Buffalo Bills Draft Grades and 53 Man Roster Projection

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5th round Zebrie Sanders OT Florida State University

The Bills said prior to the draft hat they were looking to come out of the draft with two tackles–if you would have told the Bills that the two tackles would be Cordy Glenn in the second and Sanders in the fifth round they would have done back-flips. Sanders struggled mightily at the Senior Bowl, but has legetimate starting potential at right tackle. A

5th round Tank Carder OLB Texas Tech University

The Bills did a terrific job in this draft not only getting value, but also filling needs. The Bills had a few real issues heading into the draft: they needed a #2 WR (they think it can be Graham), they needed OL talent and depth and they needed some outside linebackers. Carder has positional versatility and could play inside or weakside linebacker. Carder is the type of player who generally excels on special teams as well. Good solid pick here for the Bills. B

6th round Mark Asper G Oregon

More offensive line talent. Asper is a good run blocker,and will fit the Bills system well. The Bills needed a lot of offensive line depth. B

7th round John Potter K Western Michigan

Potter has a big leg and could be used as a kick off specialist. The Bills have solid kicking now and I’m not sure I would have spent a pick on a kicker–the Bills could have considered a player like Chris Polk here or another running back. C

Off-season recap (walterfootball.com)

Offseason Moves:

Bills sign QB Vince Young
~~Broncos sign CB Drayton Florence~~
~~Bills cut CB Drayton Florence~~
~~Eagles sign OT Demetress Bell~~
~~Chargers sign WR/KR Roscoe Parrish~~
Bills re-sign RB Tashard Choice
Bills sign DE Mark Anderson
Bills re-sign S Bryan Scott
Bills re-sign WR Derek Hagan
Bills sign DE Mario Williams
Bills re-sign G Chad Rinehart
Bills re-sign G Kraig Urbik
Bills re-sign TE Scott Chandler
Bills re-sign WR Ruvell Martin
Bills re-sign WR Steve Johnson
~~Bills cut S Jon Corto~~

Projected 53 man roster:

Quarterback (3): Ryan Fitzpatrick, Vince Young, Tyler Thigpen (Aaron corp)

Running back (4): Fred Jackson, C.J. Spiller, Tashard Choice, Johnny White (Chris Douglas)

Full back (1): Corey McIntyre

Wide Receiver (6): Stevie Johnson, Donald Jones, T.J. Graham, David Nelson, Derek Hagan, Brad Smith (Naaman Rossevelt, Ruvell Martin, KamarAiken, David Clowney, Marcus Easley)

LT (2): Cordy Glenn, Chris Hairston

LG (2): Andy Levitre, Keith Williams

C (2): Eric Wood, Colin Brown

RG (1): Kraig Urbik,

RT (2): Erik Pears, Zebrie Sanders

OL Competing (Paul Madsen, Michael Jasper, David Snow, Mark Asper, Jake Vermiligio, Sam Young)

TE(3): Scott Chandler, Lee Smith, Mike Caussin (Kevin Brock, Fendi Onobun)

Defensive End (4): Mario Williams, Mark Anderson, Chris Kelsay, Shawne Merriman (Danny Batten, Robert Eddins, Spencer Johnson, Kyle Moore)

Defensive Tackle (4): Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams, Dwan Edwards, Alex Carrington (Torell Troupe, Kellen Heard, Jarron Gilbert, Lionel Dotson, Jay Ross)

Linebacker (7): Kirk Morrison, Kelvin Sheppard, Nick Barnett, Tank Carder, Nigel Bradham, Arthur Moats, Chris White (Scott McKillop, Garrick Williams)

Cornerback (6): Terrence McGee, Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams, Leodis McKelvin, Ron Brooks, Justin Rogers (Chris Hill, Prince Miller)

Safety(4): George Wilson, Jarius Byrd, Da’Norris Searcy, Bryan Scott (Delano Howell, Nick Sukay, Ian Wilde)

Punter (1): Brian Moorman (Shawn Powell)

Kicker (1): Rian Lindell (John Potter)

The one thing that’s absolutely certain is that the Bills have created so much more competition on both sides of the football, which is a good thing. The Bills now have some nice impact players like Mario Williams, Kyle Williams, Marcell Dareus, and Fred Jackson, but also the depth through out the roster is now exciting. A few injuries might not derail the season like injuries did last year. I think they are still a few impact players and a better quarterback from being legitimate Superbowl contenders, but this team should make a real run at the playoffs in the 2012 NFL season.

Positions of strength:

Defensive line

It’s been a long time since Bills fans could say that heading into the season their defensive line is among the best in football, but it’s true. The Bills have a wealth of talent in the interior and at end of the defensive line. Mario Williams gives them a legitimate pass rushing threat on every down. Chris Klesay is a try hard defensive end who will make some plays. And if Dareus and Willams are both healthy they might be the most unblockable DT tandem in the league.

Cornerback:

The corneback talent is young, but is exciting. Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams, and Leodis McKelvin in a contract year could be a very good group. Throwing in Terrence Mcgee, Ron Brooks and Justin Rogers give the unit a lot of depth.

Positions of weakness:

Tight End:

Scott Chandler is not a great tight end, but fits the system well. Behind him it gets scary.

Wide Receiver: Receiver has some players who have natural abilities, but the lot overall is unproven.

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