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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Buffalo Bills "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (1-11) Aaron Maybin, DE (Penn State): The immediate reaction to this selection was, did they get the right guy? While pass-rush help was Buffalo’s biggest need, Maybin is a hit-or-miss prospect. His stock certainly rose after an impressive pro day workout. Maybin added a considerable amount of bulk and looked very sculpted but even so, he appears a bit undersized to do battle in the trenches on early downs. Look for Maybin to be utilized in third-down passing situations as a rookie with hopes of improving the pressure applied to opposing quarterbacks. He has a quick first step and an explosive burst.
(1-28) Eric Wood, C (Louisville): While many observers around the league consider Wood an amazing talent, one must wonder whether or not he could have been had later in the draft. Nevertheless, Wood should help stabilize the Bills’ line on offense. He was the second center off the board, but he looked more like a late second-rounder than a late first-rounder. Big, tough and nasty, Wood fits the northeast brand of football Buffalo will need to play and should improve the Bills’ rushing attack. (Pick From Carolina via Philadelphia)
(2-42) Jairus Byrd, CB (Oregon): A bit of tweener who’s not explosive enough to play corner, lacking the necessary makeup speed and size to line up at safety. Byrd was very productive with 17 interceptions in three years at Oregon, so his ball skills are unquestioned. The former Duck will most likely serve as a nickel back for the Bills and can contribute in the return game as well. He’s better suited to play in a zone scheme with the potential to start in a year or two. Byrd’s father, Gil, was a longtime cornerback for the San Diego Chargers.
(2-51) Andrew Levitre, OG (Oregon St.): As one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the draft, Levitre has the vision, flexibility and foot quickness to reach the second level. He was an offensive tackle at Oregon St., but his short arms limit his potential there, which is why he will shift inside to guard. Of their first four picks, selecting the draft’s top guard late in the second round provided the best value of all. Buffalo reinforced their offensive line by adding Levitre to their earlier selection of road grater Eric Wood. (Pick From Dallas)
(4-121) Shawn Nelson, TE (Southern Mississippi): This might be their best pick of all, as Buffalo corralled one of the draft's better all-around tight ends. He is not Brandon Pettigrew but among the next tier of tight ends, Nelson is the most balanced. No one ever questioned his ability as a pass catcher; he was a sound route runner and a natural pass catcher. He worked very hard on his blocking skills as a senior and it showed during the scouting process. (Pick From Philadelphia)
 (5-147) Nic Harris, OLB (Oklahoma): Harris will probably play outside linebacker at the next level where his experience in pass coverage will come in handy. Harris also figures to be a special teams contributor who could develop into more if he is able to bulk up and handle battles at the point of attack. The former Sooner is a versatile talent who could flourish if used properly.
(6-183) Cary Harris, CB (USC): Harris was overrated by many heading into the draft, but as a sixth round pick he provides good value. He lacks the makeup speed to cover man-to-man down the field, but is an instinctive player who plays the run well and can handle underneath coverage with his ability to change directions. He is a physical corner, which will come in handy when the weather turns in November and December in Buffalo.
(7-220) Ellis Lankster, CB (West Virginia): Not as NFL-ready as Harris, but Lankster possesses some upside and is a very solid developmental pick in the seventh round. Similar to Harris, Lankster is a tough kid who is not afraid to mix it up. Prior to 2008, the former Mountaineer had very little Division I experience and he has shown glimpses that maybe the best is yet to come.
Team Needs: DE, OLB, OG, OT, TE, QB, CB
Needs Filled: Five of seven.
The Bible’s Take: They didn’t find a replacement for Jason Peters but solidified the interior of the offensive line with two of the better prospects in Wood and Levitre. They also addressed their need at tight end with Nelson—an underrated blocker. Buffalo looks like they will become more of running team. Defensively, they addressed their biggest needs but Maybin is not a sure thing along the line of scrimmage and Harris is changing positions to outside linebacker. If Maybin pans out as a double-digit sack man, this could be a foundation draft for the Bills.
Grade: B
Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department
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