Defensive trend continues in Rounds 2-3

   The draft's second day was definitely a solid one for the Bills, who likely added two more starters to the defense.  Let's just hope that in a few years, this day won't remembered more for the players they ended up passing on.

Aaron Williams, Defensive
Back, Texas

   With a full night to contemplate the players remaining, Buffalo opted for Texas top-rated defensive back Aaron Williams with their first choice of the second round (34th overall).  Though he will likely start at nickel cornerback for the Bills, Williams could also be an eventual replacement (probably sooner than later) for Donte Whitner at safety.  Most experts had him tabbed as a mid to late first round prospect because of his physical, aggressive play and good size.
   Taking another defensive back might not have been a popular choice with fans, but it was definiitely a need.  Terrence McGee is getting up there in age and hardly played last year.  Drayton Florence and Whitner are free agents.  Leodis McKelvin has underachieved.  Ashton Yobouty never really developed.

Kelvin Sheppard,
Linebacker, LSU

   In the third round, the Bills addressed another huge need and grabbed another ball hawk with LSU inside linebacker Kelvin Sheppard.  Along with Marcell Dareus, he should be a big upgrade for the run defense and will fit perfectly in the 3-4 scheme.  
   Besides being the leading tackler for the Tigers, Sheppard impressed Head Coach Chan Gailey during the Senior Bowl.  Expect him to eventually beat out Andre Davis and Reggie Torbor for a starting job on the inside.
    By grabbing Williams and Sheppard, the Bills also passed on the few remaining highly-rated quarterbacks: Andy Dalton (2nd Round to Cincinnati), Colin Kaepernick (2nd Round to San Francisco) and Ryan Mallett (3rd Round to New England).  If any of those players develops into a Pro-Bowl signal caller, the Bills will definitely come to regret it.
   That goes double for Mallett, who will be groomed behind Tom Brady for the rival Patriots.  Many thought Mallett had the best skills of any quarterback in the draft, but his stock plummeted because of "character concerns."  If those concerns are merited, there is no better place for Mallett to get his head straight than sitting behind a future Hall of Famer for a couple years.