The Buffalo Bills are coming off yet another season in the cellar of the AFC East, which means free agency and the NFL Draft will be key this offseason. So far, the Bills lost star safety Jairus Byrd to the New Orleans Saints, but have made a few strong signings to fill holes. The Bills added tackle Chris Williams, cornerback Corey Graham and linebacker Brandon Spikes (from rival New England).
It was a productive offseason for the Bills, but the draft will prove important in the team’s hopes to compete in the AFC East next year. With the ninth pick, they have a great chance to improve quickly. So, where are these areas of needs?
1.Receiver/Tight end
Yes, the Bills signed tight end Scott Chandler and got receiver Mike Williams through a late trade. However, another tough, middle-of-the-field receiver could significantly help quarterback E.J. Manuel as he progresses in his second year. Someone like Eric Ebron, who has the speed and strength to succeed in this league immediately, could get a look from the Bills. Another player that the Bills might look at to fill the hole is Mike Evans out of Texas A&M. He has the height and catching ability needed to be a possession receiver for any team.
2.Safety
The Bills held onto one of the premier safeties in the league in Jairus Byrd, but they needed to save their money to build through other signings. Since the Bills did not acquire a free safety in free agency, there is still a hole at the position. However, Aaron Williams could step up and take the role, but more depth could be useful. The Bills might look in the later rounds, though, as the need might be filled in house.
3.Offensive tackle
More specifically right tackle, where the Bills have only Erik Pears under contract. A bad offensice line for Manuel could contribute to a sophomore slump. This is a hole that the Bills will definitely address in the draft, and it could be in the early rounds. If they choose to use the first round pick on a right tackle, there are plenty of options out there. Since tackle Greg Robinson from Auburn will most likely hear his name called before the ninth pick, more likely options are Taylor Lewan from Michigan and Jake Matthews from Texas A&M.
4.Linebacker
Linebacker may not seem like a hole on paper for the Bills, who signed Brandon Spikes to pair with youngster Kiko Alonso. But Spikes most likely won’t be used in passing situation, which leaves a spot for a linebacker from the draft. The perfect fit for that position could be C.J. Mosley, who can attack the run and pass well. Mosley would make the Bills a better team on both the pass, where they were ranked fourth last year, and the run, which was 28th in the league last year.
5.Running back
Yes, on paper the Bills have two star-studded running backs in C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. But the Bills do not seem committed to keeping them both long-term. The Eagles were rumored to have interest in Spiller early in the offseason and the Bills might have listened. If Spiller and his injury issue don’t factor in the Bills’ future, a speedy late-round back could be in the works for the draft.