1 - Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 190); 2 - Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia (6-6, 345); 3 - T.J. Graham, WR, North Carolina State (5-11, 188); 4 - Nigel Bradham, OLB, Florida State (6-2, 241); 4 - Ron Brooks, CB, Louisiana State (5-10, 190); 5 - Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State (6-6, 320); 5 - Tank Carder, LB, Texas Christian (6-2, 236); 6 - Mark Asper, OG, Oregon (6-6, 319); 7 - John Potter, K, Western Michigan (6-1, 219)
Top Picks Analysis: After taking giant steps towards solving their pass- rushing problem from a season ago in free agency, the Bills turned their attention to the back end of the defense at the outset of the draft. In Gilmore, the team gets a highly athletic cover man who's fast, fluid and dedicated to the game, and the high-rising former Gamecock should have no problem cracking the starting lineup as a rookie. General manager Buddy Nix stayed in the SEC to attempt to rectify Buffalo's most pressing pre-draft void, a blind-side protector for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, with the second-round selection of Glenn. The massive lineman did play left tackle at Georgia, but there are questions as to whether he's quick enough to handle NFL speed rushers in space on that side. Nix later made a curious move to trade up two spots for Graham, a blazer and outstanding return man with suspect hands and limited strength who was generally viewed as a late-round pick.
Best Value Pick: Sanders was a four-year starter at Florida State with experience at both tackle spots along with excellent size and good flexibility. He may wind up being a better option than Glenn as a left tackle.
Questionable Calls: Moving ahead to reach for Graham in the third round was an unnecessary move by Nix, even if it did come at the low cost of a seventh- round pick. And there were players more capable of filling the Bills' need for a reliable No. 2 outside receiver still available at that spot.
Summary: Buffalo's defense continued to get better through this draft, as Gilmore should help bolster a troublesome secondary and Bradham and Carder are useful players who could play in a pinch, but Nix's moves on offense don't seem as sensible. Glenn seems better suited to right tackle or guard, and the Bills didn't really get much help at wide receiver. A pedestrian collection overall.
FINAL GRADE: C
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.