Bits and Pieces on Bills needs

[VABills]

This from ESPN insider who is going though each teams needs:

 

Some interesting things are that somehow they expect the Bills to draft a lot of players in the first 3 rounds (OT, DT, DE, Corner). Sure would be nice but we don't have that many.

 

Secondly they call out Mcgee and say numerous times he is not the answer at corner and should go back to nickel.

 

Finally they are saying we need depth/replacement at linebacker.

 

Offensive tackle

Mike Williams made significant strides over the course of last season solidifying the right tackle position. However, it's unclear who will start opposite him, as Jonas Jennings signed with San Francisco and Buffalo isn't expected to re-sign unrestricted free agent Marcus Price.

 

 

 

TeagueThere are a number of different ways the Bills can fill this need, and they will likely make a trade involving RB Travis Henry or sign a proven free agent to compete for the starting job. There is also a chance Buffalo moves Trey Teague from center to left tackle and replaces him with LOG Ross Tucker, who played well at center given the opportunity last year.

 

If the Bills trade for or sign a proven starter, this obviously won't be as pressing a need, but depth will still need to be addressed. They should use a second-day pick on a tackle regardless of where Teague lines up.

 

In the event the Bills don't trade for or sign a proven starter and Teague stays at center, look for them to use an early-round pick on a tackle with the natural ability to compete for the starting job during training camp. Mississippi's Brian Johnson and Syracuse's Adam Terry have the quickness and size to quickly develop into starters.

 

Cornerback

The Bills moved Troy Vincent from corner to safety last year, creating a void at the starting slot opposite Nate Clements. Terrence McGee earned valuable starting experience once he replaced Vincent and he provides excellent depth. However, he lacks the size to hold up on an island while lined up on the outside and teams pick on him at times, so he is a far better fit at nickel back.

 

Buffalo needs a corner who is big enough to line up on the outside and has the cover skills to eventually replace McGee. Stanford's Stanley Wilson and Howard's Ronald Bartell Jr. are projected third-round picks who have the burst, strength and speed to fill this need. Both would also benefit from playing with Vincent, who should be an excellent mentor.

 

Defensive tackle

Pat Williams signed with Minnesota, and there doesn't appear to be a player on the roster ready to replace him. Ron Edwards is coming off a strong season and plays with a great motor, but he's somewhat inconsistent.

 

With that in mind, look for the Bills to draft a defensive tackle who can compete with Edwards for the starting spot opposite Sam Adams. Missouri's Atiyyah Ellison, Oklahoma's Lynn McGruder and Wisconsin's Jason Jefferson are projected middle-round picks capable of filling this need.

 

Interior offensive line

Chris Villarrial, a powerful drive blocker who plays with a mean streak, is expected to return as the starter on the right side. However, he turns 32 this offseason and has had some problems staying healthy.

 

 

 

VillarrialRuss Tucker and Lawrence Smith split time at the starting slot opposite Villarrial because neither one could win the job outright. There is also a chance Buffalo moves Teague to tackle and moves Ticker to center if this happens as mentioned above.

The Bills need a guard who can push Smith and/or Tucker for playing time if Teague stays at center or a center who can provide depth behind Tucker should Teague move to tackle.

 

Tight end

Buffalo drafted Tim Euhus in the fourth round last year, but both he and Mark Campbell are coming off season-ending knee injuries. Ryan Neufeld, who has re-signed, is strictly a situational receiver and would struggle if asked to step into the starting lineup for an extended period of time.

 

Although the Bills hope Euhus and Campbell make full recoveries, there are no guarantees. As a result, depth must be added here even if Jason Peters, who played well at times last year, starts to play a bigger role.

 

Defensive end

While Chris Kelsay has made strides and Ryan Denney provides adequate depth, Buffalo still lacks the explosive pass rusher who can draw some attention away from Aaron Schobel. Look for it to draft an end who has the burst, speed and athletic ability to develop into a quality situational pass rusher consequently.

 

Running back

The Bills are very deep on paper right now, but they will trade Henry before the start of the season. Although Shaud Williams has run hard given the opportunity and provides good depth, he lacks ideal size.

 

 

 

McGaheeThere are concerns about his ability to shoulder the load of an every-down back should Willis McGahee, whose knee problems are well known, go down with an injury for a significant period of time. Buffalo needs a back who has the size and burst to push Williams for the backup role during training camp.

Quarterback

Buffalo has signed Kelly Holcomb to back up 2004 first-round pick J.P. Losman, who has yet to start a game. However, the Bills will likely use a late-round pick on a quarterback – or sign an undrafted rookie free agent – who can compete for the No. 3 job.

 

Inside linebacker

London Fletcher led the team in total tackles last year and continues to play with a non-stop motor. However, he turns 30 this offseason. Buffalo must start grooming a possible replacement, so it would make sense to use a late-round pick on a developmental prospect at inside linebacker.

[LabattBlue]

Defensive tackle

Pat Williams signed with Minnesota, and there doesn't appear to be a player on the roster ready to replace him. Ron Edwards is coming off a strong season and plays with a great motor, but he's somewhat inconsistent.

 

With that in mind, look for the Bills to draft a defensive tackle who can compete with Edwards for the starting spot opposite Sam Adams. Missouri's Atiyyah Ellison, Oklahoma's Lynn McGruder and Wisconsin's Jason Jefferson are projected middle-round picks capable of filling this need.

 

Curious that there is no mention of Tim Anderson as a possible solution at DT?

[UConn James]

Most is common knowledge for anyone who reads the WNY papers.

 

One good point that was made, tho, is depth at LB. I wouldn't put much stock into the age consideration that they're pumping up for Fletcher (and Villareal) --- sounds more like a lazy writer with the epiphany of 'Hey, they're over 30. Their skills are declining.' That said, there's not much behind the starters at LB. And this draft is seriously weak in the category....

 

Let's just hope there's no injuries, knock on wood.

[TigerJ]

Curious that there is no mention of Tim Anderson as a possible solution at DT?

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Anderson was inactive for most games and virtually invisible when he did play. I thinkk he can be a factor, but his invisibility last season would tend to drop him off the radar screens of national observers.