Buffalo Bills Can Target Quinton Coples, Mario Williams to Help the Pass Rush

Transitioning to the 4-3 should help the Buffalo Bills get pressure on the quarterback, but it's not that easy.

You have to have the right personnel. According to buffalobills.com, Bills defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt said as much in his press conference last Wednesday.

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"I feel that because of some of the young players that played last year that these guys we're going to coach and take a step forward so that's very encouraging," he said. "Then adding a few guys to the mix in free agency and the draft you're optimistic that that's going to give you a chance to take a step forward."

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The Bills have some holes to address when piecing together their 4-3 defensive front next year, specifically at defensive end. But they have to be careful when filling those holes.

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"The thing that you want to try to avoid is situational players, as much as you can," [Wannstedt] said. "Every guy that (we had) could go out and play defensive end and he could play the run and play it very good, but with how the defensive end position in my mind gets separated, it's the guys that can rush the passer."

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Look no further back than the 2009 draft, when the Bills took Aaron Maybin with the 11th overall pick, for an example of putting too much value in a situational pass rusher.

At 6'4" and 245 pounds, it's not hard to see that Maybin's downfall is in run defense. He's proven useful with the New York Jets, but primarily in that situational role.

Fortunately, there are some options.

Super Mario

It's going to take a lot of money, but, ultimately, it's entirely possible for the Bills to acquire the services of Houston Texans free agent pass-rushing phenom Mario Williams.

It's not likely that Williams will receive the tag, estimated at around $22 million for 2012.

It's money the Bills can afford, though, and it would be money well spent. Williams' sack numbers have declined over the past few years due to injuries, but he has long since proved his prowess as one of the game's best pass-rushers, specifically in a 4-3 front.

In that regard, he wouldn't need any time to transition. He'd know exactly what to expect. What's more, he is the furthest thing from a situational defender, having proved his effectiveness in run defense long ago.

Youth Movement

Possible additions through the draft include South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram, North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples and Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw.

Ingram flashed potential, but looked downright unimpressive in at least a pair of games in 2011, according to NEPatriotsDraft.com. His performances against Tennessee (film room review here) and Nebraska (here) showed that he can be dominated at times.

That should be worrisome considering his competition in those games wasn't anywhere near what it will be in the NFL.

Upshaw has been projected to 3-4 outside linebacker, but he can line up with his hand in the dirt. The question with him is whether he'll be stout enough at the point of attack to set the edge against the run when he lines up in a three-point stance.

Of the three, Coples looks like the best bet for the Bills.

He is the quintessential Jason Pierre-Paul pick, a raw talent that needs some refining, but that ultimately has the potential to be an All-Star-caliber defensive end. He flashed the potential to dominate, but also appeared content to be blocked at times.

If he can get motivated—and stay motivated—he could be a force in the NFL for years to come.

Follow @ErikFrenz.