Bills First Round Selection: Offense Or Defense?

Oct 17, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Eric Ebron (85) runs for a touchdown as Miami Hurricanes defensive back Antonio Crawford (21) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the year’s Bills fans have been used to getting a head start on the draft/offseason activities and this season is no different. Eliminated from playoff contention well before anyone wanted gave everyone an early look as to what this team needs heading into the offseason. With mock drafts flowing like crazy my only question is will the Bills go offense or defense?

Looking at the positive first the defense had an outstanding season seeing what happened the year previous. A complete transformation by first year coordinator (with Bills) Mike Pettine put belief again in the guys we have and showed everyone that they could still play. Exotic looks and aggressive play calling caused many problems for the opposition. The way he got through to his players is exactly what everyone wanted to see and just think if he got another top notch guy. The level of play would continue to rise. Places of interest may include: linebacker, safety/cornerback or possibly another guy on the line.

On the other side of the ball will we see the Bills get another weapon for their hopeful franchise quarterback EJ Manuel? The Bills can say whatever they want but I think they don’t know what they have in this kid yet and will be getting everything possible for him to succeed. Lacking a game changer in the passing game I think hurt Manuel severely. Having a trusted guy that could make the necessary plays and also help his teammates in the way of double teams and continuous focus from the opposition I believe would definitely open up their play calling.

If the Bills want to see what they have in EJ I think an offensive player is the way to go in the first round. The defense is going to be good and Pettine has showed he can take players and mold them into what he’s looking for. In the end I believe a playmaker will be taken in the form of a wide receiver or tight end. One thing for sure is they better not take a lineman with their first pick. The value of that pick shouldn’t be wasted where you could address those needs in the middle rounds. I’m sure I’ll come back to this again but want to see where people stand now and also when we get a little closer. Which way do you think they’ll go?

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