Orchard Park, NY -- Just a week before the NFL Scouting Combine is about to commence in Indianapolis, newly assigned Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt met with the media to discuss the new defensive scheme with a bit more detail.

The Bills are switching back to a predominantly four-man front, after two years of a failed experiment with only three-down linemen. The centerpiece of the change in philosophy, both literally and figuratively, are the two defensive tackles lined up in the middle of their line in the new scheme -- Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus.

"Well I think from the few guys we do have locked in are two inside guys with Dareus and Kyle," Wannstedt said. "I think it'll give those guys a chance to make some plays in there."

Specifically Dareus, who spent the majority of his rookie season entrenched as the team's nose tackle -- Wannstedt believes his second year player has all the makings to make that next leap in progress.

"He will be and needs to be for us to get to where we need to be, a dominant player inside. He’s got to get to the point and I think he showed a lot of promise last year that you better double team him," he said. "He can’t be blocked one on one, that’s got to be his mindset."

"You’re not talking about a 330-pound big stiff guy inside that can play the run, he’s a pass rusher, he’s an athlete and from a coaching standpoint that gives us a lot of flexibility with him and we expect him with his ability and his mindset and I know he’s thinking the same way, we expect him to make plays -- make a lot of plays."

Williams, who had his season ended prematurely thanks to bone spurs in his foot, had surgery to help correct those problems. Wannstedt also gave an update on the former Pro Bowl player's status. The defensive coordinator says he expects Williams to be back in time for training camp.

"I do. Kyle was in town last week and he came back just for his checkups and everything is right on schedule," Wannstedt remarked. "There has not been a setback in any form or fashion. When he’s going to be cleared to do something and how much, I don’t know, but we’re looking forward to him having a great year, we really are."

Wannstedt also went on to say that he doesn't expect Nick Barnett's role to change all that much with the change in scheme, and Shawne Merriman is still an unknown to this point up until they can see him for themselves.

You can listen to the entire 26-minute press conference below!


Twitter: @JoeB_WGR