Buffalo Bills: Expectations for IK Enemkpali

In the “are you kidding me” free agent pickup of the year, the Buffalo Bills claimed the infamous Ikemefuna Enemkpali immediately following his release by the New York Jets. Enemkpali was responsible for breaking the jaw of Jets’ starting quarterback Geno Smith in an ugly locker room confrontation during training camp. Moving forward, what kind of impact can Enemkpali actually have with his new team?

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Buffalo’s decision to sign the jaw breaking linebacker was obviously a not so subtle jab at the Jets. Bills’ head coach Rex Ryan was fired by the Jets after a terrible 4-12 record at the end of last year and I think this is his way of getting even. Part of the reason why Ryan lost his job in the first place was due to the inept play of his former starting quarterback Geno Smith. That being the case, what better way for the bombastic Ryan to get even than to sign the man responsible for pummeling the struggling quarterback?

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In addition to his violent act against Smith, Enemkpali also lost control of his fists against an off-duty police office in a 2011 incident. According to this New York Daily News report from Michael O’ Keeffe, Enemkpali had to be subdued with pepper spray and was charged with simple battery in his other altercation. Given his penchant for MMA caliber violence, Enemkpali will certainly face a lengthy suspension from the NFL, assuming he even makes the Buffalo Bills’ opening day roster.

Besides having a few laughs at the Jets’ expense, why would Rex Ryan bother to bring in such a trouble maker? I think the answer can be found within the politics of the NFL draft. Enemkpali was drafted by the Jets in the sixth round of the 2014 draft, Ryan’s final season in New York. When selecting that late in the draft, teams generally overlook a player’s weaknesses if they happen to fit a particular system.

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan walks to the lockerroom after the Jets were shutout 31-0 against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Being that Ryan prefers an aggressive blitzing style of defense, he couldn’t possibly find a more aggressive defender than Enemkpali. In watching Enemkpali’s college film on youtube, I saw an intense competitor that plays like his hair is on fire. Enemkpali has pass rush skills that allows him to penetrate the backfield and sack quarterbacks with bad intentions. Enemkpali also has a knack for disengaging from blockers to help stuff the run while moving from sideline to sideline.

Like most sixth round draft choices, Enemkpali does have his share of weaknesses. In all of the highlight clips I watched, I did not see Enemkpali display any pass coverage skills whatsoever. Also, the WAC conference in which Enemkpali played in at Louisiana Tech is not exactly known as a powerhouse conference with elite level competition.

Primarily a special teams player with the Jets last year, I think there is some talent that can be developed with Enemkpali. If Enemkpali can keep his hands to himself when he’s off the field, I project him to be a solid contributor as a role player in Ryan’s front seven within the next few years.

Jan 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pagula , head coach Rex Ryan and general manager Doug Whaley after a during a press conference at ADPRO Sports Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

At day’s end, I think Buffalo’s signing of IK Enemkpali served two purposes for Bills’ head coach Rex Ryan. Not only did the flamboyant coach get a chance to take a jab at the team that fired him, but he also acquired an aggressive defender that fits his scheme. I’m sure Buffalo’s general manager Doug Whaley signed off on Ryan’s request to add Enemkpali since it was of low financial cost and made national headlines at the same time. You could say that Rex Ryan got his cake and ate it too.

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