Below is an additional compilation of draft grades on the Buffalo Bills from national and local media outlets as of Tuesday, May 3rd at 11:15 am.
Grade: A minus
Analyst: Adam Schein and Peter Schrager
Outlet: FOX Sports
*Comments: *They did some great things in WNY this weekend. Marcell Dareus is the perfect fit for this defense. … Give Chan Gailey and company a lot of credit.
Grade: B
Analyst:Nolan Nawrocki
Outlet: Pro Football Weekly
Comments: GM Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey sought value over need throughout the draft, neglecting the quarterback position, but landing two immediate starters with their top two picks, DL Marcell Dareus and CB Aaron Williams. They reached on the next two picks — ILB Kelvin Sheppard and S Da'Norris Searcy — but they both fit the defense and may have needed to jump early at very weak positions in this year's draft. … In fifth-round addition Johnny White, Nix may have recouped the loss, as White's angry-running style and special-teams contributions could offset Lynch's loss, provided he can stay healthy. ILB Chris White could turn out to be a solid sixth-round addition. … Drafting atop the round as the Bills so often have with the revolving door at head coach and in the GM chair in recent years, they came away from the draft with two instant impact players with their top two picks and focused on adding pieces that will allow them to make the transition to a 3-4 front, which they had to scrap midway through the season last year. Special teams should improve with the concentration of athletic defensive talent. … Nix did do a solid job of identifying talent that fits the Bills' defense and improved considerably on that side of the ball.
Grade: C plus
Analyst: Bucky Brooks
Outlet: NFL.com
*Comments: *The Bills' draft class won't elicit a lot of fanfare, but their initial picks satisfied their biggest needs. Marcell Dareus gives the defense an anchor to build around on the interior, while Aaron Williams and Da'Norris Searcy add athleticism to their secondary. The Bills also added a sleeper selection in North Carolina running back Johnny White. He could pay significant dividends down the road with his talent and toughness. Although some would question the decision to bypass a quarterback in the second round, the commitment to fortify the defense could result in more wins this season.
Grade: Honorable Mention – Winners
Analyst: Christian Gaddis
Outlet: WECK
Comments: The Bills addressed a key issue with their defensive front by taking Marcell Dareus with the number 3 pick. He's big, solid and athletic which will add much needed help to their 24th ranked defense. Their 2nd and 4th round picks also shed some light on how they feel about some of the members in their secondary and if they will return. While I do not have the Bills in my top draft winners, I had to mention them because they are making solid picks and taking the necessary steps to get the Bills back to a caliber of play the fans want and expect of them.
OTHER OPINIONS
Todd McShay, ESPN
Best move: Taking Marcell Dareus
Yes, the Bills were fortunate he was around at No. 3 because, in my opinion, he was the best player in the draft. Dareus is a centerpiece they can build their defense around. He gives defensive coordinator George Edwards a lot of flexibility. Edwards mixes it up with this fronts and Dareus has the ability to play just about every position along the front.
Most questionable move: Failing to address their quarterback need
The Bills had an opportunity to bring in someone -- Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick were still on the board when they selected CB Aaron Williams in the second round -- to fill the need. It would have been a great year to develop a player for 2012, when they hope to be competing for a playoff spot.
