PITTSFORD — Some days are easier than others for George Wilson.

The Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver-turned-safety thinks he’s got the whole defense thing figured out, but the offense will show a new shift and Wilson realizes how much work is yet to be done.

“They throw you a curveball right when you feel like you’re getting the hang of it,” Wilson said recently at the conclusion of a practice at St. John Fisher College.

That’s not to say that progress in the experiment hasn’t been made, though.

“I feel like the transition in going pretty well,” Wilson said. “[Defensive backs coach George] Catavolos and the guys in the meeting room have done a really good job in giving me some keys so that I’m not thinking as much.”

Wilson’s background as a receiver is also beneficial.

“I can work on the route combinations and things like that at the snap,” he said. “It may give me a jump on what the receivers may be doing or where they may be trying to get to on the field. I have that in the back of my mind.”

Wilson is working at strong safety, meaning he’s often in the box for run support or matched up against tight ends. It’s a job that requires physical, aggressive players, something Wilson thought of himself even at receiver.

“I like the aggression. I like the physical play down there,” he said. “You gotta be fearless down in that box.”

It’s that attitude that has gotten Wilson noticed by the coaching staff.

“He’s a physical, willing guy and he’s a good addition for us,” Catavolos said. “George has made big strides from where he started.”

Barring injury, the starting safety jobs are already decided. Both Dante Whitner at the strong position and Ko Simpson at the free position are coming off promising rookie seasons and are expected to become leaders on defense despite their youth. Reserve spots, though, are up for grabs.

Jim Leonhard has been serving as the primary backup to both Simpson and Whitner, so he appears a lock to make the squad. After that, Wilson, sixth-round draft pick John Wendling and undrafted rookie free agents Jon Corto and Trevor Hooper are competing for what will likely be two jobs.

As is the case with most of Buffalo’s reserves, the players who can contribute on special teams stand a better chance of surviving final cut. On that end, Wilson made a tackle on special teams Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

Contact editor Jay Skurski at 693-1000, ext. 117.