2010 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills Free Agency Changes Draft Plans

The Buffalo Bills have been very quiet in free agency this year, only signing a career backup, Cornell Green, from the Oakland Raiders.

With the recent signing of Andra Davis, however, the Bills have a lot more flexibility when they are on the clock on April 22.

Davis is not only a playmaker but is also excellent in run support, which the Bills struggled greatly with last season.

Davis' signing now creates a training camp competition between Paul Posluszny and Kawika Mitchell, who were expected to start at inside linebacker.

Davis has been a 3-4 inside linebacker for his entire career and rarely misses tackles—another issue the Bills struggled with this past year.

Impact on the Draft

The Bills are entering year two of the rebuilding phase. They have promising prospects in five draft picks from last year, including DE/OLB Aaron Maybin, who will benefit greatly from the newly implemented 3-4 defense. Additionally, safety Jairus Byrd was selected to the Pro Bowl and was a finalist for Rookie of the Year.

Guards Eric Wood and Andy Levitre gained great experience and showed signs of development. Fourth-round selection Shawn Nelson, a big tight end, showed promise but was injured throughout the season.

Now that Buffalo has solid interior linemen, a receiving tight end with decent blocking skills, and a sudden surplus at the recently depleted linebacker corps, they are now able to focus solely on solidifying the offensive and defensive lines.

While many projected Buffalo to select linebackers in the mid to late rounds, these picks can now be devoted to prospects like defensive tackle Torrell Troup or an extra wide receiver like Carlton Thomas. 

Projected Draft Picks By Position

1. OT/QB

2. NT

3. QB

4. OT

5. WR/DT

6. DT/ WR

6. G/C

7. LB

7. RB