BSN Original Content: Nix era begins at the draft

Buddy Nix was promoted to GM for one reason - the guy knows how to scout and pick talent out of the draft. Every Bills fan in the world has looked over the numerous draft picks the Chargers made with Nix in the house, and how these picks have paid large dividends. It's time for the Bills to be rebuilt in the same fashion.

Nix claims to evaluate using "common sense", not going for one year wonders or combine studs. He's looking for players that have had success over a long period of time. He's got his work cut out this year, as the Bills have multiple needs to address.

Though the coaching search is (reportedly) not over, it's looking like Leslie Frazier will be the guy. This helps the Bills in a sense, due to the fact that their defense is built around 4-3 personnel. This team's first needs involve the offensive line, linebacking corps, and a quarterback. If I'm Buddy Nix, the first thing I'm looking at doing is trading for either of Philadelphia's quarterbacks. Trading for Donovan McNabb would put people in seats, which is pretty consistent with Russ Brandon's philosophy. Drafting a QB in the later rounds (Lefevre of CMU) would be a great adjunct move for the future.

This all would be for naught if the Bills don't do some work on the offensive line, and that's where the first round pick may very well go. Oklahoma State's Russel Okung is a 6'5", 300 pound monster that would go a long way towards answering the Bills' needs on the line. Teamed with Wood, Levitre, and the improving Demetrius Bell, we'd be talking about the beginnings of a line that could protect a quarterback and make some headway in the running game. We've seen multiple teams get better in a hurry when they begin stockpiling offensive line talent. Last year was a start, and Okung would really help the Bills where they need help the most.

The other popular first round pick is a guy I'm equally high on, and that's Rolando McClain of Alabama. The SEC is a great place to pick up top defensive talent, and McClain has the goods. He was the anchor of Alabama's national championship defense, and he has noteworthy leadership characteristics. The guy demands a lot from his teammates, and he's got the speed and strength to back up his words. Picking McClain would allow some flexibility in the defense, as he could play the OLB or MLB spot. Paul Posluszny has OLB experience, though his lack of lateral speed may limit his effectiveness at the outside spot.

Later in the draft, the Bills would be wise to pick up depth at receiver, linebacker, and the offensive line. That said, drafting another QB in the middle rounds would be prudent, as well.

The Bills have a lot of holes to fill, and Nix has a track record of acquiring talent. Under Modrak and Guy, the Bills have struggled with early picks, but the later rounds have been a plus. If they can score big in the first round (Okung or McClain), make some good later picks, and acquire a starting QB through a trade, the Bills may be a great deal more competitive in the upcoming year.

The Bills haven't lived up to the promise of the "big splash" so far this offseason, so it's imperative that marked improvement of the roster happens, and happens fast. A good draft and a QB will help immensely.