SDOGO

An in-depth look at the Bills' needs heading into the 2007 draft:

1. Defensive tackle. Larry Tripplett was a solid free-agent addition last season, and the Bills like the potential of Kyle Williams and John McCargo. But the team still needs another stud inside. Louisville's Amobi Okoye is a quick, attacking tackle who can play the 3 technique. Michigan's Alan Branch would be an ideal nose tackle in the Bills' scheme because of his size and strength.

2. Middle linebacker. London Fletcher-Baker has led the Bills in tackles five consecutive seasons, but he departed as a free agent (to Washington). Mississippi's Patrick Willis is a worthy first-round possibility. A later option is Florida State's Buster Davis, a Fletcher-Baker clone.

3. Cornerback. Nate Clements entered the offseason as one of the most coveted free agents, and San Francisco signed him to a 8-year, $80-million deal. They could also lose solid nickel back Kiwaukee Thomas on the open market. Ashton Youboty didn't play much as a rookie but was drafted with Clements' departure in mind. If the Bills aren't sold on Youboty, they could use their first-round pick on California's Daymeion Hughes or Michigan's Leon Hall. Both have the tools to excel in the Bills' cover 2 scheme.

4. Offensive tackle. This is not as high a priority as it was entering the season because Jason Peters emerged as a solid player and rookie Terrance Pennington held up well. Still, the Bills are expected to add a player to create more competition for Pennington and Brad Butler.

5. Guard. This isn't nearly as big of a need with the quick free-agent signings of former Redskin Derrick Dockery and former Viking Jason Whittle. Instead, with Mike Gandy a free agent and Chris Villarrial a cap casualty, the Bills might target someone for depth at this position.

6. Running back. Willis McGahee showed heart playing through injuries, but his production dropped. Now he's seeking a contract extension that could lead to a holdout. Whatever happens, the Bills likely will try to bring back free agent Anthony Thomas and draft a speedy back as a change-of-pace runner. Florida State's Lorenzo Booker lacks the size to be an every-down guy, but he has big-play ability as a runner and receiver. He's a possibility in the third round.

7. Wide receiver. This isn't an obvious need, but the Bills could use a big, physical wideout who can make plays. Tennessee's Robert Meachem, South Carolina's Sidney Rice and LSU's Dwayne Bowe all fit that description.

OUTLOOK

If the team can address some needs with young free agents, it will be able to take the best players available instead of focusing on filling holes. The Bills spent their first five draft picks on defense last year -- and don't be surprised if they go heavy on defense again. They desperately need an impact tackle to make the run defense sturdier and might target one in the first round if they don't find a quality free agent.

Although the offense generated some big plays in 2006, it still wasn't good enough. The Bills will draft a running back, and how high they take one will say a lot about their long-term view of McGahee. Don't rule out the possibility of selecting a receiver early. Peerless Price had a disappointing 2006, and the team could use a big wideout to complement standout Lee Evans.

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