Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills News, 5/2

Dareus driven to be great - BuffaloBills.com
"There have been several positive influences on Marcell Dareus’ life and the decisions he’s made along the way to becoming a top five pick in the NFL draft. Just in his first few days as a Buffalo Bill he’s made it clear that his first and only order of business is to be productive for a team that put their faith in him."

Inside The Bills | Batten could be on move
"Head coach Chan Gailey said nothing is set in stone, but did admit it’s possible that with the additions of third round pick Kelvin Sheppard and sixth round pick Chris White, both inside linebackers, that Batten could be shifting back outside again."

Inside The Bills | Chris White a throwback
When asked who would emerge if you locked all the LBs at the Senior Bowl in a room, Chris White said.... himself. Nice.

Bills infuse defense with new blood - Bills & NFL - The Buffalo News
"For all the speculation and hand-wringing about the Buffalo Bills taking a franchise quarterback, the NFL draft turned into a referendum on the importance of defense. The Bills were woeful on that side of the ball last season, allowing the second-most points and second-most rushing yards in franchise history."

Draft leaves teams armed, but how dangerous? - Bills & NFL - The Buffalo News
Mark Gaughan places the Bills among his "Impressive Draft" teams.

Draft Recap | Three Point Stance | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
"It’s not too often when the Buffalo Bills impress me. I know, I am the master curmudgeon, but I have 11 long years of non-playoff evidence to prove that my being miserable about this team has been for good reason. However, this was a good weekend for our favorite, if not usually dysfunctional, team. The Bills had a good draft."

They Got It Right | Three Point Stance | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
"Now, for all I know, maybe they totally whiffed. Every pick in every draft is essentially a swing, and sometimes you hit it out of the park, sometimes you hit a single or a double, and sometimes you just miss and strike out. We won’t know if Marcell Dareus is a boom or a bust for at least a couple years, but here’s something I know we can all say - this is the best player they could have selected."

Kiper gives out team draft grades - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Mel Kiper compiled his team draft grades for ESPN Insider subscribers. The Bills were tops in the division.

Detroit Lions leading Buffalo Bills in race for playoffs | Democrat and Chronicle
"In the race to end their NFL-worst 11-year non-playoff streaks, the Detroit Lions appear to have a significant lead over Buffalo. The Lions have their franchise quarterback, a top-notch receiver in Calvin Johnson, two promising young running backs and can build their defense around possibly the NFL's best and deepest defensive line."

Browns, Bills earn praise for draft hauls - GoErie.com/Erie Times-News
"The Bills' draft haul, headed by Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus at No. 3 overall, demonstrates the flexibility of offensive-minded head coach Chan Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix's focus on improving the defense."

Jasper Sizes Up The Bills | WIVB.com
"He is the most intriguing, and biggest, of the Bills nine draft picks. Michael Jasper comes from the smallest school. But that's the only thing small about the Bills newest player."

Bills Play It Safe With Dareus | wgrz.com
"A nice, safe pick for the Bills at #3 by selecting Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus, who may be used as a nose tackle in the Bills 3-4 defense. He is a run-stuffing d-lineman who can also rush the quarterback, two great areas of need for the Bills defense."

Bills Draft Podcast | wgrz.com
"2 on Your Side's Ben Hayes and Stu Boyar break down the Bills draft in our draft podcast. "

Re-ranking the teams most likely to trade for Kevin Kolb, post-draft - Bleeding Green Nation
The Bills are the eighth and final team on the list.

Meet Michael Jasper: Heaviest 2011 NFL Draft Pick - SBNation.com
"In fact, the Bills decided to go big with their final selection, choosing the largest hunk of man in the 2011 NFL Draft class. Jasper tips the scales at a jaw-dropping 394 pounds and may be the definition of a space-eater."

Six Things We Learned About The Buffalo Bills Draft : Buffalo Sports Daily
"Here are six things we categorically learned about the Buffalo Bills over the past three days."

How the Buffalo Bills Will Use Marcell Dareus and Co | Buffalo Wins
"Instead of giving you my opinion on the Bills nine draft picks, I'll lay out how I think Buffalo will utilize their new players and the best case scenario for each guy. (Yes, I'm a Bills optimist)"

Pitoniak: Bills Make Safe Pick, Wise Pick On Day One - RochesterHomePage.net
"Scott Pitoniak thinks Bills will hit with pick of Marcell Dareus"