2009 NFL DRAFT: Buffalo Bills

The 2008 Buffalo Bills showed glimpses of success throughout parts of the season.  The season did not go as to how most Bills fans would have wanted and envisioned.  Starting 5-1 and then finishing 2-8 in their remaining games.  Most Bills fans called for Ralph Wilson to fire Jauron, however Ralph chose to stick with Jauron for the 2009 season to the dismay of many Bills fans.  But Bills fans can still get excited for the 2009 offseason.  There is a high number of quality free agents available this offseason.  The 2009 NFL Draft class has the potential to be a dynamic class with many blue chip players heading into the professional realm.

The Bills currently hold the 11th pick in the draft.  The Buffalo Bills current glaring weakness is there non-existent pass rush.  The Bills are lucky because many good DE's will be coming out this year.  Some DE's that look intriguing and could give the bills an immediate pass rush are: Brian Orakpo (Texas DE), Everette Brown (FSU DE), and my favorite Michael Johnson (GT DE).  Orakpo could potentially be a top 5 pick, hes a workout machine with a body similar to Adonis.  He might be gone by the time the Bills draft, but Johnson or Brown could end up in their lap.  The good thing is the other teams that are drafting prior to the Bills do not necessarily need a DE.  Micahael Johnson seems like the most logical pick if he is still on the board at 11.  Johnson is an athletic freak who makes plays all over the field..  He is 6'7 260, and he runs a 4.65 forty.  He's built like Jason Taylor, and could be a formidable DE in the NFL.  Johnson also has great awareness and has stepped in the way of passes and taken them to the house just like Taylor.  Johnson could become the next heir of Bruce Smith.

The Bills should also try and upgrade their center and tightend position.  Look for the Bills to  try and draft C Alex Mack (Cal), either in the early second or they might even have to try and trade up into the late first round.  Mack is an extremely smart and talented center.  Mack could anchor the Bills line for years to come.  This move makes sense with the fact that the all of the Bills division opponents play a 3-4 style of defense.  That puts alot of pressure on the center to get a good push on the nose tackle.  Having a quality center like Mack could really open up the running game and inturn open up the short passing game. 

The Bills are still lacking that pass catching tightend to take some pressure off of Trent Edwards.  A realistic approach to solving this problem would be drafting Chase Coffman (TE Missouri).  Chase could very well fall right into the hands of the Bills in the early third round.  Chase has a very large frame, and he is great at getting open down field, plus hes a fairly decent blocker.  Hes hands are a thing of beauty.  He rarely drops any passes and can stretch the field.  He would be Trent Edward's safety valve and we all know Trent likes to check down.

The Bills have a shot at getting some solid players in the years draft.  As long as the Bills address these weaknesses and just don't draft the best available player, this team could be on the rise.  This team could challenge the Jets, Phins, and Pats for the AFC East next year if they make the right moves.