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Comprehensive view of our current situation. Highlights:
"Defensive tackle: Still a big need. Ideally, the Bills could use a big-impact player at defensive tackle. Larry Tripplett, John McCargo and Kyle Williams are their top three DTs at the moment. One top player would make the middle of the defense look so much better. If it’s a nose tackle, then the new guy and Williams could man that position, with Tim Anderson adding depth. If it’s a three-technique tackle (the penetrator who plays opposite the left guard), then the new guy and Tripplett could split time, with McCargo and Williams rotating at the nose. The first round of the draft is the prime time for this spot to be filled. If the Bills go elsewhere in the first round, then they will desperately need McCargo to make a big impact.
Running back: Question mark. The Bills say they will be comfortable following the lead of the Super Bowl teams — the Colts and Bears — and using a backs-by-committee approach now that Willis McGahee has been traded. Anthony Thomas looked pretty good in the three-game midseason stretch when McGahee was hurt last year. Thomas is only 29. It’s a given the Bills will take a back in the draft. California’s Marshawn Lynch will likely be available at No. 12. But there will be some good backs around in the second round (or the third), who might effectively split time with Thomas. Shaud Williams could help on third downs, and NFL Europe vet Fred Jackson will get a chance to make the team. Even with a first-day draft pick, the Bills could use another player here for insurance.
Linebacker: Question mark. At the moment, the Bills’ starting corps is Keith Ellison on the weak side, Angelo Crowell in the middle and Takeo Spikes on the strong side. That doesn’t look too bad. But Spikes is on the trade block, and all the economic factors point to his being traded. The Bills have said they do not plan to spend more cash than their cap limit of $112 million. It’s hard to see how they can avoid doing that with Spikes on the roster. He’s scheduled to make $4.6 million. (Cap economics allow bonuses to be spread over the length of contracts, so teams can spend more than the limit in actual dollars.) Ellison was a big surprise as a rookie and should take a big step up after a full offseason in an NFL conditioning program. This is a prime area of need for the draft, too."
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