Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes

Buffalo Bills linebacker Jerry Hughes (55) keeps warm during the first half of the Bills game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, in Orchard Park, N.Y.

(Joed Viera)

Orchard Park, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills have only been on the practice field for two days, and defensive end Jerry Hughes is already causing problems.

Hughes, who signed a five-year, $45 million contract extension this offseason, already has Bills coach Rex Ryan excited about what he can do. Ryan estimated that Hughes had five or six sacks before he had to pull him from practice to let the offense get some work in.

"This just in: I am really happy we signed Jerry Hughes back," Ryan said Wednesday. "It's rare that you have to pull a guy from practice because he's ruining your practice. I had to pull him today."

Hughes has back-to-back seasons with at least 10 sacks after coming to the Bills in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts prior to the 2013 season. For all the talk about how Hughes would adjust to a new scheme, he seems to be a decent fit for Ryan's defense in the early going.

"If he keeps rushing the pass like he did today, yeah I'd say so," Ryan said. "You can put him anywhere, too. He plays much bigger than his frame. He's like 255 or something, but he plays much bigger. He can play as an end, play as an outside backer. He's definitely a physical player, he's a great athlete. Your great pass rushers have a feel for it. When to go inside, when to set up guys. He has that. He's kind of like a starting pitcher with about four or five pitches, so he's one of those nightmares to go up against."

Ryan just has to make sure he's not so much of a nightmare in practice that the offense can't get work in.

"We're happy that he's on our team," quarterback Matt Cassel said.

Cyrus Kouandjio working exclusively at tackle

The Buffalo Bills have been moving things around on the offensive line a bit to start minicamp. Ryan said the team has experimented with Cordy Glenn and Seantrel Henderson at both tackle spots, while Richie Incognito has worked at both guard spots. 2014 second-round pick Cyrus Kouandjio, who dressed for just one game as a rookie, is now working exclusively at tackle for the Bills.

Marquise Goodwin showing flashes

When discussing the skill talent the Bills have on offense, Ryan brought up how impressed he's been with third-year receiver Marquise Goodwin. The 2013 third-round pick caught just one pass in 2014, but Ryan praised his route running and speed. Goodwin's problem has never been making plays in shorts, so we'll see what happens when the lights come on against live competition.

Duke Williams front-runner for safety spot

The Bills have a big hole to fill on defense after losing safety Da'Norris Searcy in free agency. Ryan said the team is comfortable with Duke Williams at that starting safety spot opposite Aaron Williams. It should come as no surprise that the emotional, hard-hitting Duke Williams is already in Ryan's good graces.

"He brings it every single day in the meeting room," Duke Williams said of Ryan's passion. "He tells guys to express themselves on the field. He wants us to have fun."

Quarterback competition

The quarterback competition is officially underway, but that doesn't mean anything is close to settled at this point. The Bills have a three-man race for the job between EJ Manuel, Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor, and Ryan says nobody knows who will come out on top.

Preston Brown calling the shots

With Brandon Spikes out of the picture, second-year linebacker Preston Brown has taken over the responsibility of being the "MIKE" linebacker full time. That means the 22-year old is calling the defense and barking out orders to the veterans, and it's a role he's comfortable with after playing all 16 games as a rookie.

"That's something I had to learn back in college," Brown said. "I was the young guy, always. It taught me how to be more assertive and have more of a presence about myself."