Buffalo Bills

Adolphus Washington Enjoying Productive Rookie Season

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Adolphus Washington (92) against the New York Giants at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills said that they wanted to ease Adolphus Washington into the NFL, but I think it’s time to increase the workload.

Buffalo Bills’ fans have only gotten to see three of their 2016 draft picks in action this season, with the other four either battling injuries — Shaq Lawson, Kolby Listenbee, Reggie Ragland — or just too far down the depth chart — Cardale Jones.

Two of the three players we have seen this season — Kevon Seymour and Jonathan Williams — are being overshadowed by better players at their positions, but have shown promise and potential.

There’s one player that we haven’t mentioned — Adolphus Washington.

Washington is the only rookie this season to see a good amount of time on the field. In fact, he has suited up for all 10 games so far this season and has even started 7 of those games. To put the icing on the cake, he has also received high praise from head coach Rex Ryan:

Through 10 games, Adolphus Washington has tallied 15 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, one pass defended and one stuff. He returned to his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio on Sunday when the Bills faced the Bengals. He has remained humble and genuine to his roots:

“It’s definitely been a long stretch, but I’m still happy at the fact that I’m in the NFL, so I’m just kind of taking it all in stride,” Washington told The Enquirer. “I’ve been having a real good time.”

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He also knows the importance of setting a good example for the kids, which he explained well:

“I had a bunch of kids coming up to me and asking me do I really play in the NFL,” Washington said. “That lets you know that they don’t see that on an every day basis, an NFL player coming around. I try to show my face as much as possible to show the kids that it’s definitely possible for them.”

Washington definitely seems to have a good head on his shoulders and has been a valuable part of this defensive line this season. I have no doubt that he will continue to grow with this team and turn into a dominant force on our front-seven.

However, I have one problem with Washington — although it’s more directed at the coaches. I understand that you want to ease Adolphus Washington into the NFL, but that window is over and he has been eased in. After 10 games and seeing what he does on the field, I think it’s time to give him a majority of snaps at the defensive line next to Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams.

Looking at the fact that he has 7 starts and hasn’t missed a game, you would think Washington’s snap count would be more than 215 — which it is currently at. I like Corbin Bryant and Leger Douzable, but Washington has done everything to deserve those snaps.

So far this season, Douzable has been featured in 46.7% of the team’s defensive snaps, Bryant is listed at 39% and Washington at 32%. Kyle Williams, who is a beast, is listed at just under 80% of snaps.

Just look at what Pro Football Focus had to say about Washington — before Week 11’s matchup with the Bengals:

With a chance to make the playoffs, I think one smart move for the Buffalo Bills that will help them get there is giving Adolphus Washington more snaps and letting him take control of opposing offenses.

What’s Going On With the Other Bills’ Rookies?

Will Kolby Listenbee Play This Season?

Cardale Jones Likes Twitter, OSU and Dr. Pepper

Do you think Adolphus Washington deserves more snaps? Leave your comments below!

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