Ashton Youboty

Youboty is unlikely to start in 2010 with Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin manning the first two spots, though the Bills are really happy with his play lately after he struggled upon entering the league. He'll provide valuable depth in what's one of the better all-around secondaries in the league.

Youboty finished the 2008 season on IR suffering from plantar fasciitis. He ended up playing in just five games -- starting two -- and accrued 20 total tackles, a sack, two passes defensed and no interceptions. He was actually one of the team's biggest surprises on defense after almost not making the team, so there's probably a home for him the next few seasons assuming he's past the foot injury and his play continues to improve. Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin look to be the two starters at corner to open up 2009, so Youboty, Drayton Florence and Reggie Corner will compete for playing time behind those two.

Youboty started three games last year, but Buffalo drafted three cornerbacks (including first-rounder Leodis McKelvin) and signed another (William James), so Youboty will be limited to nickel and dime duty in 2008. Ignore him in IDP leagues unless he forces his way up the depth chart.

Nate Clements' free agency departure leaves the Bills with four corners -- Jason Webster, Kiwaukee Thomas, Jabari Greer and Youboty -- who will compete for a starting spot across from Terrence McGee. Youboty is starting to come around during a lost rookie season due to family issues, but Webster had the better spring. The Bills like Youboty quite a bit, and feel that once he catches up to the NFL game and improves his tackling, his good size and speed should make him a productive corner. That may still be a year away, however.

Although he likely won't start right away, the Bills are high on "Sheik." The team has had plenty of luck with Ohio State defensive backs in the past, and if Youboty impresses enough he could end up as the top backup corner behind Nate Clements and Terrence McGee. No IDP value yet, but maybe in Year 2 or Year 3 of his career.