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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — During his weekly news conference on Monday, Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier couldn’t contain his excitement about rookie linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. Each question prompted a smile and a story from Frazier, who has taken great pride in watching the 20-year old first-round pick develop this season.
Perhaps the greatest sign of that development came last Thursday, a few days before the Bills would host the Jets. For years, defensive tackle Kyle Williams has led a players-only meeting for the defense on Thursday to review their 9-on-7 film from practice. He wants to make sure everyone is on the same page with the run defense, so they know what runs to expect when the offense comes out in a certain formation and how to respond.
Last week, Williams thought it would be a good idea for Edmunds to run the meeting. He may be just 20 years old, but Williams already views him as the one who will be leading this defense for years.
“He’s a guy that displays the right habits,” Williams said. “He wants to be better at everything. I want to help him to grow. I want Tremaine to be as good a football player as I think Tremaine wants to be. I see somebody that is going to be a cornerstone here for a longtime. You play a mike position where you need to be the bellcow. So let’s get this started early, I’ll help you.”