But they had major holes on defense and drafted one of the best defensive players in this draft, DT Marcel Dareus (Alabama). I was sure Denver, who picked right before them, would gobble him up but they went with LB Von Miller.

I think that was a mistake. Miller is a great player but when you have two great players and one plays the defensive line, you go with him. Those guys are just harder to find.

The Bills were fortunate he was available and now Dareus will be a regular headache for the Jets’ interior offensive line. He has an excellent combination of strength and athleticism and is extremely well coached. He uses solid technique and is disciplined. He is also very versatile and will be moved around on their defensive line.

This guy is the real deal and will force double teams on a regular basis. Needless to say, Dareus was an excellent pick. He was a no-brainer for Buffalo.

In the second round, they selected CB Aaron Williams from Texas. This was a very good value pick. Williams could have easily been a first rounder and no one would have argued.

He is good in press coverage and plays the ball well in the air. He also has position flexibility and can play safety but that is part of the issue with him. He is a bit of a “tweener” and it is not clear whether he has the speed to lock down a CB job.

The Bills have a good corner in Terence McGee but they are unsettled on the other side. Former first rounder Leodis McKelvin had a disappointing season and lost his job to Drayton Florence. The team is hedging its bets in case McKelvin does not bounce back.

In the 3rd round they selected ILB Kelvin Sheppard (LSU), who I was not very high on. He is very instinctive but does not shed blocks consistently enough. He brings good value as a third rounder but I am taking a wait and see approach on him. I am not convinced he has the goods and will have to see him taking on bigger OL in the NFL before I believe he can stick.

Fourth rounder Da’Norris Searcy (North Carolina) is a physical safety who loves contact. He has good instincts and supports the run well. He is an in-the-box safety who is limited covering the deep half and functions better near the line of scrimmage.

With Donte Witner expected to command big money in free agency, the Bills are covering themselves with Searcy in case Witner leaves.

The Bills’ other fourth rounder was OT Chris Hairston from Clemson. I’m not overly impressed with him. He can’t handle quickness off the edge and is inconsistent overall.

The Bills were one of the worst defenses in the league last year and clearly had to address that side of the ball but I continue to be surprised at how they ignore their offensive line. It remains one of their biggest need areas and it was not helped much with the selection of Hairston.

I liked their 5th round pick - RB Johnny White (North Carolina). He does not have great athletic ability but he is tough and always gets positive yardage.

CB Justin Rogers (Richmond) is a good developmental prospect. He does not have great physical tools but he’s instinctive and has good ball skills. He could develop into a solid nickel corner.

Many thought the Bills would look for a quarterback in this year’s draft but they are content with Ryan Fitzpatrick and rightfully so. He may not look the part nor is he naturally gifted but he is not the problem for this team

At some point they should try to upgrade but they can with him. They were not wrong for looking at other positions during the draft.

Overall they got solid value with their picks. Marcel Dareus will be a beast in the interior and Aaron Williams is a solid cover man. Da’Norris Searcy brings a physical attitude to their defense and Kelvin Sheppard, while I have my doubts about him, has the instincts you look for from an ILB.

The Bills addressed all three levels of their defense which is the side of the ball that needed the most attention. However, their defense needs more bodies and is still a ways off from being able to compete with the Jets.

Buffalo needs more talent in its front-7, particularly on its defensive line. Dareus will help their porous run defense but he needs more support around him.

They need help on their offensive line too and did not get much out of this draft. They could also use more talent at wide receiver.

The Bills are a ways off before they can compete in the AFC East. While they brought in some good talent this year, they are still trying to restock from some bad drafts over the last three years.

The Bills just need more time.

Overall Grade: B


Written by Alan Levin