2011 NFL Draft Second-Round Moves the Buffalo Bills Should Consider

The Second Round of the NFL draft is the spot where teams can afford to gamble more so than the first, as it is likely that second round picks are statistically hit or miss. After picking Marcell Dareus with their first selection, which was a safe and solid pick the Buffalo Bills should consider drafting the following players that could be available in the second round when they get ready to make a selection. 

The Bills have needs in the following areas: QB, OL, DL, LB, TE.

DE Da'Quan Bowers Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Now that the Bills have taken an anchor for their line they can go ahead and get a pass rushing end to put some pressure on when they switch to a 4-3 look or be there for run support during the 3-4 base. While Bowers knee has many worried, the Bills will likely kick the tires so to speak. After all if they were worried about knees would they have re-signed Shawne Merriman.

Positives: Explosive pass-rusher top 5 talent prior to medical concerns. Able to hold his ground in the run game and get after the quarterback equally well. Possess bulk needed to be defensive end in 3-4 scheme.

Negatives: Major injury concern. A guy like him doesn't drop this far unless his leg could possibly fall off during any given play. He also lacks elite level explosiveness and speed, which may be impacted even further by the knee injury. 

Martez Wilson ILB Illinois

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 03: Linebacker Martez Wilson #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini on the bench against the Minnesota Golden at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 3, 2007 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Illinois defeated Minnesota 44-17. (P

The Bills are in desperate need of size and athleticism in their front seven. Drafting Wilson will finally allow their defense to fire on all cylinders.

Positives: Wilson is very athletic, possessing the size and athleticism to play in the 3-4 the Bills are looking to employ. 

Negatives: May be more like the next Superman as opposed to Ray Lewis, is a bit tall for the position at (6-4) and also has health issues (herniated disc in back).

Bruce Carter OLB North Carolina

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NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Bruce Carter #54 of the North Carolina Tar Heels intercepts a pass intented for Keith Stroud #15 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at Rutgers Stadium on September 25, 2010 in New Brunswick, New Jers

This former Tar-Heel possesses off the charts athleticism and if the Bills are patient he could be a starter later this year. He is however coming off a knee injury that he suffered in November. If he can get back at least some of that elite level explosiveness he can make an impact at Outside linebacker or perhaps inside in the Bills scheme.

Positives: Amazing athlete once clocked in the low 4.4's -4.3's in the 40 yard dash. Productive when healthy and able to rush the passer. 

Negatives: Knee injury and also poor instincts, tries to get by on athleticism too much. Perhaps the knee injury will help him to focus on what is important and adapt his game.

Akeem Ayers OLB/ILB UCLA

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Linebacker Akeem Ayers #10 of the UCLA Bruins in the game with the Houston Cougars at the Rose Bowl on September 18, 2010 in Pasadena, California. UCLA won 31-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Ayers was regarded as a first round talent and his drop is based on his ability to adjust to the pro game and his perceived lack of athleticism as opposed to any major injury concerns.

Positives: Has the size needed to play outside or inside in the 3-4 defense, shows flashes as a play-maker and also a heady disciplined player.

Negatives: Lacks elite level athleticism, also lacks the instincts needed to be a star inside linebacker at the pro level- a bit of a tweener at a position of absolutes.

Players the Bills Should Avoid

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 04: Kyle Rudolph #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is tackled by Charlton Williams #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Notre Dame Stadium on September 4, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Purdue 23-12. (Photo by

In the Second Round of the Draft the Bills have many needs, but mainly need a starter. As such they should avoid the following moves.

1: Picking a Quarterback: Second Round Quarterbacks have been duds, this is even more of a concern this year as the shortage of arms led to an unprecedented number of marginal prospects getting drafted early and often.

2.Drafting  Kyle Rudolph: The Bills need a solid TE, but not one they have to pry out of the training room, Rudolph has significant injury concerns and the drop-off between him and other TEs isn't so subtle.

3. Drafting a developmental player: This pick also has to produce a starter. Since the Bills decided to go with the start now route, instead of drafting a franchise quarterback, they need to follow suit and solidify the defense.

4. Drafting an Offensive Lineman: There is a lack of talented prospects here in the draft and reaching for one here makes no sense.

5. Trading the pick: The more you pick over this draft the less there is to get excited about. The Bills must get their high picks out of the way and avoid stocking up on mediocre players.