NFL: Trades the Buffalo Bills Should Make Before the Draft

For the right price, just about any player can be acquired, whether they are pried away with reluctance or shipped out gleefully in a fire sale.

Some players are known to be on the market, while others are assumed to be based on other moves their team has made.  With that, I bring you four deals worth considering that would immediately improve the Buffalo Bills, instead of waiting two or three years for a 2008 draftee to develop:

No. 1. Lito Sheppard, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

Twice selected to the Pro-Bowl, Sheppard brings over 200 solo tackles and 17 interceptions to the table.  With the signing of free agent cornerback Asante Samuel from New England, Sheppard appears to be the odd man out in the Philadelphia secondary. 

Acquiring a veteran like Sheppard would immediately solidify the Buffalo defensive backfield, taking the heat off of Terrance McGee to cover opponents’ number one receiver, which he struggled with at times during the 2007 season.

No. 2. Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

A five-time Pro-Bowler with a mountain of stats, what Johnson lacks in grace or humility he makes up for in sheer desire to win.  The Bengals slide from playoff contender to mediocrity has certainly soured Chad to the notion of remaining in Cincinnati, while a young, up-and-coming team like Buffalo might be the change of scenery that would re-energize the enigmatic Johnson. 

Paired with Lee Evans, quarterback Trent Edwards and new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert would be giddy.

No. 3. Jared Allen, DE, Kansas City Chiefs

Considering Allen is only 26, it’s difficult to understand why the Chiefs would want to part with last year’s sack leader.  While at times he has run afoul of the law and NFL rules, his Pro-Bowl season should have been enough ease the minds of Kansas City management. 

Apparently not. 

With the weaknesses at defensive end opposite Aaron Schobel, Buffalo could afford to send their number one pick along with DE Chris Kelsay to acquire Allen, who along with Schobel, would create quite an impressive pass rushing tandem.

No. 4. Jeremy Shockey, TE, New York Giants

A four-time Pro-Bowl selection, like Chad Johnson, Shockey’s mouth can overshadow his accomplishments on the field.  Even though he has been banged up as of late, the 27-year old brings a fire and intensity that the Buffalo offense sorely lacks. 

Reportedly available for a 2^nd round pick, there is no tight end in the 2008 draft that matches Shockey’s skill level.