Bills nab Dareus at #3

Marcell Dareus, Tackle, Alabama
with Commissioner Roger Goodell

   It's been a long time since we could say this, but the Buffalo Bills hit a home run with their first pick on Thursday night.  GM Buddy Nix and Head Coach Chan Gailey wisely passed on the mediocre quarterbacks available in favor of Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
   Besides filling what was arguably the biggest need on the team, Dareus was regarded by most experts as the best lineman available in this year's draft.  Many argued that he was the best player overall at all positions.
   Gailey said he envisions Dareus starting out as a 3-4 defensive end, although he pointed out that the rookie would be able to play at every spot on the line. 
   For now, the Bills front office will be turning their attention towards the second and third rounds, scheduled to start tonight at 6pm (ET).  They will have a good list of players to choose from.
   If they want to continue shoring up the defense, several good outside linebacker/end prospects remain on the board - some who were expected to have their names called yesterday.  That list includes Akeem Ayers of UCLA, Justin Houston of Georgia, Brooks Reed of Arizona and Jabal Sheard of Pittsburgh.  The Bills could also go for inside linebacker Martez Wilson of Illinois.
   On offense, there are still a handful of quarterbacks pegged by experts as having starting potential.  They include Andy Dalton of TCU, Colin Kaepernick of Nevada and Ryan Mallet of Arkansas.  Buffalo could also look towards the top rated tight end, Kyle Rudolph of Notre Dame.