Hardy should start next to Evans as rookie (Photo Source)
With the fourty-first overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills have selected Indiana wide receiver James Hardy. After passing on a receiver in round one in order to select CB Leodis McKelvin, the Bills were lucky to see no wide receivers taken in the first round, and the team had their pick of Limas Sweed, Malcolm Kelly and Hardy at this point.
Ultimately, the Bills' choice was Hardy, who at 6'6" provides precisely the big-bodied target that the Bills coveted. Even at such height, Hardy pumped out a sub-4.5 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, proving his athleticism. Hardy is arguably the best red zone threat in the entire draft, and immediately gives young QB Trent Edwards a possession and red zone threat with the potential to be a vertical nightmare as well. Hardy is a matchup nightmare, and although he has some documented character concerns, they were not enough to deter the Bills from taking him.
Day One of the 2008 NFL Draft could not have worked out better for the Buffalo Bills. The team's two biggest needs entering the day, cornerback and wide receiver, have been addressed with players (McKelvin and Hardy) who can come into One Bills Drive and start from day one. The team currently has no more day one picks, but have eight more selections to make tomorrow at this point. For now, this 2008 draft has to be considered a roaring success for Buffalo, with a first-round gamble paying off in a big way.
Stay tuned to Buffalo Rumblings for the remainder of day one's picks in this open thread. We'll be right back here tomorrow for much more Buffalo Bills draft coverage!