Bills Fans, Meet Your New Leader: Angelo Crowell

The departure of London Fletcher-Baker to Washington left the Buffalo Bills with a few voids; a middle linebacker and a leader on defense. Angelo Crowell, who will be going into his fifth NFL season, is ready to fill both of those voids.

"When big name free agents leave it's a prime opportunity," said Crowell. "This is the time to start proving yourself to show them that you are ready to step up and that the coaches don't have to look elsewhere. It's almost a motivational move for most guys knowing that someone else is leaving. It gives guys a chance to step up."

It's not like Crowell is inexperienced however. In his four NFL season he's played in 49 games and has done statistically well in all of them. Last year he collected 84 tackles, seven passes defended, two sacks and two interceptions -- not bad for playing only 12 games. In 2005 he had a career high in total tackles when he racked up 120, he also added three sacks and two forced fumbles that year.

Many of his Bills teammates have no worries about him adapting to the middle linebacker position. In fact, most think it will be an easy transition for him and that defensive leadership will quickly follow. I have to agree with them and I think Crowell will become one of the better middle linebackers in the game.