Buffalo Bills 2008 NFL Draft Needs
Written March 28, 2008 by Jack Jones
The Buffalo Bills were up and down last year at 7-9, as they started of the season 0-3 before winning 7 of the their next 10, then losing 3 in a row to end the season. The Bills really struggled on the offensive end of things finishing the season only averaging 15.8 PPG. With off-season additions mainly coming on the defensive side of things so far, with most notably being star DT Marcus Stroud and LB Kawika Mitchell. The team did lose CB Jason Webster, but have been able to bring in William James to help fill the void. The Bills still need a lot more pieces if they want to catch the Patriots, but are definitely moving in the right direction. Here are the top 5 positions we think the Bills will need to address in the draft if they don’t do so in free agency.
1. Wide Receiver
While the team has star wide out Lee Evans, he wasn’t able to have the year the team was expecting. This was largely due to there being no other threat at the position and teams simply putting double coverage on Evans to take him out of the game. With the 11th pick in the first round the Bills will have their choice of who they want, as every receiver should still be on the board. Two solid options here would be Texas’s Limas Sweed and Oklahoma’s Malcom Kelly.
2. Cornerback
The team is really without a big time shutdown corner as their best returning corner is Terrence McGee, who is much better as a kick returner than a defensive back. The Bills will have every chance to take a corner with their first pick, and should be able to land a solid starter for years to come. We think that the Bills should take a corner such as South Florida’s Mike Jenkins, Kansas’s Aquib Talib, or Tennessee State’s Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with the first pick and wait on a WR till the 2nd round.
3. TE
Though the team has gone to free agency in signing Courtney Anderson, the Bills are still looking for a bigger threat at the position. The team was really hurt when TE Kevin Everett went out with a neck injury that will end his career. This won’t be a high pick but the team will most likely try and find a gem late in the draft such as Purdue’s Dustin Keller or Louisville’s Gary Barnidge.
4. Defensive End
The team could go without getting a defensive end this off-season, but it will greatly help the future of this team if they do. While they have a ton of money in starters Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel, they both underperformed in 2007, and could use a solid backup to help with some of the slack. This won’t be an early pick either, but the team could go after Iowa’s Kenny Iwebema or Virginia Tech’s Chris Ellis late in the draft.
5. Running Back
While the team will be counting on Marshawn Lynch to carry the majority of the load in 2008, the team could really benefit from having a solid backup to keep Lynch’s legs strong. Another reason the team might look here is Lynch was only able to play 13 games last year, and while Fred Jackson did an ok job, they could use an upgrade. The team could go after Oklahoma’s Allen Patrick or West Virginia’s Steve Slaton in the 4th or 5th rounds.
Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.