Considered a late first/early second prospect by most football analysts when he was drafted in 2006, Whitner never had a realistic chance of living up to the expectations of a Top 10 pick. For his critics, anything short of "elite" play could ever justify him being taken that high.
But does that mean Whitner is a complete bust? Does that mean Buffalo should let him walk in free agency without even trying to retain his services?
We all know the team should have drafted Pro-Bowl tackle Haloti Ngata instead. We all know Whitner lacks the talent of top NFL safeties like Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. But that doesn't mean Whitner can't be a contributor.
Position: Safety
Selected: 2006 draft, first round (eighth overall)
Age: 25 years old (turns 26 in July)
Like every player, Whitner has strengths and he has weaknesses.
It's hard to ignore a player that racks up 140 tackles in a season, which Whitner did in 2010 thanks in part to the team's switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme. But as solid as he's been against the run, Whitner has struggled just as badly in coverage. His Week 7 performance last year against Todd Heap was as awful as they come.
Critics often say Whitner's tackle numbers are inflated because of how poor the Bills front seven has been. But could just anybody play as well in the same role? Safeties are normally considered the last line of defense. When they miss a tackle, it usually means a touchdown for the other team. We know Whitner at least has the ability to wrap ballcarriers up in the middle of the field.
When it comes to impact plays, Whitner has been virtually absent since coming to the NFL. After five seasons, he's only managed five interceptions, three forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. Comparing those numbers to the Bills other starting safety, Jairus Byrd already has ten interceptions, three forced fumbles and a sack - in only two years.
Publicly, the Bills haven't shown much interest in bringing Whitner back, but there is always a chance that could change. If they do decide to move on, backup George Wilson played very well in 2009 when Whitner was knocked out with an ankle injury. Many believe Wilson is the better player anyway and deserves a shot at the starting job. On draft day, Buffalo also selected Da'Norris Searcy in the fourth round, giving them additional depth if Whitner ends up walking.
The free agent market is also stocked full of good safeties, many who could be an upgrade over Whitner. San Diego's Eric Weddle is considered one of the league's best, although he's played more as a free safety. The Bills could also look at Dawan Landry of Baltimore, Danieal Manning of Chicago, Quintin Mikell of Philadelphia, or even Michael Huff of Oakland.
Whitner's rookie contract was $29 million for five years. Reports say he's looking for around $7 million per season on his next deal - although with so many safety options on the market, he might be forced to drop those demands.
See previous article: Should the Bills re-sign Paul Posluszny?
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