Buffalo Bills 2013 NFL Draft: Team needs and potential solutions

Fred Perdue | February 22, 2013 at 5:55 pm | 1 Comment

Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix (right) with new Bills head coach Doug Marrone (center) and president Russ Brandon at Ralph Wilson Stadium. (Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports)

The Buffalo Bills went on a spending spree prior to the 2012 season, adding a substantial number to their salary cap only a few months after making a multi-year commitment to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Unfortunately, the moves did not work out, as the Bills failed to perform once again. Luckily, new coach Doug Marrone will be able to pick and choose a few guys that will best fit his system through the upcoming draft

Here is what he and his front office team will be thinking about.

Quarterback: There’s a reason general manager Buddy Nix told the media he was going to draft a franchise quarterback. The Bills haven’t had one since Jim Kelly, which is why they haven’t been to the playoffs this century.
Wide Receiver: Nix also mentioned drafting a big No. 2 receiver to complement Stevie Johnson. There will be plenty such players available in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, including DeAndre Hopkins and Cobi Hamilton.
Inside Linebacker: The Bills spent so much money last season on defensive ends, but then realized that they have a gaping hole in the middle of their stop unit. Kelvin Sheppard was a big disappointment in his sophomore campaign. Manti Te’o would be an obvious solution this April if Nix weren’t so set on finding a franchise quarterback.
Defensive End: Both Mario Williams and Mark Anderson began their Buffalo careers rather sluggishly. Williams had wrist surgery during the bye week and magically improved. Anderson, however, suffered a knee injury in Week 5 and never saw the field again. He’s due a $1.5 million option bonus, so he may not be back.
Safety: Jairus Byrd is one of the top safeties in football, so he must be retained. The Bills reportedly began long-term contract negotiations with him back in November.

- See more at: http://gamedayr.com/gamedayr/2013-nfl-draft-complete-list-of-all-team-needs/#sthash.wysKaYFm.dpuf