2012 NFL Draft: What Are the Buffalo Bills' Top 3 Needs?

All seemed right in the NFL in 2011 when the Buffalo Bills began the season 5-2. However, that fast start was quickly forgotten as the Bills would go on to lose eight of their final nine games.

Injuries were certainly a problem for the Bills as their offensive line, which was a strength early in the season, was forced to reshuffle several times.

It was a tale of two seasons for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick looked like an All-Pro in the season’s first half, but struggled with turnovers during the team’s second-half skid.

Fizpatrick suffered broken ribs during a Week 8 win vs. Washington and could be the primary reason for his late-season struggles.

Coach Chan Gailey is an offensive mastermind. He knows Fitzpatrick’s limitations and has created a high-powered offense tailored to his strengths. He features multiple-receiver sets while maintaining a balanced running game.

The team’s No. 1 receiver, Stevie Johnson, re-signed with the Bills shortly before free agency. Johnson’s return was great news, but the team still lacks a dynamic playmaker opposite him.

David Nelson proved reliable in the slot, although he is limited.

The Bills defense struggled mightily in 2011. They couldn’t seem to decide if they wanted to make a full transition to the 3-4 or stick with the 4-3. The team finished with 29 sacks, however, 10 of those came in one game. Overall, the Bills finished 26^th in total defense.

With Dave Wannstedt’s hiring as defensive coordinator, the Bills will employ the 4-3. Signing Mario Williams, the biggest prize in free agency, was a coup for the Bills. The team also signed Mark Anderson away from division rival New England. Williams and Anderson will dramatically improve the team’s pass rush.

Pairing Anderson and Williams with defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus, the Bills may have the best defensive line in the NFL.

With the draft just days away, what are the three biggest needs facing the Buffalo Bills?

Offensive Tackle

Demetrius Bell and Chris Hairston split time at left tackle in 2011. The Bills let Bell walk, as they didn’t feel he was worth his asking price, as he could never seem to stay on the field. Hairston, a rookie fourth-round pick from Clemson, struggled often.

Journeyman Erik Pears has solidified the right tackle position. There has been discussion about moving Pears to left tackle, but that would weaken two positions. The Bills signed Pears to an extension in December to be the team’s right tackle long term.

Picking 10^th in the draft, the Bills are in good position to draft the second-best offensive tackle, Iowa’s Riley Reiff. Many view Reiff as being a solid left tackle prospect, although some believe he would be better off on the right side, at least initially.

So, could the Bills draft Reiff, play him on the right side with Pears playing left tackle? Sure, but that is doubtful. If you view Reiff as a left tackle, then he should play the position immediately.

If the Bills decide the price for Reiff is too high, they could look to address the position in Round 2. Jonathan Martin of Stanford would be an excellent choice in the second round if he were still available.

Mike Adams of Ohio State could be an option as well. Adams’ stock has fallen in recent days because of his use of marijuana. Adams may also be better suited to the right side in the NFL.

Wide Receiver

There is Stevie Johnson, David Nelson and little else. Gailey’s offense favors putting his receivers in situations to exploit defensive mismatches. Late in the season, when Fitzpatrick began to struggle, many of the receivers, with the exception of Johnson, failed to gain separation.  

With the No. 10 overall pick, the Bills could select Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd. Justin Blackmon, universally regarded as the best receiver in the draft, could fall to them if there are multiple trades inside the top 10.

Picking a receiver that high would seem to against the Bills’ philosophy. And the depth of the wide receiver class also points to the Bills addressing this position in Round 3 or later.

If the Bills decide to use their second-round pick on a wide receiver there are multiple options. Stephen Hill, Mohamed Sanu, Rueben Randle and Alshon Jeffery all present intriguing possibilities. Hill looks like the only one who could move into the first round.

If the Bills wait until the third round, Joe Adams or Chris Givens could be targets. Adams looks like the ideal slot receiver in the NFL and Givens has shown the versatility the Bills like.

Outside Linebacker

Kelvin Sheppard was a third-round steal for the Bills in 2011. But, Sheppard will play the middle. With Sheppard in the middle, Nick Barnett will play on the outside.

Barnett thrived during his time at outside linebacker in 2011. For years, Barnett played the middle in the 3-4 for Green Bay and is outstanding in coverage. Barnett’s ability in coverage is one reason he moved to the outside rather than Sheppard.

Veteran Kirk Morrison will fill the other outside linebacker spot. The team re-signed Morrison after they determined there were no better options internally. Morrison is a veteran, but not particularly strong in any area. The Bills would love to find his replacement in the draft.

The Bills' most likely options would begin in the second round. Lavonte David of Nebraska is an outstanding prospect. David played both on the inside and outside at Nebraska, but his size will keep him on the outside in the NFL.

David is an outstanding athlete, but he possesses elite instincts for the linebacker position. David has become popular with many of the 4-3 teams looking for an outside linebacker. Will he be available when the Bills pick in Round 2?

Zach Brown of North Carolina is an interesting prospect. Brown has defensive back speed, but questionable instincts. Playing in a division where the New England Patriots are on the schedule twice, Brown could be an asset in coverage vs. the Patriots’ outstanding tight ends.