By Tim Graham
A countdown of my top 25 AFC East players continues, one weekday at a time ...
The choice
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams would have been higher on the list if he weren't returning from Achilles surgery. When I did a similar list last summer for ESPN.com, I rated Williams No. 11 in the division. Three studs from moved ahead of him, while two tumbled down my list. So Williams only slid one spot; that's only because of the injury.
Williams was perhaps the NFL's most underrated defensive lineman three seasons ago and finally made his first Pro Bowl for his work in 2010. The Bills made him a captain last season, and he slogged his way through five games before landing on injured reserve.
The season before last, as the nose tackle in their 3-4 base defense, Williams led the Bills with 16 tackles for losses, almost three times the number of his next-closest teammates. He also led Buffalo with 5.5 sacks and had two fumble recoveries.
Williams previously proved himself as a 4-3 defensive tackle under former head coach Dick Jauron. 2009, Williams recorded 66 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble in 14 games.
Fast fact
In the 2010 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he tied career-highs with 10 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for losses.
How acquired
Selected in the fifth round (134th overall) in the 2006 draft.
Hint about No. 12
Time to get an offensive lineman on the board.
Picks to date
13. Kyle Williams, Bills defensive tackle
14. Sione Pouha, Jets defensive tackle
15. Jairus Byrd, Bills safety
16. Brandon Lloyd, Patriots receiver
17. Stevie Johnson, Bills receiver
18. Reggie Bush, Dolphins running back
19. Jerod Mayo, Patriots inside linebacker
20. Randy Starks, Dolphins defensive lineman
21. Sebastian Vollmer, Patriots right tackle
22. Aaron Hernandez, Patriots tight end
23. Marcell Dareus, Bills defensive tackle
24. Antonio Cromartie, Jets cornerback
25. Eric Wood, Bills center
