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I think other's have done this to, but I just want to go through position by position and give my assessment of the likelyhood a player might be drafted at that position and in what part of the draft.
QB-While AVP is getting near the twilight of his career, DB is no youngster and Travis Brown is still unproven, I think this is still a low priority for the Bills. If someone they really like drops to the late rounds they might pull the trigger, but I think it more likely they'll just sign and undrafted guy with some tools.
RB-Buffalo is still talking with the agent for Orlandis Gary. If he signs, Buffalo won't draft a RB. If he doesn't, Buffalo may spend a mid to low round pick on one.
FB-Buffalo likes Crosby but signed Gash for his experience and leadership. Buffalo won't draft a FB unless they think they spot a late round steal.
WR-Buffalo signed Shaw, re-signed Charles Johnson, and picked up CFL speedster Antonio Brown. None of these guys gives Buffalo a #3 guy as gifted and reliable as Josh Reed was last year. Buffalo will probably be looking for someone with some speed who can compete for that role with a mid to upper round pick, though I don't see them spending their first rounder.
TE-Buffalo has Moore who is reliable in all phases of his game, but not great at anything. He's also getting up in years. They have Campbell who has good hands and is a solid blocker, but a good saftey can probably keep up with him at a fast walk. Brady McConnell is athletic and big but unproven. Gilbride is notorious for not using his TEs as anything but a blocker or safety valve receiver. Still, if Buffalo spots an athletic TE with some speed and good hands, I could see them picking one as high as round two. Dallas Clark?
OT-After a nearly flawless year at RT, Jennings received an education last season when he switched to the left side. He's still not nearly as bad as some make him out to be. He was still only a second year player last year. He is strong and athletic, and I can only see him getting better. Mike Williams was a great run blocker last year. He's adequate as a pass blocker, and with his combination of size quickness and strength, I think he'll continue to get better. Gotta love his personality too. Marcus Price was rock solid in reserve. Some people like to pick on Houghton, but he was better than his youth and undrafted status might indicate. I don't think Buffalo is likely to draft a pure OT.
Guard-Ruben Brown is not getting any younger, but I think he probably has at least a couple good years left. Sullivan is knocked by some, but made huge strides last year compared with his rookie season. He's still young too. I think the Bills think he's a keeper. Pucillo is very much unproven. As a seventh rounder he wasn't ready to do anything last year. Because the Bills can't know how much upside he has at this point, I can see the Bills drafting a guard in the middle rounds or upper to upgrade the quality and dependability of their depth at guard, maybe someone whocould handle either guard or center.
Center-I think the Bills have decided to cut bait with Conaty, who was a warrior with a bum shoulder last year, but is limited athletically. Teague was adequate as a starter once he made the adjustment, and may improve this year. Buffalo is likely to look for solid depth here in the mid to upper rounds, again, quite possibly a guy who could handle guard or center.
DT-Buffalo has their starters. Edwards and Bannan are OK as backups, but nothing special, and Adams and Williams are both on the far side of their thirtieth birthday. Buffalo will probably look to upgrade their depth with an eye toward finding a future starter. The certified blue chippers(Kennedy, Robertson, Kevin Williams) will be gone. A second tier guy (William Joseph, Sullivan) might possibly drop to #23 and would tempt Buffalo if he did. The other guys (Peterson, Long, Warren) look right now like they might be a bit of a reach at #23. Buffalo could be tempted to trade down and try to pick up one of them at the tail end of round one or the top quarter of round two. Otherwise, they'll try to pick up a guy like James Lee or Rashad Moore in the mid rounds. I think guys like Colin Cole and Eric Manning don't have enough upside to be worth their while. They would simply be pluggers like the Bills already have in Edwards and Bannan.
DE-Schobel will continue so show improvement, though I doubt he has as much upside as Marcus Wiley had when he was a Bill. Marcus Jones will be a great addition if he can find his form from a few years ago. McKenzie is this year's Chidi Ahanotu, a role player who doesn't give you a long term solution. Beyond Schobel, there is nothing close to a sure thing. Buffalo cannot gamble on Denney developing, or Irons or anyone else on the roster. The problem is McDougle may not drop to #23, and according to at least one pro scout, neither Haynes nor Peterson (who plays DE or DT) is a great value at #23. I don't think Kelsay is either. I think it most likely Buffalo will draft someone in the middle rounds with some upside. Osi Umenyiora is an intriguing sleeper with good size and speed, and excellent production at a lower level of competition. Antonio Garay is a first round talent who will be available in the mid rounds because of an injury history.
OLB-If Buffalo finds a great value in the draft, they may pick an OLB to upgrade depth, but it's not a priority.
MLB-With Fletcher starting and Spoon returning to health, i don't see Buffalo drafting a MLB.
CB-See OLB.
FS-Reese is a bandaid type player. He will start over Prioleau if no one else is found, but Buffalo will be looking for a long term solution. Rashean Mathis will tempt Buffalo in round one, but it's more likely they'll get someone later. Nnamdi Asomugha is a strong possibility in round 3. Ingtar gets credit for giving me that idea.
SS-I think the Bills really like Wire here. He had a rough transition from his college position (LB) early last year, but cut down on mistakes late in the year. He's smart, athletic, has a great attitude and he is a natural playmaker. I think Prioleau backs up Wire this year.
PK and P are set.
By round in the draft here's my best bet on what will happen.
Round one: Buffalo trades down to the end of the round or early round 2. With the pick they receive, they will pick from among Michael Haynes (DE), Kenny Peterson (DT/DE), Rein Long (DT), Ty Warren (DT), Chris Kelsay (DE).
Round 2: Dallas Clark (TE) or (if available) Bryant Johnson (WR).
Round 3: Nnamdi Asomugha (FS), Al Johnson (C) or Osi Umenyiora (DE).
Round 4: Kevin Curtis (WR), Makeo Freitas (a tackle who could move inside), or Shurron Pierson (DE/LB-a value pick who upgrades depth though it's not a particular need)
Round 5: James Lee (DT), Rashad Moore (DT), Scott Tercero (OG), Aaron Hunt (DE), Billy McMillen (WR), Bruce Nelson (C)
Round 6: B. J. Tucker (CB-a value pick), Sultan McCullough (RB)
Jamaal Green (DE)
Round 7: Jason Gesser (QB), Mike Seidman (TE) or anyone who catches TD's eye. We all know it's a crap shoot by the time you get to round seven.
QB-While AVP is getting near the twilight of his career, DB is no youngster and Travis Brown is still unproven, I think this is still a low priority for the Bills. If someone they really like drops to the late rounds they might pull the trigger, but I think it more likely they'll just sign and undrafted guy with some tools.
RB-Buffalo is still talking with the agent for Orlandis Gary. If he signs, Buffalo won't draft a RB. If he doesn't, Buffalo may spend a mid to low round pick on one.
FB-Buffalo likes Crosby but signed Gash for his experience and leadership. Buffalo won't draft a FB unless they think they spot a late round steal.
WR-Buffalo signed Shaw, re-signed Charles Johnson, and picked up CFL speedster Antonio Brown. None of these guys gives Buffalo a #3 guy as gifted and reliable as Josh Reed was last year. Buffalo will probably be looking for someone with some speed who can compete for that role with a mid to upper round pick, though I don't see them spending their first rounder.
TE-Buffalo has Moore who is reliable in all phases of his game, but not great at anything. He's also getting up in years. They have Campbell who has good hands and is a solid blocker, but a good saftey can probably keep up with him at a fast walk. Brady McConnell is athletic and big but unproven. Gilbride is notorious for not using his TEs as anything but a blocker or safety valve receiver. Still, if Buffalo spots an athletic TE with some speed and good hands, I could see them picking one as high as round two. Dallas Clark?
OT-After a nearly flawless year at RT, Jennings received an education last season when he switched to the left side. He's still not nearly as bad as some make him out to be. He was still only a second year player last year. He is strong and athletic, and I can only see him getting better. Mike Williams was a great run blocker last year. He's adequate as a pass blocker, and with his combination of size quickness and strength, I think he'll continue to get better. Gotta love his personality too. Marcus Price was rock solid in reserve. Some people like to pick on Houghton, but he was better than his youth and undrafted status might indicate. I don't think Buffalo is likely to draft a pure OT.
Guard-Ruben Brown is not getting any younger, but I think he probably has at least a couple good years left. Sullivan is knocked by some, but made huge strides last year compared with his rookie season. He's still young too. I think the Bills think he's a keeper. Pucillo is very much unproven. As a seventh rounder he wasn't ready to do anything last year. Because the Bills can't know how much upside he has at this point, I can see the Bills drafting a guard in the middle rounds or upper to upgrade the quality and dependability of their depth at guard, maybe someone whocould handle either guard or center.
Center-I think the Bills have decided to cut bait with Conaty, who was a warrior with a bum shoulder last year, but is limited athletically. Teague was adequate as a starter once he made the adjustment, and may improve this year. Buffalo is likely to look for solid depth here in the mid to upper rounds, again, quite possibly a guy who could handle guard or center.
DT-Buffalo has their starters. Edwards and Bannan are OK as backups, but nothing special, and Adams and Williams are both on the far side of their thirtieth birthday. Buffalo will probably look to upgrade their depth with an eye toward finding a future starter. The certified blue chippers(Kennedy, Robertson, Kevin Williams) will be gone. A second tier guy (William Joseph, Sullivan) might possibly drop to #23 and would tempt Buffalo if he did. The other guys (Peterson, Long, Warren) look right now like they might be a bit of a reach at #23. Buffalo could be tempted to trade down and try to pick up one of them at the tail end of round one or the top quarter of round two. Otherwise, they'll try to pick up a guy like James Lee or Rashad Moore in the mid rounds. I think guys like Colin Cole and Eric Manning don't have enough upside to be worth their while. They would simply be pluggers like the Bills already have in Edwards and Bannan.
DE-Schobel will continue so show improvement, though I doubt he has as much upside as Marcus Wiley had when he was a Bill. Marcus Jones will be a great addition if he can find his form from a few years ago. McKenzie is this year's Chidi Ahanotu, a role player who doesn't give you a long term solution. Beyond Schobel, there is nothing close to a sure thing. Buffalo cannot gamble on Denney developing, or Irons or anyone else on the roster. The problem is McDougle may not drop to #23, and according to at least one pro scout, neither Haynes nor Peterson (who plays DE or DT) is a great value at #23. I don't think Kelsay is either. I think it most likely Buffalo will draft someone in the middle rounds with some upside. Osi Umenyiora is an intriguing sleeper with good size and speed, and excellent production at a lower level of competition. Antonio Garay is a first round talent who will be available in the mid rounds because of an injury history.
OLB-If Buffalo finds a great value in the draft, they may pick an OLB to upgrade depth, but it's not a priority.
MLB-With Fletcher starting and Spoon returning to health, i don't see Buffalo drafting a MLB.
CB-See OLB.
FS-Reese is a bandaid type player. He will start over Prioleau if no one else is found, but Buffalo will be looking for a long term solution. Rashean Mathis will tempt Buffalo in round one, but it's more likely they'll get someone later. Nnamdi Asomugha is a strong possibility in round 3. Ingtar gets credit for giving me that idea.
SS-I think the Bills really like Wire here. He had a rough transition from his college position (LB) early last year, but cut down on mistakes late in the year. He's smart, athletic, has a great attitude and he is a natural playmaker. I think Prioleau backs up Wire this year.
PK and P are set.
By round in the draft here's my best bet on what will happen.
Round one: Buffalo trades down to the end of the round or early round 2. With the pick they receive, they will pick from among Michael Haynes (DE), Kenny Peterson (DT/DE), Rein Long (DT), Ty Warren (DT), Chris Kelsay (DE).
Round 2: Dallas Clark (TE) or (if available) Bryant Johnson (WR).
Round 3: Nnamdi Asomugha (FS), Al Johnson (C) or Osi Umenyiora (DE).
Round 4: Kevin Curtis (WR), Makeo Freitas (a tackle who could move inside), or Shurron Pierson (DE/LB-a value pick who upgrades depth though it's not a particular need)
Round 5: James Lee (DT), Rashad Moore (DT), Scott Tercero (OG), Aaron Hunt (DE), Billy McMillen (WR), Bruce Nelson (C)
Round 6: B. J. Tucker (CB-a value pick), Sultan McCullough (RB)
Jamaal Green (DE)
Round 7: Jason Gesser (QB), Mike Seidman (TE) or anyone who catches TD's eye. We all know it's a crap shoot by the time you get to round seven.
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