ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) – First-round draft pick Aaron Maybin
figures there’s more than enough time to show he can make an
immediate difference for the Buffalo Bills defense by the time the
season begins.

First things first.

After spending the past few months being timed, tested, poked
and prodded as part of the comprehensive evaluation process leading
up to the NFL draft last weekend, the defensive end was eager to
finally get back on the field Friday, when the Bills opened a
three-day rookie minicamp.

“It’s been so long since I’ve been on a football field with a
helmet on and actually doing some football activities,” Maybin
said. “It was good actually to get out there and get going.”

Though he barely had time to work up a sweat – much less hit
anyone – during two 90-minute non-contact practice sessions that
were mostly limited to individual drills, Maybin is well aware of
how much hard work lies ahead.

Aside from living up to the expectations that come with being
drafted 11th overall, the Penn State products intends to answer any
lingering questions over whether his performance last season – as a
first-time starter, he led the Big 10 Conference with 12 sacks –
was not some fluke and, instead, merely the tip of his
potential.

“I try not to read any of the press. At the end of the day, all
you’re going to do is get yourself worked up over nothing,” Maybin
said, addressing the critics, who wondered whether he was either a
one-year wonder or a one-dimensional pass-rusher. “Obviously,
people are going to speak on what they think they know and what
they see. Until my play starts to speak for itself, I’ll let people
say what they will.”

The Bills are counting on Maybin to plug an immediate need on a
defense that registered 24 sacks, finishing in a tie with
Washington for fifth-fewest in the NFL last season. The hope is
that Maybin, at the very least, can play on the left side in
passing situations to complement Aaron Schobel on a line that also
features tackle Marcus Stroud.

Maybin is listed at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, having added 20
pounds this offseason in a bid to prepare to go up against NFL
linemen. He was highly regarded for his speed and agility, having a
powerful quick first step and long arms that allowed him to play
havoc with opposing linemen in college.

His 12 sacks ranked seventh in the nation, and Maybin proved
consistent, registering at least one sack in eight of 12 games last
season. He also was in on 21 tackles for a loss last season,
registering at least one in each game.

Not bad for someone who was a 20-year-old redshirt sophomore,
and didn’t break into the Nittany Lions’ starting lineup until the
fourth game of the season.

Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell liked what he saw after
attending Maybin’s workout during Penn State’s pro day, and was
particularly impressed with how the added weight didn’t slow down
the player.

And where some question Maybin’s lack of experience, Fewell
doesn’t consider that a negative.

“He only played a year and he was that good. There’s a lot more
in there to improve upon,” Fewell said. “He’s got so much
upside.”

Fewell noted that Maybin also showed the potential of being able
to play outside linebacker. The Bills, however, will limit Maybin
to learning to play defensive end before they consider adding to
his workload.

Maybin isn’t making any promises.

“As a young guy coming in, I’m only 21 years old, I’m not
arrogant enough to think that I’m going to come in and completely
turn everything inside out,” he said.

That doesn’t means he lacks for confidence.

“I think that my best will be good enough to help make an impact
this year, and hopefully it’ll be enough to help us win some
football games,” Maybin said.

Notes: The Bills provided a glimpse into their plans to retool
the offensive line. Eric Wood, drafted 28th overall out of
Louisville, practiced at right guard, while Andy Levitre, drafted
51st out of Oregon State, practiced at left guard. Both are
expected to compete for starting jobs this season. … Also taking
part in the minicamp were 30 players invited by the Bills on a
tryout basis, including Washington State QB Gary Rogers. … The camp
runs through Sunday.