Buffalo Bills 2012 NFL Draft Preview
By Zac Snyder
Preview provided by Brad Andrews. Head to BuffaLowDown for more on the Buffalo Bills.
What are the team needs for the Bills heading into the draft?
The Bills got major help at the team’s most glaring need (DE) in free agency with Mario Williams and Mark Anderson. With that settled, the biggest hole left is at LT, where second-year man Chris Hairston is promising but unproven. Buffalo also still needs a #2 WR as well as help/depth at CB, LB, and TE.
Who are some prospects you’d like to see end up with the Bills?
I’m in love with Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd at WR, so I’d be happy with either of them at
#10. If not, if South Carolina CB Stephon Gilmore is still around it’d be hard to argue with that pick. But honestly, the Bills could go a lot of directions and get a useful player at #10.
Later in the draft, I’d really like to see the Bills try to get a young TE who could help in the passing game. I’m a pretty big fan of Louisiana-Lafyatte’s Ladarius Green. It’d be nice to see Buffalo nab him in the third round.
Another favorite of mine is Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson. I’d like to see the Bills upgrade from Tyler Thigpen at backup QB.
What would represent a successful draft in your opinion?
With the upgrades in free agency, this Bills team is closer to contention that a lot of people may realize. If Bills GM Buddy Nix can find three or four guys who can contribute to a playoff run this year and a few other nice developmental prospects, that’s a success.
Give us a bold prediction for your team.
Buddy Nix is an almost absolute slave to “best player available.” He’s taking the top player on his board when it’s Buffalo’s turn to pick no matter what. Don’t be surprised if the Bills pick at #10 is at least a mild surprise or at a position where the Bills don’t have a need. I actually believe the Bills might pull a bit of a stunner at #10 and take Alabama S Mark Barron. He’s the kind of player Buddy Nix loves – smart, really productive college players who went to big-time college programs.