I am going to break down our roster by putting each position into 3 categories: positions that are set, positions that could be improved, and positions in need of desperate improvement. I would define “positions that are set” as the places on our defense that have solid starter, someone that doesn’t need to be upgraded for our team to become a contender. “Positions that could be improved” are the positions where the starter is borderline – the guys who can pass as starters if we don’t have anyone else to supplant them. These are the guys that opposing defenses would game plan to attack if we ever made the playoffs. The 3rd group, positions in need of desperate improvement, is the group of positions where we have major problems… these are the positions that we need to upgrade if we have any hope of ever reaching the playoffs.

First, here is our starting line-up, assuming we re-sign our departing FAs.

Offense

4-3 Defense

Positions that are set

Defensive Tackles - Williams and Dareus

Safety – Byrd and Wilson/Searcy

Center/Guard – Levitre, Wood, Urbik

Running Back – Freddy/CJ

WR1 – Stevie (assuming his return)

Positions that could be improved

CB – Williams/McGee/Florence/Leodis/Rogers

WLB/MLB – Shepp, Barnett

LDE – Kelsay

RT – Pears

TE – Chandler

QB – Fitz

Slot WR – Nelson

Positions in Need of Desperate Improvement

RDE/Pass Rush – Merriman, Moats - ??

SLB – Who?

LT – Bell/Hairston

WR2 – Who?

Analysis

Whether we run a 4-3 or a 3-4, we need serious help in our pass rush. Using Merriman as a DE is a HUGE risk. And aside from him there isn’t anyone. Also…if we make the switch to 4-3, we will need a SLB as well. If we can fill those holes we, should be fine… we’d just need to add depth and avoid injuries.

On offense, I think our greatest need is WR2, especially since Gailey’s offense places such a huge emphasis on the pass game. LT is a huge question mark. Can Bell stay healthy? Can Hairston improve?

Since we cannot use our 1st round pick to draft players at all 4 of these positions, we are gonna need to be active in FA. Wouldn’t it be a dream if we could acquire a stud WR and DE in free agency, allowing us to use our 1st and 2nd round picks on LT and SLB? That’s what I am rooting for… how about you, Bills fans?