The Bills drafted four offensive players, four defensive players and a kicker in 2012. Here's their final draft list and our grades:
2nd round (41st overall) – Cordy Glenn (T), Georgia
3rd round (69th overall) – T.J. Graham (WR), North Carolina State
4th round (105th overall) – Nigel Bradham (LB), Florida State
4th round (124th overall) – Ron Brooks (DB), Louisiana State
5th round (144th overall) – Zebrie Sanders (T), Florida State
5th round (147th overall) – Tank Carder (LB), Texas Christian Univ.
6th round (178th overall) – Mark Asper (OL), Oregon
7th round (251st overall) – John Potter (K), Western Michigan
Nick's grade: A
The Bills' top three needs, in my opinion, were an upgrade in pass defense, offensive line depth and speed at receiver. They accomplished all three in the first three rounds. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore has an opportunity to make an immediate impact in Buffalo's secondary, tackle Cordy Glenn provides another option for an offensive line that seems to always be shifting, and receiver T.J. Graham, while small, will keep defenses honest and provides some help in the return game while easing the loss of all-purpose guy Roscoe Parrish.
Buffalo's need to bolster its offensive line was dire, and it did so with three additions. An aging defense was also a question, and that was answered with two corners and two linebackers. Late last season, Buffalo ran into a kicker problem, with injuries to veteran Rian Lindell and replacement Dave Rayner. Even that situation was remedied in the final round.
The difference in the defensive backfield this upcoming season will be obvious, and the extra bodies on the offensive line are much-needed.
First-rounder cornerback Stephon Gilmore is a coverage stud who instantly upgrades the secondary, and second-rounder offensive tackle Cordy Glenn will contribute immediately. In later rounds, Buffalo found high-upside players who will provide depth and potentially become starters.
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Dan's grade: B+
Buffalo's need to bolster its offensive line was dire, and it did so with three additions. An aging defense was also a question, and that was answered with two corners and two linebackers. Late last season, Buffalo ran into a kicker problem, with injuries to veteran Rian Lindell and replacement Dave Rayner. Even that situation was remedied in the final round.
The difference in the defensive backfield this upcoming season will be obvious, and the extra bodies on the offensive line are much-needed.
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Sean's grade: A-First-rounder cornerback Stephon Gilmore is a coverage stud who instantly upgrades the secondary, and second-rounder offensive tackle Cordy Glenn will contribute immediately. In later rounds, Buffalo found high-upside players who will provide depth and potentially become starters.
Fifth-round pick linebacker Tank Carder is an instinctive playmaker who had a prestigious career at TCU in one of the nation's best defenses and could develop into a late round steal. All in all, the Bills put together a draft of safe but high-value picks that will help them shape into an AFC East contender and end their playoff drought.
The Bills had a great draft, filling voids with every pick in what seems to be a sensible way. With the offseason they had, combined with the draft, the AFC East should be wary of Buffalo this year.
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Sam's grade: AThe Bills had a great draft, filling voids with every pick in what seems to be a sensible way. With the offseason they had, combined with the draft, the AFC East should be wary of Buffalo this year.
