The 2012 NFL Draft is starting to feel an awful lot like the 2010 NFL Draft when specifically discussing the Buffalo Bills' potential plan of attack. In 2010, the Bills - with new GM Buddy Nix and new head coach Chan Gailey freshly in place - had needs everywhere. Most pre-draft discussions centered around finding a quarterback, a left tackle, or a 3-4 defender - preferably a pass rusher - with their No. 9 overall pick. As most of you will recall, they ended up with Clemson running back C.J. Spiller with that pick.
Sure, the Bills had options at those other, premium positions. Jimmy Clausen didn't do it for them at quarterback. Bryan Bulaga and Anthony Davis weren't quite clean enough as prospects to take that early. The same went for nose guard prospect Dan Williams, as well as pass rushers Derrick Morgan, Jason Pierre-Paul and Brandon Graham. So the team went the safe route and took Spiller, a four-year star at Clemson that brought a dimension to the Bills' offense that it clearly lacked prior to the draft.
The Bills could be facing a similar situation with their No. 10 pick this year. They have clearly defined needs at left tackle and wide receiver, among other spots, but the general consensus is that beyond a half-dozen prospects, there isn't much value to be had at the top of this year's draft class. In the end, the Bills may wind up making a surprise, Spiller-esque pick with the idea of taking a good player, rather than reaching to fill a need.