According to NFL.com and the Associated Press, Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters will be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for the 28th pick and a second-day selection in the 2009 NFL draft.

Now, what does this mean for the upcoming draft?

It seems to have several implications for both teams, starting with the Bills. They now have a humongous hole on the left side of their offensive line left by departures from LG Derrick Dockery and now LT Jason Peters.  The likelihood of the Bills finding a solid replacement for Peters via free agency is extremely thin. So why did they trade him in the first place?

Peters, who gave up 11.5 sacks last season, somehow managed to reach the Pro Bowl based on his good reputation from the last few seasons. This led to him demanding to be one of the highest, if not the highest paid LT in the league.

Therefore, Buffalo will most definitely be looking for a replacement with either the 11th selection or the 28th. Possible targets now become Andre Smith of Alabama, Michael Oher from Ole Miss, and William Beatty of UConn in the end of the first round. Prior to this trade, it seemed highly likely that the Bills would upgrade their pass rush by selecting a player like Robert  Ayers from Tennessee, but they may feel the only way to replace Peters is to get their OT with the 11th pick.

If I had to guess, the best possible scenario for Buffalo is to select Ayers first, then hope for Will Beatty at 28. Either way, the Bills just put themselves in a rather nasty situation that may haunt them for years to come.

Eagles get their big man

Tra Thomas’ departure now seems like an afterthought now that the perfect replacement just fell into Andy Reid’s lap. I mentioned before how much the Eagles loves massive XXXXL linemen: Shawn Andrews (6′4 335 lbs), Jamaal Jackson (6′4 330 lbs), Todd Herremans (6′6 321 lbs), Tra Thomas (6′7 335 lbs), Jon Runyan (6′7 330 lbs), and backup Winston Justice (6′6 320 lbs). This trade makes perfect sense from an Eagles perspective. They don’t have to gamble on a young, inexperienced lineman that may or may not fit the scheme, and they get a proven commodity at an essential position.

Further Draft Implications

If the Bills convince other teams of their desire to replace Peters in the first round, they become a prime trading partner for teams wanting to acquire Michael Oher. This could allow the Redskins to grab a pass rusher they have desired for so long (Robert Ayers). Or it might free up the Steelers, or any team picking in the end of the first to get Will Beatty.

There is no telling how much this trade will impact other teams.

It certainly sweetens the pot a little bit more though, doesn’t it?

11. Buffalo Bills

-Everette Brown (DE/Florida St)

NFL.com

Buffalo really needs help getting pressure especially after Aaron Schobel went down with an injury. The secondary is quality- if only the linemen could get some pressure on the passer (produced only 24 sacks). Marcus Stroud had an outstanding season, but he needs aid from his fellow linemen. Drafting a high quality defensive end to replace Chris Kelsay (2 sacks) is a high priority for the Bills.

Despite my belief that Everette should be a rush linebacker, some teams may disagree with that assessment. To the Bills, Everette Brown could be a poor man’s version of Dwight Freeney. Buffalo might want Brown to be a pure pass rusher like Freeney. And they could be looking to shift Schobel to the left or to replace him altogether. But I seriously don’t think the Bills need another undersized defensive end on their line. Schobel is 240 lbs. and Kelsay weighs 260 lbs. Everette Brown is lighter than both (252 lbs). But hey, maybe the Bills fancy speed rushers on the end and massive tackles to occupy the other blockers.

Brown is a fun player to watch. He is like an animal hunting its prey. He explodes from a crouch, ducks and weaves, spins, and rips through obstacles to pounce on his prey (the ball carrier).

If Cleveland decides to pass on Everette Brown, then Buffalo would be the next probable candidate to draft him. But once again, can he play defensive end in the NFL?

-Brian Cushing (OLB/USC)

NFL.com

The Bills have been trying to restock the linebackers ever since they lost their star duo of Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher. The team found two promising player in Kawika Mitchell and Paul Posluszny. But Keith Ellison is only an adequate starter. Assuming all the top defensive ends are off the board, Buffalo might have to draft a quality linebacker and address the pass rush in round 2 or beyond.

-Brandon Pettigrew (TE/Oklahoma St)

Tight end is also a strong area of need. The career-ending injury involving Kevin Everett about two years ago ended a hopeful future at tight end. Robert Royal was serviceable as the replacement. But I definitely think Trent Edwards would love an athletic pass catcher to throw to in the red zone.

Brandon Pettigrew is molded like Jason Witten: doesn’t possess blazing speed, but has the knack for finding soft spots in coverage, and is a terrific blocker.  His 40 time at the combine wasn’t stellar (4.85 sec), but he is very strong (bench pressed 22 reps) and basically is another offensive tackle in the running game. If Bufffalo picks a tight end in round 1, expect to see Pettigrew called upon.

NFL.com

If Buffalo wants a player with more receiving ability, they might pass on Pettigrew in favor of the freakishly athletic Jared Cook in round 2.

Next team on the clock: Denver Broncos

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