Bills needs: Tight-end, pass-rush playmakers wanted

When the Buffalo Bills signed Terrell Owens to a one-year deal, the thinking had to be this:

We're close.

Brandon Pettigrew could be a nice fit, but a pass rusher might be a higher priority. (Getty Images)

Why else would you bring in a volatile player like Owens, risking locker-room problems? Owens does help the passing game, and the draft might add another weapon.

The Bills pick 11th in the first round, and there is talk they might take Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew. That would give young quarterback Trent Edwards a third quality weapon added to Owens and Lee Evans.

The listed starter at tight end for the Bills is Derek Fine, who doesn't exactly remind people of Antonio Gates. He had 10 catches as a rookie last season. Derek Schouman is more of an H-back type.

The Bills have needs on defense that might supersede the choice to take a tight end -- especially in importance. They have pass-rush woes and could use a rush end in the worst way. They had just 24 sacks in 2008, four from their top three ends.

Aaron Schobel played in only five games because of a foot injury and had just one sack. He had 14 in 2006, but his total dropped to 6½ in 2007 and then one last season. The other ends, Ryan Denney and Chris Kelsay, don't offer much speed.

Owner Ralph Wilson gave coach Dick Jauron another year, despite the team fading after a fast start last season, which means he has to get to the playoffs or he's gone.

So getting Owens is a good thing for Jauron. It just might help him keep his job. But this year's draft might be just as important.

QB: Edwards is established as the starter. The Bills feel good about him going forward. They signed Ryan Fitzpatrick away from Cincinnati to be the backup, which is a good move. Gibran Hamdan is the third guy.

RB: Marshawn Lynch is a quality starter who went to the Pro Bowl, but he has had some off-the-field issues. They were interested in Fred Taylor, which might be an indictment of Lynch. Fred Jackson is a nice backup, especially catching passes. After that, the depth is raw.

WR: They signed Owens, which gives the Bills a nice duo with Evans, who struggled without a legitimate threat on the other side. Owens, if he can stay clear of turmoil, is a nice pickup. Josh Reed, James Hardy and Roscoe Parrish offer nice backups.

TE: This is a major need position. The listed starter is Fine. He has some ability, but he shouldn't be starting. The backup is Schouman, and Jonathan Stupar is the third guy. That isn't exactly a Who's Who of tight ends.

OL: The tackles are good with Jason Peters and Langston Walker, although Peters didn't play great last season and wants a new contract. They feel they upgraded getting Geoff Hangartner as a free agent. Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. Depth is lacking and they could use some help behind the five starters.

DL: The interior of the line is set with Marcus Stroud and Kyle Williams starting and John McCargo backing up. Schobel is coming off a Lisfranc foot injury, which is a concern. Kelsay has been a disappointment opposite him after getting a contract extension. They need major help with speed off the corners.

LB: In starters Kawika Mitchell, Paul Posluszny and Keith Ellison, the Bills have three solid players, although none are Pro Bowl quality yet. Posluszny has a chance to get there. John DiGiorgio is a good backup inside who has started, while the outside spots could use some help.

Secondary: The Bills lost corner Jabari Greer in free agency in part because they are comfortable playing Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin. As a rookie, McKelvin flashed his wonderful athletic ability and should be even better in 2009. Depth comes from Ashton Youboty and Drayton Florence, who should be the nickel back if he doesn't beat out McGee. The safeties are decent with Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson, although Whitner hasn't lived up to being a top 10 pick.