Bills add six on draft's final day

   The 2011 NFL Draft concluded on Saturday afternoon, with the Bills continuing their focus on upgading the defensive side of the ball.  Although late-round prospects are usually long-shots, GM Buddy Nix and Head Coach Chan Gailey ended up getting good value.  With some development, a number of them could be contributors.
   Using their first of two picks on the fourth round, Buffalo went with another defensive back in Da'Norris Searcy from North Carolina.  Searcy was a two-year starter for the Tar Heels and led the team in interceptions during 2010.  Many draft experts believe he was underrated and overshadowed by other stars on the North Carolina defense.  He's expected to play strong safety and contribute on special teams for the Bills.
   With the pick they obtained trading Marshawn Lynch to Seattle, the Bills nabbed Clemson offensive tackle Chris Hairston.  As a First Team All-ACC lineman, Hairston was a three year starter for the Tigers.  Although he played left tackle in college, most experts see him on the right side in the pros.  With some development, he could eventually compete for a starting job amongst the Bills weak group of offensive linemen.
   The Bills gained some depth at the running back position in the fifth round, grabbing North Carolina's Johnny White.  A very versatile player, White also played for the Tar Heels as a wide receiver and cornerback.  If he had settled into one position for his whole college career, he probably would have been a much higher pick.  For now, he should be third on the depth chart behind Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller.
   Going back to theme of helping the run defense, Buffalo used its sixth round pick on inside linebacker Chris White, the 2010 leading tackler at Mississippi State.  White was named to the Second Team All-SEC and was another player who impressed Head Coach Chan Gailey at the Senior Bowl.  He will likely contribute on special teams.
   Closing out the draft, the Bills used their seventh round picks on Richmond cornerback Justin Rogers and Bethel-Tennessee nose tackle Michael Jasper.  Rogers was named to the First Team All-CAA as a defensive back and punt returner.  Jasper was a little-known prospect, but is listed at 394 lbs. and is shows great athletic ability for a man his size.

Overall Draft Opinion:
   Of course, it takes several years before a draft class can be accurately reviewed.  However, the Bills managed to address a number of major concerns and did a good job of selecting the players they wanted without reaching.  By this time next year, they could be in position to compete for a playoff spot.
   It took two drafts from Nix and Gailey, but the Bills defensive identity is slowly starting to develop an identity.  
   Marcell Dareus should be a monster next to Kyle Williams for the next 10 years, and both are versatile enough to play any spot along the defensive line.  If Torrell Troup and Alex Carrington make strides in their sophomore seasons, this group could be a force.
   Outside linebacker is still a weak point, but Kelvin Sheppard should develop into a good starter alongside Paul Posluszny in the middle.  I like the focus on stopping the run.
   I fully expect Aaron Williams to grab a starting job in the secondary, although I hope the Bills start making more of an effort to retain free agent cornerbacks in the future and stop the revolving door.