Many believe that the quarterback situation is the most pressing issue for this team. On the other hand, I believe the bigger problem is the offensive line that has failed to provide adequate protection.
Ever since they traded Jason Peters to the Philadelphia Eagles, the overall offense has been significantly worse. In particular, Trent Edwards has felt the impact the most. In '08, he appeared to be improving as he posted a solid 85.4 passer rating. Last season, however, he was constantly beat up and as a result he was unfairly benched.
The organization has invested in the offensive line over the past few years, and they must come together and perform well if the Bills want to go anywhere.
RT Cornell Green
Green should help solidify the team at the right tackle position. He has a fair amount of starting experience and has handled opposing 3-4 personnel during his prior three-year tenure with the Oakland Raiders.
DE Dwan Edwards
Signing Edwards is a great first step in the transition from a 4-3 to 3-4 defense. He's a solid player that will bring a winning mentality over from the Baltimore Ravens.
LB Andra Davis
Davis is a prototypical 3-4 ILB and should provide an immediate impact.
OLB Reggie Torbor
Every 3-4 linebacking core needs a deep rotation in order to be successful. Torbor has the ability to come in and provide fresh energy.
WR Terrell Owens
Even though he was the team's leading receiver last season, I agree with this move. First of all, it has been noted that in is second season with a team, he begins to behave inappropriately. For a team that isn't realistically competing for anything and already has their fair share of problems to deal with, the potential of a T.O. headache isn't worth the risk.
WR Josh Reed
Other than being a decent slot receiver, Reed had very little impact which is why the Bills won't feel his absence.
Also note that two-time Pro Bowl DE Aaron Schobel is planning on retiring before the start of the season. He has registered 78 sacks during his nine-year career with the Bills. 1st Round (No. 9 Overall): Clemson RB C.J. Spiller
2nd Round (No. 41 Overall): Central Florida NT Torell Troup
3rd Round (No. 72 Overall): Arkansas State DE Alex Carrington
4th Round (No. 107 Overall): Connecticut WR Marcus Easley
5th Round (No. 140 Overall): Virginia Tech OT Ed Wang
5th Round (No. 178 Overall): James Madison OLB Arthur Moats
6th Round (No. 192 Overall): South Dakota State OLB Danny Batten
7th Round (No. 209 Overall): Troy QB Levi Brown
7th Round (No. 216 Overall): Iowa OT Kyle Calloway
The Bills are undergoing a rebuilding process and did a nice job picking up some solid pieces for the future, headlined by C.J. Spiller. He should bring a spark to an offense that lacks a big-time playmaker. Moreover, I thought it was great how they drafted several players that will fit their newly-implemented 3-4 defensive scheme.
Ralph Wilson is a smart owner and I have confidence that he has the ability to put together a front office and coaching staff that can turn things around in Buffalo.
Chan Gailey will enter his first season as Bills' head coach. He has an extensive offensive background and specializes in quarterbacks, which should help the development of this team.
Curtis Modkins comes in as the team's offensive coordinator. Expect him to focus on getting the running game started.
George Edwards was hired as the team's defensive coordinator. While he has 12 years experience, he may have never had a task like this before. He will be responsible for making the switch from a 4-3 to 3-4 successful.
We can all expect the Bills to run, run, and run the football. They have three talented running backs in C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, and Marshawn Lynch. If they can find a way to utilize each of them to the best of their abilities, this offense could be somewhat effective.
An efficient running game would also take a lot of pressure off their young quarterbacks. If the Bills want to go anywhere, however, they will need to find a long-term solution at QB, the most important position on the field.
The Bills defense has both good news and bad news. The good news is that, primarily thanks to Jarius Byrd, they are one of the best (second in the NFL) at defending the pass. The bad news, unfortunately, is that they are one of the worst (30th in the NFL) at stopping the run.
Putting both of those things together, and they are a mediocre unit. If they want to make the next step forward, though, they will need to improve their front seven.
Moreover, with Aaron Schobel gone, generating a pass rush may be troubling. Therefore, players such as Aaron Maybin will have to step up and make plays. One of the few bright spots for this team will be their special teams.
Rian Lindell is a solid kicker who nailed an impressive 84.8 percent of his field goals last season. He's got good range and can be counted on in critical situations.
Two-time Pro Bowl P Brian Moorman is one of the best in the league at his position. Last season he had a net average of 40.2. His services will be especially valued if they can't consistently move the chains on offense. When a team has a good punter, it puts their defense in great field position.
Fred Jackson does a good job returning kickoffs while Roscoe Parrish handles the punt return duties. The unit hopes they can regain their 2008 form when they scored twice on returns.
Fred Jackson
Even though Jackson did rush for 1,000 yards last season and caught 46 receptions, I wouldn't consider him a top RB because he will be sharing snaps with Spiller and Lynch. Moreover, he only scored four total TDs.
C.J. Spiller
Spiller could have a solid season much like rookie RBs have in recent past. He has the breakaway speed to be a threat to score every time he touches the ball. While we shouldn't expect a Chris Johnson-type impact, he could prove to be a good choice.
Lee Evans
In my opinion, Evans is one of the more underrated receivers in the league. You can count on him to post approximately 50 receptions for 800 yards and six TDs.
Marshawn Lynch
In his first two seasons, Lynch appeared to be emerging as one of the top RBs in the league. However, after a dissappointing season last year and reports of off-the-field issues, his fantasy stock has plummeted. Moreover, he may be traded midway through the season, which is never something a fantasy owner wants to hear.
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