With the 2011 NFL Draft less than 3 weeks away, my expectations for the Bills have started to take form.  I have read plenty of analysis from experts and fans, and think I have realistic expectations heading into the draft.  Many of you may think - why be realistic???  Predict as many trade down scenarios as possible, project star players falling, smokescreens, etc.  But when it comes to Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey, I believe their approach is quite simple.

With the #3 selection in the draft, the Bills know that they are guaranteed to get one of the following 3 players:

- Marcell Dareus

- Patrick Peterson

- Von Miller

It is safe to say that most experts believe that these three players are the best talents, able to contribute immediately, and although they are low risk - still offer tremendous upside.  Each player would provide a significant upgrade to the Bills defense - almost immediately.

Some feel that the Bills need to, and will, address the QB position with the #3 pick.  In my opinion, neither Gabbert or Newton are enough of a sure thing to warrant the #9 selection.  This holds especially true as the team is in desperate need of defensive help, and will have the opportunity to draft one of the three potential stars listed earlier.  Could Newto or Gabbert become a star someday?  Absolutely.  But I just can't see using the #3 pick on a project.

If the Bills truly focus the majority of their picks on the defensive side of the ball, I will be a happy man come the end of April.  Some will point out that the offense wasn't much better than the defense last year - which I can't disagree.  But the youth on the offensive side of the ball gives me some optimism, especially as these players continue to get better.  Stevie Johnson, Eric Wood, Andy Levitre, Demetrius Bell, David Nelson, CJ Spiller,and others are all very early in their careers and should continue to improve.  I am also interested to see what Ryan Fitzpatrick can provide as a full-year starter, and having that role going into training camp.  And yes, I do realize that RT is a need, and could be addressed in this draft.  I am just saying I would like to see the majority of the picks used on defense.

Thanks to everyone with the site for this outlet for fans.