this season.  It appears that at least one Buffalo Bills player may be in line for some end of season honors at the conclusion of this year.  Following in the tradition of Jim Haslett in 1979 and Shane Conlon in 1987, the Buffalo Bills may be in line for having someone win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award at season’s end.  Although most of the preseason hoopla was surrounding first round draft pick Aaron Maybin, it appears that Maybin has been out shined so far by another player who was drafted a little later than Maybin.

Jairus Byrd was selected in the second round in the most recent NFL draft.  Drafted 42nd overall, there was not a lot of hype surrounding Byrd.  He was not in the top tier in terms of speed in comparison to the other DBs but did show an ability to make plays regardless.  Byrd has already earned AFC defensive Player of the Month and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month honors for the month of October.  With 5 picks so far this season, Byrd has a nose for the ball and an ability to do what many in Buffalo have not been able to do, create turnovers.

Buffalo has been one of the worst teams in the league when it comes to creating turnovers.  Byrd has changed that in one month and has added a new dynamic to this defense.  Byrd is an early favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, and it isn’t just his interceptions that are making waves.  Byrd is consistently in position and making the tackles he needs to make.  Byrd has the size and strength to be an impact player for the Buffalo Bills for years to come.  But for now, Buffalo may have to settle for going into next season with a reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, and that would not be a terrible starting point when fixing all of Buffalo’s problems in the off season.

Tags: Aaron Maybin, Buffalo Bills, Jairus Byrd, Jim Haslett, Shane Conlon