It was overshadowed by the Shawne Merriman news, but the Bills made an even bigger call yesterday.
By naming Cordy Glenn their starting left tackle, they installed a 6-foot-5, 345-pound mammoth to protect the blind side of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The second-round pick was expected to win the job over second-year incumbent Chris Hairtson, but Glenn impressed enough to get all the reps in practice, which coach Chan Gailey felt was critical.
“Cordy’s got great ability,” Gailey said, via Tim Graham of the Buffalo News. “Ability’s not the issue. It’s just playing time. He needs as much playing time as he can get. I think if he gets playing time he’s got a chance to be a really good football player.
“He’s not done great against the two good pass-rushers he’s faced [Brian Orakpo and Jared Allen], but he’s done OK. And I think that we see a great upside with him.”
Granted, not many tackles emerge looking spotless against Allen and Orakpo.
But Glenn has big potential, and getting him up to speed with left guard Any Levitre will give him a chance to get ready for the Jets in Week 1 and the return of Tamba Hali against the Chiefs in Week 2.