Ko Simpson

Simpson finished the 2008 season with 66 total tackles, two passes defensed and no sacks or interceptions. He was once a highly touted hard-hitting fourth-rounder, but he's been shaky after recovering from a surgically repaired broken left ankle, suffered the first game in 2007. An offseason arrest probably doesn't help either. Simpson lost his starting safety job by the end of 2008, and needs to get his confidence back now that his ankle has been battle tested. Watch and see if he can earn a starting job back, but right now it would seem at best he'll be sharing time with Bryan Scott and rookie Jairus Byrd in 2009.

After a promising rookie campaign, Simpson broke his ankle early last season and played in just one game. He’s still dealing with some lingering soreness but otherwise looks ready to go for 2008 and expects to reclaim his position as the starting free safety. George Wison will pose some threat, but Simpson has more experience at the position and has better tackling skills. Expect numbers close to the 76 tackles and two interceptions he posted as a rookie.

Simpson had a solid rookie campaign, recording 77 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and two interceptions. He returned one of the picks 76 yards but failed to score. The addition of Simpson helped the Bills improve their pass defense, which was rated at seventh in the league. Expect the Bills' defense to improve again as Simpson and fellow second-year safety Donte Whitner gain more experience. Simpson is very athletic so he should be involved in some big plays this year. His tackling numbers should be more consistent this season as he becomes more comfortable in the defense. The fact that the Bills didn't sign a veteran safety shows their confidence in their two young backliners.

Simpson, a fourth-rounder might have been the Bills' best value pick in the 2006 Draft, as some even had him going in the first round. Simpson is noted for having the size, speed and range to make plays as well as the toughness to give good run support. It is expected that he will make an immediate contribution on special teams and be groomed as the eventual successor to safety Troy Vincent, though he likely won't have IDP value in his rookie season.