Friday, April 26, 2013

Bills' linebacker selection may solve Dansby mystery

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The Buffalo Bills have been looking to bolster the middle of the defensive front since the departure of Nick Barnett, and the likelihood of that void being filled with former Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby may have gotten a bit smaller Friday.

The team used the 46th overall pick to select inside linebacker Kiko Alonso from Oregon, the team's second selection in the second round. (photo: Neon Tommy, Flickr)

Alonso's biggest upside for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's crew is his versatility, as the 238-pound former Duck can play on the outside as well as in the middle.

He tallied 81 total tackles and four interceptions in 2012, along with two forced fumbles.

He will likely offer some decent competition for starting middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard this summer in training camp, though the versatile linebacker will better fill Pettine's need for fresh legs on the weak side in his revamped hybrid defense.

Alonzo has had his fair share of rough patches, missing the 2010 season with a knee injury, as well as a number of run-ins with the law. He should perform well if he can keep out of trouble, however, showing strong awareness, balance and explosive pursuit skills.

In terms of Dansby, there has been no word from the team on any contract negotiations since his visit the beginning of this week. He is currently looking for work after holding down the middle of the Dolphins defensive front for the past three seasons.

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