Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: Breaking down the top need for each team

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball as Ramon Humber #50 of the Buffalo Bills, Lorenzo Alexander #57 of the Buffalo Bills and Preston Brown #52 of the Buffalo Bills attempt to tackle him during the first quarter on November 12, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – NOVEMBER 12: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball as Ramon Humber #50 of the Buffalo Bills, Lorenzo Alexander #57 of the Buffalo Bills and Preston Brown #52 of the Buffalo Bills attempt to tackle him during the first quarter on November 12, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

. team. 16. . Linebacker. . Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have been one of the more intriguing surprises in the league this season, although one might wonder if they’ll start to fade down the stretch.

Armed with a flurry of NFL Draft picks for 2018, though, a retooling shouldn’t be that difficult.

Head coach Sean McDermott has more than a few needs, but adding a linebacker early should be the way to go here. While the Bills defense has impressed this season, the efforts at the second level have been less than adequate.

Currently, linebackers Ramon Humber, Preston Brown and Lorenzo Alexander hold down the WILL, MIKE and SAM linebacking spots, respectively.

And here’s how Pro Football Focus is grading them out:

  • Humber — 37.8
  • Brown — 43.1
  • Alexander — 53.1

Alexander is 34 years old as well, so he’ll need to be replaced sooner than later.

Buffalo needs to figure out its quarterback situation too, although one could argue this is a bigger area of concern.