Linebacker is a position viewed as a need for the Bills as they prepare for the 2013 NFL draft in a couple of weeks, but Buffalo made an addition prior to the draft claiming LB Marcus Dowtin off waivers Friday.
Dowtin (6'2" 226) was placed on waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles following his release on Thursday. He had been with Philadelphia since he was signed to their practice squad near the end of last season (Dec. 24th) and subsequently re-signed after the 2012 season as a reserve/future free agent.
The linebacker is a player with whom Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is familiar. Dowtin was originally signed by the New York Jets last year as an undrafted rookie free agent.
He spent almost half the 2012 season on the Jets practice squad before he was promoted to the active roster on Oct. 17th. The 24-year old appeared in three games for the Jets recording a pair of tackles.
Dowtin obviously arrives with some measure of familiarity with Pettine's defensive system. He's expected to participate in the team's voluntary minicamp next week.
