Successful Draft Still Leaves Holes for Buffalo Bills

After free agency and the draft the Bills look all set to start training camp in Rochester, NY.  Most experts rated the Bills draft as a success, however some stated that they did not fully fill holes that still exist.

The experts that concluded the draft unsuccessful eluded to the fact that they did not replace Jason Peters with a Left Tackle, especially when Michael Oher was there at pick eleven.  Another position that was duly needed was at strong side linebacker, with previous starter Angelo Crowell leaving via free agency to the Tampa Bay Bucs. 

The Left Tackle position looks to be filled by Langston Walker who in Peters absence the first two games last year played admirably.  He is a cerebral, technician who should make a successful move from Right Tackle to the left side. 

His Right Tackle position looks to be filled by last years starting Right Guard Brad Butler.  He was a tackle in college and Jauron and co. think he should be a good fit there. 

The Center position was filled by free agent signee Geoff Hangartner formerly of the Carolina Panthers who were one of the best run teams last year. 

The Left Guard position that was vacated by the release of Derrick Dockery looks to be filled by rookie second round pick Andy Levitre. Levitre is a similar cerebral, heady player much like Walker so the feeling is both will gel together on the left side. 

Rookie first round pick Eric Wood looks to fill the vacated Right Guard position.  Wood is a tough run blocker with a mean streak similar to the style of Butler, so the hope is that much of the running plays will go the right side behind those two. 

The offensive line actually looks to be an improvement from last season when Dockery and Peters two big named and highly paid players underperformed.  The Center position last season was as one of the reasons the Bills failed in third and short and goal line possessions, so Hangartner looks to be a big improvement.

Especially since Buffalo plays three teams that will now run the 3-4 defense with big overpowering Nose Tackles.  The signing of Terrell Owens and drafting of Shawn Nelson should also be a big reason for this offense to be drastically better.  

On the Defensive side of the ball the two glaring needs were for a Strong Side Linebacker and a Defensive End who could generate some pressure.   The Bills were one of the worst teams getting after the Quarterback only registering 24 team sacks. 

Aaron Maybin was taken with pick No. 11 in order to cure this.  The Jauron staff sees Maybin being able to come in on passing downs are terrorize the opposing QB. 

Linebacker was not truely addressed in free agency or the draft, as of now with Keith Ellison slated as the opposing starter.  While Ellison is a solid backup, most fans would like to see the position upgrade. 

Recent reports detail that former Rams linebacker Piso Tinoisamoa was in for a visit.  Piso was the Rams leading tackler and a great fit in the Cover-2 defense Perry Fewell runs.  

The Bills defense was a bend but don't break style who gave up a lot of yards and first downs, but help opposing teams in the red zone.  If they cannot consistently get pressure upon the QB, they will continue to allow third down conversions keeping their defense on the field. 

Also, if the linebacker position does not get upgraded or play considerably better, teams will continue to pound them on the ground.  The Patriots ran four different backs against Buffalo in 2008 who were all successful. 

Even undrafted free agent Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis ran for over 100 yards, which is usually an indication the linebackers were not playing up to par. 

For the Bills to be a successful team in 2009 they need the newly tooled offensive line to gel and play well.  Trent Edwards has some nice new toys in Owens and Nelson, so it is going to be imperative that he limits his mistakes and takes the next step.

For the defense to become a dominating force they are going to need ends Schobel and Maybin to get after the QB.  Ellison or whoever else starts at linebacker is going to step up against the run as well if this group is going to move into the upper echelon of defenses.