Buffalo Bills 2015 Safeties Breakdown

Dec 14, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) is tackled by Buffalo Bills strong safety Duke Williams (27) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

SS Duke Williams

After drafting Florida State running back Karlos Williams, the Bills have six players on their roster named “Williams”, and their starting safety tandem both share the same surname. Duke Williams is slotted in as Searcy’s replacement at strong safety for the 2015 season, though he could lose sub-package snaps to Graham.

The Bills seem intent on having some competition at the strong safety spot, so it will be interesting to see if Williams, who is the clear favorite to start, is pushed by the likes of Jonathan Meeks or loses sub-package snaps. Ryan has plenty of mix-and-match options at the safety position if he feels like going with some different looks back there, so that could affect Williams’s playing time.

Last year, Williams recorded 53 tackles and looked very good in run support. He’s clearly more of a strong safety due to his struggles in coverage, but the Bills understandably feel that he’s worthy of starting. Williams is the type of safety who can really set the tone for a defense, and the former fourth-round pick has plenty of upside as a 24-year-old heading into his third season (and just his second year in a significant role on defense).

Next: Going Rambo