2009 NFL Mock Draft: Buffalo Bills

The Bills started fast in 2008, winning their first four games, but they completely fell apart down the stretch. The Bills lost eight of their last 10 games to finish just 7-9. With Tom Brady going down for the Patriots, it appeared that the AFC East would be wide open and the Bills asserted themselves as an early favorite to take it, but as the season dragged on, Buffalo’s glaring weaknesses presented themselves.

Biggest Draft Needs – Buffalo was in desperate need of a playmaking threat at wide receiver or tight end opposite Lee Evans in 2008. The team made a run at Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez at last year’s trade deadline but could not get a deal done. The team has addressed this need with the signing of former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens, but Owens does not figure to be a long term solution as he always manages to eventually burn enough bridges for teams to send him on to a new destination. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bills can use some help up front, especially in the form of a pass-rushing defensive end. When defensive end Aaron Schobel missed time in 2008, the Bills’ lack of pass rush was exposed. The Bills have tried to address this need in the recent past by drafting Chris Kelsay in the second round back in 2003 and Chris Ellis in the third round last year, but neither look like they’ll be able to get the job done.

Likely Day 1 Targets – If the Bills are still interested in getting a receiver, even after signing Owens, Oklahoma State Brandon Pettigrew looks like a good fit. He would give QB Trent Edwards another target in the offense and he has shown that he would be a capable blocker in Buffalo’s running packages. Many experts feel Pettigrew is the only tight end in this class capable of stepping on the field for three downs at a time as a rookie because he is the most advanced blocker. He is being called the most complete tight end to enter the draft in years. At 6′6”, 260 pounds he is quite the specimen. If he has any weakness, it’s that he doesn’t have the type of top end speed to stretch the field so don’t expect any Antonio Gates-type excitement. But he can be a valuable possession receiver and a good fit alongside Owens if he decides he wants to sell out for this football team.

Don’t be surprised if Buffalo goes with a pass-rushing defensive end with their first pick. Texas’ Brian Orakpo, Penn State’s Aaron Maybin, or FSU’s Everette Brown are all solid options. Brian Orakpo is my top rated defensive end. There is few that would argue that he was the best pass rusher in the country last season. Scouts love this guys athleticism.

Recent Draft Track Record - Cornerback Leodis McKelvin was a strong pick in last year’s draft as he gave the team a lockdown corner for the future as well as an explosive return man. Cornerback Reggie Corner and wide receiver Steve Johnson are guys that are solid enough to contribute when called upon. Right now, second-round wide out James Hardy and third-round defensive end Chris Ellis are looking like busts.

Bet on the NFL with Jimmy Boyd’s NFL expert picks this season for the most winners against the NFL odds.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

• 2009 NFL Mock Draft Draft: Kansas City Chiefs
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• 2009 Buffalo Bills NFL Predictions
• 2009 NFL Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints

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