Step Up Years

As the draft approaches and we look to what the Bills need to get, it is easy to forget what we already have. Without any doubt the Bills need help on both sides of the ball, but that begs the question: who do we already have that can help fill our need areas? Below are my list of players who need to take a giant step forward to have an impact for the Bills. Honorable mention Jaris Byrd, FS: Injury plagued year hampered this former Pro Bowlers development. Improved play could help solidfy the secondary. Marcus Easly, WR: Lost all of last year due to injury, but many were abuzz about his talent. Donald Jones and David Nelson played well, but Easly may have more talent. Can he push Lee Evans? Can he make an impact in our young WR group? Eric Wood, C/G: If he stays healthy, I think he can develop into a Pro Bowler. He has everything you want in an interior lineman. I think he will detact the demeanor of our offensive line, again, if he can stay on the field. Top 5 Players who need to step it up. 5) Leodis McKelvin, CB It is really time to figure out what impact McKelvin can have for the Bills. Is he just a returner or can he be the shut down corner we thought he could be when he was drafted? He needs to stay healthy in order to make an impact, but marked improvement in his play and pay huge divedends for the Bills defense. 4) Alex Carrington, DE A third round pick from last season had difficulty cracking the lineup until the end of the season. With the departure of Marcus Stroud, Carrington is going to get the first chance to step in and fill the void. If Carrington comes in and plays well our run defense can be drastically improved. 3) CJ Spiller, RB Spiller showed glimpses of potential (against New England) and looked lost in other (most) games the rest of the season. The Bills can win without Spiller, but they can win a lot more if Spiller is making big plays in all facets of the game (running, pass catching, and returning). Spiller development is crucial if the Bills have any desires to contend with the better teams of the AFC. 2) Torrel Troup, NT Another top pick from last year that did not make a huge impact right away. His ability to anchor a 3-4 will decided how much 3-4 the Bills play this year. Troup could give the Bills defense versatility and flexibility in shifting between different sets. He could also give Williams a huge help on the line. 1) Demetrius Bell, LT In his first year at LT, Bell was horrible. In his second year, Bell showed signs of improvement. In year 3, it is time to see if Bell is the real deal. Does he develope into a dependable starter? Could he become a Pro-Bowl talent? Is he just a prospect that will never get there? Bell's play can determine how our line plays this year, which can determine just how good we are this year.