Wide receiver: The Bills have been surviving on the strong play of Lee Evans, but with little help from Josh Reed. Adding a big play, down-the-field threat with the eleventh overall pick would make the most sense for Buffalo. The team had shown a lot of interest in Oklahoma receiver Malcolm Kelly, until he ran the 40-yard dash in a time suggesting that maybe, for portions, he walked. Limas Sweed of Texas is another option at number eleven, as are James Hardy (Indiana) or Devin Thomas (Michigan State), two big-play juniors. Buffalo must address this need early on day one, either with their first-round selection, or with their second-round choice.
Tight end: The Bills are rumored to like Missouri’s Martin Rucker, a very agile receiver but a player who is not known for his blocking. Fred Davis of USC and Martellus Bennett of Texas A&M are also likely targets, with Davis being a receiver first and Bennett coming from a run-oriented offense. He is still a very able receiver with great size for the red zone.
Cornerback: A popular rumor that has made its way to us concerns Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason and the Bills’ possible interest in him. Cason might be a reach at No. 11, but this team has shown a willingness in the recent past to defy conventional wisdom. Cason fits Buffalo’s Tampa 2 scheme; he’s a big, physical corner who can cover well and will mix it up. The Bills have gone through the motions of interviewing the top corners this offseason, so it’s clear they plan on adding a young starter opposite Ashton Youboty, a player who has not been impressive early in his career. Adding a starting-caliber player in their first two picks is ideal, as is adding depth with one of their eight picks on day two.
Defensive end: Chris Kelsay is a very good starter at left end, with capable backups in Ryan Denney and hybrid tackle/end Corey Mace. At right end is Aaron Schobel, backed up by Ryan Neill and a project player in Copeland Bryan. Buffalo has targeted more active ends, players who can disrupt the passing game. Players potentially available in round four would be Chase Ortiz (TCU) or Brian Mattison (Iowa). Both are high-energy guys who have a knack for creating plays in the backfield. With two selections in round four, Buffalo can gamble on a player who may not offer much as an every-down end.
Center: The hope is that a center can be found to eventually replace Melvin Fowler. The 2008 class is full of talented centers who can start immediately. Matt Pollak is the best of the bunch, but he will not be around late in the draft. Buffalo could be looking at big centers who can dominate in the run game, like John Sullivan of Notre Dame or Adam Spieker of Missouri. Both are experienced players who are quick studies and could easily learn the NFL game.
Strong safety: John Wendling, a 2007 sixth-round pick, is a fan favorite, but not much more than a future special teams player. Donte Whitner has been very good in his two years, but there is a need for depth as well as a player who can contribute in nickel/dime situations. Late in the draft Buffalo will find talented Tampa 2 safeties like Josh Barrett (Arizona State), Jamar Adams (Michigan), and Craig Steltz (LSU). All are multiple-year starters who know the ins-and-outs of coverage and could help on special teams.
Linebacker: There is a general need for additions at inside and outside linebacker, even after the signing of Kawika Mitchell early in free agency. Buffalo should be targeting speedy player who can chase down the ball carrier in the run game, but also will make plays in pass coverage. The team has enough picks in the ‘08 draft to add at least one inside and one outside ‘backer on day two of the draft. Adding a player on the inside is more of a need, with Paul Posluszny a question mark after missing his rookie season due to injury. The franchise is hoping he can make an quick transition and lock down the middle linebacker position.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/...8-draft-needs/
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Originally Posted by Emo
