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BILLS: Rookies Levitre, Wood already in competition
ORCHARD PARK — Their dimensions are nearly identical, a few inches over six feet tall and the scale’s needle hovering around 300.
That means size alone won’t differentiate Andy Levitre and Eric Wood when the Buffalo Bills start organized team activities on May 18. The two rookie linemen — both taken in the opening two rounds of the NFL Draft — have more at stake than simply learning the Bills’ system or getting in good favor with the coaching staff.
Both Levitre, a second-rounder from Oregon State, and Wood, who was taken with the 28th pick in the draft out of Louisville, have a starting role in their sights.
While other teams, especially those who hovered around .500 last year, typically don’t press rookie offensive linemen into action unless they’re in the top handful of picks, the Bills will likely be forced to do so.
Will that mean Wood, who played center in college, but got reps at guard during the team’s rookie camp last weekend? Or Levitre, who lined up mostly on the left side in college, but saw snaps at right guard in last week’s camp?
“We may leave them alone,” Bills coach Dick Jauron said. “It just depends on how it goes, but as it moves along we know they have flexibility.”
Levitre insisted he wasn’t at rookie camp with a starting role as his primary focus, but the former Beaver knows it’s a possibility. He worked with Wood, learning the Bills schemes, and made quick progress.
“We’re getting along very well and I think the both of us are going to help contribute to this offensive line,” he said.
Known as a cerebral player who’s not particularly explosive, Levitre might be best suited at center. That’s odd since Wood, who played center, might be better suited for left guard.
“I’m learning a whole new offense and I’ve got to put a lot more time and effort into making sure I understand what’s going on out on the field with the new playbook, new terminology and whatnot,” Levitre said. “I’m feeling pretty comfortable with it right now and it should come along as time goes by.”
Wood, meanwhile, understands the opportunity that lies ahead. Known as a nasty player who likes to mix it up, Wood’s demeanor could help instantly with the loss of Jason Peters on the left side of the line.
“I know they want me to come in and compete, and that’s what I’m going to do. I have a lot of respect for the guys that are here and I have to come in and earn my spot,” Wood said. “I don’t want a penciled-in starting spot until I’ve done something on the field.”
Levitre echoed Wood’s sentiments.
“I’m coming in to compete for a spot, and wherever my competition lands me, if I’m a starter that’s great,” he said. “But ultimately I want to be a starter for this team.”
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