2011 NFL Draft: Will the Buffalo Bills Go Quarterback or Defense?

Midway through the 2010 season, the Buffalo Bills appeared to be historically bad under new head coach Chan Gailey. They started 0-8 but were improving each week. While the defense was a problem, the offense improved weekly under journeyman QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Part of the defense’s problems was related to having personnel more suited to a four-man front. During the season Buffalo switched to more four-man fronts and thus the defense did improve. But looking at Buffalo’s defense outside of the secondary, where they are solid, there aren’t a lot of playmakers.   

Paul Posluszny, their leading tackler is a free-agent and would appear to be a priority to re-sign. Buffalo recently re-signed safety George Wilson, so their top priority heading into the draft would appear to be improving an anemic pass-rush.

If Buffalo is committed to making the 3-4 work, they need two solid pass-rushers, and history says they can’t rely on oft-injured Shawne Merriman and their 2009 first-round pick, Aaron Maybin, who has been so bad, Buffalo almost cut him before last season.

Buffalo appears to be in good shape at WR and RB. Steve Johnson was a revelation in 2010 paired with the reliable Lee Evans. C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson are a good combination at RB for the immediate future.

So what are Buffalo’s three biggest needs?

Outside Linebacker

Buffalo wants to create turnovers, and getting after the QB is the best way to do so. Currently the Bills lack explosion at OLB. If Merriman rebounded to previous form, this defense could possibly thrive. But Merriman hasn’t been good since 2007.

Picking third, Buffalo has several options.

Von Miller, the top-rated OLB in this draft, is an elite pass-rusher who is also solid in coverage. He could immediately improve this defense. Robert Quinn, who missed the 2010 season because of suspension, could also be in play here.

If Buffalo chooses to go in another direction with this selection, perhaps they can use their early second-round pick on a player like Arizona LB Brooks Reed.

Defensive End

Buffalo has a very good NT in Kyle Williams and a promising backup in second year player Terrell Troup. But Buffalo’s DEs leave much to be desired.

They need a run-stopping DE, and this draft is deep in players who would fit.

Marcell Dareus could play each position on the DL but would be an ideal DE in the 3-4 scheme. Getting a player such as Dareus would immediately help the run defense, but it looks doubtful Dareus gets past Denver.

Options such as Ohio St. DE Cameron Heyward or Iowa DE Christian Ballard would be good options for Buffalo at pick No. 34.

Quarterback

Chan Gailey is an excellent offensive coach. Gailey was partially responsible for Fitzpatrick’s improved play in 2010. But the question remains: is Fitzpatrick the long-term answer?

Only Gailey knows the answer to this.

Cam Newton’s skill set would be ideal for Buffalo. Gailey and Newton have been described as a perfect match. Newton wouldn’t have to play immediately since Fitzpatrick has proven to be a solid QB.

The fans of Buffalo love Fitzpatrick, and rightfully so. But Gailey may have a hard time passing on a raw talent such as Newton or Blaine Gabbert, if they are available.

While is difficult to tell which direction Buffalo will go, Von Miller appears to be the guy right now. Newton is looking more like Carolina’s guy with the top pick and Denver likes Patrick Peterson and Marcel Dareus.

Miller would be a solid pick for Buffalo and would step right in and start from day one.