New England Patriots AFC East Offseason Analysis: Buffalo Bills
By Hal Bent
Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Ronald Darby catches a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Without a first round draft pick, the Bills did catch a break in the draft with athletic cornerback Ronald Darby out of Florida State dropping to them at number 50. Darby is raw and just 21 years old and will have to work his way into the lineup and learn to not grab at wide receivers downfield. However, he is a solid prospect and gives depth behind starters Stephon Gilmore and Leodis McKelvin–particularly with Corey Graham moving to safety.
The Bills have question marks on the offensive line with left tackle Cordy Glenn looking just ordinary last year and right tackle Seantrel Henderson struggling mightily. Center Eric Wood’s and Glenn’s struggles could be tied to the poor guard play next to them by Kraig Urbik and Cyril Richardson on the left side and Erik Pears on the right. The Bills brought in veteran Richie Incognito and drafted guard John Miller from Louisville in the third round to take over.
Losing safety Da’Norris Searcy to the Titans was an underrated offseason loss and running back C.J. Spiller was potentially a dynamic third round back miscast as a starter. Tight ends Chandler and Lee Smith could be key losses and on defense the linebacking corps is thin with Nigel Bradham, Preston Brown and a lot of question marks.
The Bills still have no quarterback heading into 2015. The defense remains strong with Mario Williams, Kyle Williams, Marcell Dareus and Jerry Hughes forming a formidable defensive front. The linebackers are short on talent and depth and the secondary still has question marks–particularly at safety where a lack of playmakers could make for a step backwards as the team implements Rex Ryan’s defense.
Next: In Conclusion