LT may be best draft value for Bills

Indianapolis, In. - Under Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey, the Buffalo Bills draft for value.

That’s why they chose running back C.J. Spiller in the first round two years ago.  He was the best player on their draft board.

That’s why this year, when they pick 10th overall, the best player on the Bills board could be a left tackle, which they have a need for, also.

“Demetrius (Bell) is a free agent, so we don’t know about him,” Bills Head Coach Chan Gailey told News 4 Sports at the combine.  

“Chris (Hairston) is still a project.  He did some very good things last year during the course of the season, improved a lot, but he didn’t get to play a lot because of injuries.  So, I think if there’s a great player sitting there, we certainly have to have that conversation.”

The offensive linemen were on the field for workouts at the combine Saturday.  LT Matt Kalil of USC lived up to his billing as the best linemen in the draft class, running 4.99 in the 40-yard dash.

“What’s not to like?”  Bills GM Buddy Nix says.  “He’s got the size and the length.  He’s a smart guy, he’s built well.  He’s a really good player.”

“I’ve always tried to, rather than being overly heavy or overly big, to keep by speed and keep my athleticism,” Kalil said at the combine.  “I think that’s gonna be the strength of my game.  I always find something to work on in my technique, and try to become a better player.”

With the tenth overall pick, the Bills should be able to get one of the top three left tackles  in the draft.  And even though left tackle might not be at the very top of their list of needs, it’s not that far from the top.