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Enemkpali

The noted Geno Smith puncher spent 2016 on injured reserve (ACL) for the Bills. He appeared in 11 games in 2015. Without Rex Ryan around to send Enemkpali out as a pre-game captain for trolling purposes, Enemkpali doesn’t figure to make any 2017 noise.

Enemkpali is famous for jacking Geno Smith in the jaw last year when with the Jets, but Dunne calls Enemkpali the potential “key” to the defense with first-rounder Shaq Lawson on the shelf after shoulder surgery. Enemkpali is expected to push Manny Lawson for the starting job opposite Jerry Hughes.

As the Bills transition into a true 3-4, Enemkpali could struggle to find a position. Too small to play defensive end and not good enough in coverage to play outside linebacker, Enemkpali’s best chance is as a situational rusher. He could earn a passing-down role while Shaq Lawson (shoulder) is sidelined.

Enemkpali is competing with Manny Lawson to replace Shaq Lawson (shoulder surgery). Buffalo is likely to go with a rotation on the strong side, with Enemkpali potentially getting base downs and pass-rush situations. Enemkpali played only 149 snaps last year, but should have a major early-season role.

Enemkpali is being exposed to waivers, but the odds he gets claimed with a season-ending injury are slim to none. He will revert to injured reserve once the league’s other 31 teams pass on him. Missing what would have been his age-25 season, Enemkpali will try to earn a reserve role in 2017. He’s signed for $690,000 next season.

The word comes straight from coach Rex Ryan. It’s awful news for a team that’s already seen its depth chart at outside linebacker torn to shreds by injury. Enemkpali is probably done for the season, and with Shaq Lawson sidelined indefinitely, journeyman Lorenzo Alexander will open the year with a starting job.

It’s another blow to a Bills defense already dealing with injuries to Shaq Lawson (shoulder surgery), Manny Lawson (pectoral), and Reggie Ragland (torn ACL). Enemkpali had a chance to open the season as Buffalo’s starting outside linebacker across from Jerry Hughes. The Bills will now turn to journeyman special teamer Lorenzo Alexander and perhaps UDFA Eric Striker to fill the void.

It is not surprising the Bills are moving on from Enemkpali, who was clearly a Rex Ryan guy. With Schmidt gone, the Bills have now cut or let walk their kicker, punter, and long snapper in the last week.

Enemkpali was a prolific sackmaster for small-school Louisiana Tech, but lacks NFL size at 6-foot-1, 261 pounds. His speed (5.01) is also a concern. He’s likely ticketed for the practice squad.

Enemkpali (6-foot 3/4, 261) played right defensive end for the Bulldogs, earning first-team All-C-USA honors as a senior with 11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and two interceptions. As a four-year starter, he collected 17.5 career sacks. Although Enemkpali was an excellent college player, he falls short of the 6-foot-2 NFL standard for outside rushers, and ran a 5.01 forty-yard dash at the Combine. He’d do well to forge a career as a rotational option off the edge and will be listed as a stand-up rusher for the Jets.