Buffalo Bills' Potential 2009 Draft Targets

It's never too early to look to an upcoming NFL draft.

Even now, in early October, there are fans out there—like myself—who are researching prospects and anticipating which college standouts will end up with their favorite team.

So, when it comes to the Buffalo Bills, whom should fans start watching for on Saturdays?

I'll break down the top three needs for this team going into the draft, along with the top three prospects (in my opinion) at those positions right now.

Let's get started.

Position: Outside Linebacker

Analysis: The Bills' linebacking corps looked very solid heading into the year. With steady veteran and leading tackler Angelo Crowell playing next to a healthy Paul Posluszny and a newly acquired Kawika Mitchell, the group looked to be solid at the very least.

But a season-ending knee injury to Crowell soon changed that. With Crowell set to become a free agent at the end of the season, it is very likely that this newfound injury concern will make the Bills strongly consider letting him walk. If they do, they'll need to look hard for a replacement, as Keith Ellison is meant for a backup role.

Top Three

Brian Cushing, USC: Cushing has been part of a stud linebacking corps his entire collegiate career that has consisted of players like Rey Maualuga and, until last year, Keith Rivers. Cushing has 20 tackles through three games this year, including 2.5 for a loss. Don't be surprised if he's the first OLB off the board in April.

Aaron Curry, Wake Forest: Aaron Curry is a stud that somehow gets little-to-no national attention. Last year, Curry totaled 99 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and three sacks to go along with four interceptions.

Oh yeah, he also returned three of those interceptions for TDs. In four games this year, Curry has 30 tackles, 4.0 for loss, and 0.5 sacks. The only reason he may not be the No. 1 OLB in the country is because he doesn't play at a big-name school like USC.

Marcus Freeman, Ohio State: Known mostly as the "other linebacker" at Ohio State, Freeman has been overshadowed by James Laurinaitis during his three years, but he has put up some terrific stats on his own. Last year, Freeman notched 109 tackles, 9.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He's already topped those sack numbers this year, with 2.0 through five contests to go with 30 tackles.

Position: Tight End

Analysis: The Bills have needed a legitimate receiving tight end ever since the departure of Jay Riemersma in 2002.

Since he left, Buffalo has tried to replace him with the likes of Mark Campbell and Robert Royal. And while Royal is performing well this year, his blocking is his best asset, and he will never be a great tight end.

With young players like Derek Schouman and Derek Fine on the roster, the Bills may be skeptical to draft a tight end with a high pick in 2009, but some of these guys are too good to pass up.

Top Three

Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma: Jermaine Gresham, simply put, is a freak of nature. He is 6'6", 250, and runs a 4.67 40-yard dash. He's also not a guy who'll be picked based solely on his physical potential. Gresham's stats are also mind-boggling, notching 518 yards and 11 touchdowns last season on a 14.0 yards-per-catch average.

This year, Gresham has 256 yards and four touchdowns through four games, and looks to be on his way to shattering last year's impressive numbers.

Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State: Brandon Pettigrew is known mostly for his good blocking skills, but has developed nicely as a receiver over his time at Oklahoma State as well. Last season, Pettigrew caught 35 passes for 540 yards and four touchdowns.

Pettigrew's stats this year have not been great so far (10 catches, 109 yards, no touchdowns through three games), but he should improve as the year goes on. He may slip to the second round, due to character issues, but he will be a fine player in the league.

Chase Coffman, Missouri: The other Chase at Missouri, Coffman doesn't get as much attention as he should. Where would Missouri be without Coffman's 94.8 yards-per-game? Would Chase Daniels be in the Heisman race if he didn't have his dump-off target to throw to?

Coffman is the one that really makes that Tigers' passing game click. With Daniels and Maclin grabbing all the national hype, many don't bother to ask themselves who is really responsible for Missouri having no three-and-out series so far in 2008.

The answer? Chase Coffman. When the season is finished, Coffman will have destroyed his 2007 numbers of 52 catches, 531 yards, and seven touchdowns.

Position: Center

Analysis: Bills fans have been calling for the replacement of Melvin Fowler since...Well, since he came to Buffalo.

Coaches were hopeful that Fowler's mobility would help him fit in with the Bills' offense, allowing them to run more pull running plays. It hasn't worked out. Fowler has been consistently overpowered by opposing tackles, beaten on blitzes, and has been flat-out terrible.

Duke Preston was the only "center" drafted by the Bills recently, and he was shifted to guard.

With Fowler set to become a free agent after this year, don't expect to see him in Bills blue when 2009-'10 rolls around.

Top Three

Alex Mack, California: Alex Mack is widely regarded as the top center prospect in 2009. He also would've been the top prospect in 2008 if he had come out, but his position was never in risk with him returning.

A first-team All-Pac 10 performer the past two years, Mack is looking to translate his collegiate success into a first-round call from an NFL team, and he will get it.

Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas: Mack's hype often overshadows the stellar performance of Jonathan Luigs. With all the talk surrounding the Cal phenom, you would never think that it was Luigs, not Mack, who won the award in 2007 as the nation's top center.

After paving the way for multiple 1,000-yard rushers in Felix Jones and Darren McFadden last year, Luigs looks like he'll be a late second-round or early first-round prospect in 2009.

Max Unger, Oregon: Max Unger has played every position on the offensive line except left tackle. That kind of versatility is hard to overlook and should secure him a pick on day one of the draft.

Unger started at right tackle last year, and is currently starting at center for the Ducks. No matter what position he is asked to play in the pros, he'll be able to do it. He can be a solid starter at just about any position and could back up every position on the line.

Well, those are the guys that I personally think you should keep an eye on this year in the collegiate game, if you're a Bills fan.

It's extremely unlikely that someone from each list will end up on the team, but don't be surprised to see at least one of these guys wearing Buffalo blue when September 2009 rolls around.