NFL Draft Primer – Buffalo Bills

With the 2011 NFL Draft just over a month away, it’s time to start taking a deeper look at the need areas for each team, and how they might fill those needs through this year’s draft class.  We’ll do this by division, and focus on each team’s top three areas of need.  Let’s start with the AFC East and the Buffalo Bills.

BUFFALO BILLS
2010 Record: 4-12
1st Round Pick: #3

1. Quarterback – It’s hard to fault Ryan Fitzpatrick for the Bills’ offensive woes, considering his lack of support along the offensive line.  However, Fitzpatrick is nothing more than a stop-gap solution, and the Bills aren’t good enough in other areas to be successful with a sub-par signal-caller. 

Picks That Fit – If the Bills chose to take a QB at #3 overall, both Blaine Gabbert of Missouri and Cam Newton of Auburn could still be on the board.  If given the choice, look for the Bills to go with Newton, for the same reasons they selected C.J. Spiller in the first round last year: they need excitement.  Newton would provide that instantly.

2. Offensive Tackle – As mentioned before, the Bills have had a difficult time moving the ball on offense in large part because of a lackluster starting crew along the line.  They drafted arguably the most electrifying player in last year’s draft, but Spiller was bottled up for much of last season because there was simply nowhere to run.  They need help across the entire line, but it has to start with an anchor at tackle.

Picks That Fit – There’s not a tackle  worth taking at #3 overall, but there should be some solid options in Round 2.  Mississippi State’s Derek Sherrod is a punishing run blocker who also has the pass blocking skills to become a quick starter at either tackle spot.  Villanova’s Benjamin Ijalana would also be a possibility.

3. Outside Linebacker/Cornerback – These are equal areas of need.  Draft bust Aaron Maybin set the OLB unit back considerably, so the Bills might be wary of spending a high pick on another 3-4 edge rusher.  That said, the need remains for a dynamic pass-rushing presence at the position.  Leodis McKelvin is locked in at one corner spot, but if the Bills lose Drayton Florence to free agency, this will create an even bigger need at CB.

Picks That Fit – The Bills are positioned extremely well to fill either of these needs with a top talent at the #3 pick.  Whether it’s Texas A&M OLB Von Miller or LSU CB Patrick Peterson, Buffalo could fill a big need with one of the best overall players available.