For much of the pre-draft process, the Bills were believed to be hoping for Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller to “fall” to them at No. 3. Instead, Buffalo settled for Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus to key their 3-4 defense.
Dareus is a ready-made 3-4 defensive end after playing the position under Nick Saban for the Crimson Tide. In his career, Dareus racked up 20 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, playing outside in early downs and kicking to “three technique” tackle in nickel sets.
The Bills’ starting defensive line in 2011 will likely consist of some combination of Dareus, nose tackle Kyle Williams, and ends Dwan Edwards and Alex Carrington.
Buffalo annually struggles against the run. It is in that department that Dareus should make his biggest immediate impact.
The Bills may now target a quarterback at the beginning of round two.
There are also rumors that they could trade back into the end of round one for Florida State signal caller Christian Ponder.