Buffalo Team Needs Report

9 picks
#9, 41, 72, 107, 140, 178, 192phi, 209det, 216

Quarterback
There is a clich‚ which basically says if you have a lot of quarterbacks you really have none. The Bills have three young players, but are still very much in need of a starter to rely on. At 27 Fitzpatrick is the oldest and most experienced. He was their guy for most of the way starting in mid-October. The resulting 5-5 record was a huge improvement on the 1-4 team he took over. However, if you take his last 16 games, including only ones he attempted 20+ passes, the numbers are quite weak. We're talking 2,639 yards with 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Ironically, those were just about the 14 game totals for Trent Edwards in 2008 when he was supposed to be growing into a reliable starter in his second season (2,699 11/10 to be precise). He is no longer considered the answer now that Chan Gailey has taken over as head coach with Buddy Nix at general manager. Reclamation project Brian Brohm, who went from expected first round pick, to a dismal final season at Louisville, to second round pick, to beaten out for the backup role by seventh rounder Matt Flynn, to cut, is also on the depth chart. They need to do something. I'm just not sure what it will be. If the team really is interested in drafting character perhaps they are the team wacky enough to go after Tim Tebow in the second round. I doubt it, but in the third round it would be a nice option assuming they can live with another season of poor quarterback play.

Offensive Tackle
Their line used nine different starting combinations, leading to their quarterbacks taking 46 sacks, fourth most in the NFL. Butler, their starting right tackle, made a sudden retirement announcement which exasperated their situation. For some unknown reason they responded to this by once again picking up a deposed Raider starter. Apparently the new regime didn't learn from the old regime's signing of Langston Walker, now back with the Silver and Black as a guard, because they think Cornell Green helps their cause. Their left tackle Bell is recovering from a knee injury and played poorly when healthy. Scott was lost in free agency (Steelers) after starting 8 games because of injuries, and Gaddis (exclusive rights free agent) might stick around for depth. This is a huge position of need and is expected to be addressed in the first round assuming the two top quarterbacks are off the board.

Nose Tackle
They will be switching to a 3-4 defense and that means someone has to play the nose. Since no one on the roster really fits the role an addition has to be made. It is worth noting that McCargo will be a free agent next year. Their #30 ranked run defense is definitely not all his fault, but he was a surprise late first round pick and was basically traded to the Colts before it fell through. In other words, he is out the door. At the end spot Denney, a free agent, has been told to shop his services and we know what that means. Kyle Williams will likely be lost in the new scheme. They signed Edwards (Ravens) who is familiar with the alignment. Someone to count on at the nose is vital, and another end later is probable.

Linebacker
The first question to be answered when a team switches to a 3-4 is where front seven players line up. Gailey has said Kelsay, Maybin, Ellis and Schobel are going to be used outside while Posluszny and Mitchell start inside. Signing Andra Davis (Broncos) will give them another solid option inside with 3-4 experience. Ellison was tendered (sixth round) as a restricted free agent after missing half the season with a quad injury and could return as a backup. Draft, a midseason pickup, is free to exit and likely will with the scheme switch. Stamer is another unrestricted free agent with special teams value and is likewise probably out. Buggs and Corto are exclusive rights free agents, with Buggs coming off surgery as a depth guy and Corto a special teams participant having signed his deal. Palmer has been cut. Sifting through all of this, they need to figure out which guys are strong enough to fill complementary roles in their 3-4. The bigger issue is at rush linebacker opposite Maybin because Schobel has one foot out the door to retirement. If he does not sign the papers this year it seems likely he will after the season is over.

Wide Receiver
It sure seemed like the roster had talent here going into the 2009 season. Terrell Owens, Lee Evans and Josh Reed on the field at the same time was supposed to give opposing teams a problem. Instead the trio combined for just 126 receptions, 1,732 yards and 13 touchdowns. In his prime T.O. would have produced almost that much by himself. Now he is gone, and Reed probably is too. There are signs James Hardy, who won the Ed Block Courage award voted on by teammates, will return healthy to the lineup as a starter. Even if he does, they still need help. The late free agent addition of Chad Jackson, a disappointing second round bust for the rival Pats in 2006, barely hits the radar.

Running Back
Some guys just have a hard time fitting with certain teams and in certain cities. I think this has been the case with Marshawn Lynch. His time might be up in favor of Fred Jackson who can carry the rock for less money. Rumors are swirling Lynch is trade bait, which could mean the Bills use a later pick on someone to pair with Jackson while using the acquired pick to fill a bigger need. They might even utilize the extra ammunition to move up for a quarterback. Adding fuel to the fire, the team signed Walter Mendenhall whose brother Rashard is the feature back in Pittsburgh. He was a rookie free agent with the Eagles last year, moved on to the Colts and was cut prior to the season starting. They also added Rodney Ferguson, another undrafted rookie from last year who spent the season on Tennessee's practice squad.

Interior Offensive Line
Given the shape of their line in general I was surprised to see them let bad boy Incognito hit the open market without a tender, and he was snatched up by the Dolphins. McKinney, a veteran added for depth who couldn't stay healthy enough to provide it, and Simmons who is also injury prone, are both unrestricted as well. Simmons has some relationships with management from his days with the Steelers and is probably staying for depth. The starting situation is in good shape with rookies Levitre and Wood gaining valuable experience on the fly last season. Center Marvin Philip was cut after failing his physical, but Wood is expected to take over the snapping spot eventually so this is no big deal. After losing Incognito reinforcements with a bit of experience would be preferable, which could mean bargain basement free agency.