Things are heating up in Buffalo. Not the usual statement you hear about the upstate New York city but it's true. Since head coach Chan Gailey took over, he has had the team fighting. They finished 4-10 in 2010 but lost multiple games in overtime. Last season was a bit better. Starting 5-2 to start the season, they floundered to 6-10. But don't let the record shake you, this is a team in the making. Ryan Fitzpatrick recently commented that their second half collapse was a factor of inexperience. And if Fitzpatrick said it, well it must be true, he's a Harvard grad. The team is still young but is up and coming...fast. They were my sleeper team entering the 2011 season, and it looked good at the beginning of the season. If they have another strong draft class like last season, well, look out for these guys in 2012.
Round 1.) Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (16 games/15 starts) Was a bit inconsistent throughout the season but showed flashes of the talent that made him the third overall pick. Ended the season playing out of position, at nosetackle but still had honest numbers. (B)
Round 2.) Aaron Williams, CB, Texas (9/6) Got his first start Week 3 but than was injured and missed the next six weeks. When he came back he finished the season a starter and racked up 21 tackles and a pick. (C+)
Round 3.) Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU (16/9) Took over starting duties for the second half of the season, where he had his best game. A 14 tackle effort against the San Diego Chargers. (B)
Round 4.) Da'Norris Searcy, S, North Carolina (16/3) A versatile safety, capable of stepping in at either safety position, had his two best games when put into starting duty. (C+)
Round 4.) Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson (13/7) Was forced into starting due to injuries ravaging the Bills offensive line. Still has work to do. (D)
Round 5.) Johnny White, RB, North Carolina (12/0) Rarely used in '11, but was a bruiser when he got into the game. (C)
Round 6.) Chris White, LB, Mississippi St. (7/0)Mostly saw special teams work. (INC)
Round 7.) Justin Rodgers, DB, Richmond (13/1) Stepped up and worked for his time. Had four broken up passes and an interception. (C)
Round 7.) Michael Jasper, DT, Bethel (0/0) Essentially a redshirt season as he tried to get up to speed to the NFL game and slim down from his 394 pound listed weight. (INC)
That was then, this is now. The Bills still have pieces to put together before they can really stand even with the division powers of the New York Jets and New England Patriots. There are some key offseason moves that Gailey & Co. need to make to see the success of this team to continue. Here are some positions where those key moves could take place.
- Cornerback - Yes Williams and Rodgers look like players but depth is thin. Especially with oft-injured Terrance McGee, aging Drayton Florence, and under performing Leodis McKelvin. A solid corner could do this team well...especially when facing Tom Brady and possibly Peyton Manning (if he goes to Miami) twice a year.
- Defensive End - Dareus was a good start but they still need another true 5-technique end for their 3-4 defense. Dwan Edwards has been decent but an upgrade to stop the run is a must. If the player has the versatility to play nosetackle too, it's a plus.
- Outside linebacker - This is arguably the weakest position on the team. Outside of Chris Kelsey who had five sacks, no other outside 'backer produced. This should be where their first round pick is made. Courtney Upshaw out of Alabama and Melvin Ingram out of South Carolina, should be their top targets.
- Tackle - Every team needs a tackle tandem to solidify their edges. The Bills don't have one premier tackle. Demetrius Bell is capable but may be better suited for the right side. And even so Bell is a free-agent. A cornerstone of every offense is the left tackle. Spending a second round pick on a tackle could be the way to go.
- Tight End - Scott Chandler broke out in 2011 to have a solid season but he's up for free agency and might not be back. Even so, the league could be trending to a two tight end set after this season. And as Chandler is more of a blocking tight end, a pass catching threat could help Fitzpatrick in the passing game.
- Wide Receiver - Two key receiving threats, Stevie Johnson and Roscoe Parrish, could leave via free agency. Even if brought back, Johnson and Gailey ended the season on rough terms as Gailey publicly called out Johnson and noted that he was sick of Johnson's antics. Still, a wideout is needed with the lackluster talent there.
Nathan Rickard - Studied at Eastern Connecticut State University and Le Moyne College, Nate has been writing for years and all forms of it. Growing up next ...
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