2011 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills Release Marcus Stroud, Pave Way for Marcel Dareus

According to BuffaloBills.com, the Bills have released veteran defensive end Marcus Stroud. Stroud was acquired in 2008 via a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Stroud originally played defensive tackle alongside Kyle Williams in the Bills' 4-3 defensive front, but was moved to end this past season, when the team made the transition to the 3-4 front seven. 

After 10 years in the National Football League, Stroud's time in Buffalo has come to an end. In his two years, he started 45 of the 46 possible games, racking up 7.5 sacks. 

Stroud was a leader in the locker room and was a veteran presence on a team stockpiled with youth. However, his age was becoming an issue, and his play was declining.

This move leaves the Bills with just three remaining defensive ends on their roster: Dwan Edwards, Spencer Johnson and Alex Carrington.

In recent weeks, Alabama defensive tackle Marcel Dareus has been named a possible selection for the Bills, who hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Dareus has experience in the 3-4 front the Crimson Tide uses, and has been coached by some of the best.

Dareus is listed at 6-foot-4 and 306 pounds, and could instantly fit in at end opposite Edwards on the defensive line.

In the past two seasons, Dareus has recorded 66 tackles, 11 sacks and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.

His work ethic has been under scrutiny as of late, yet we won't know more details until the Scouting Combine.

Dareus helped man a defensive line that won the NCAA BCS National Championship in 2010 and contended for the SEC title this past year.