I give up trying to predict the Buffalo Bills selections in this year’s draft.  A moment ago, I thought they’d jump at the chance to get South Carolina TE Jared Cook, with their second round pick (42nd overall).  Not even close.  They went with CB Jairus Byrd of Oregon instead, and they’re talking about converting him to Free Safety.

So that makes three guesses from me as to the Bills picks, and three misses.  I was surprised early in the first round, when they passed up DE Brian Orakpo (who went two picks later) and chose pass rushing DE Aaron Maybin.  I was surprised later in the first, when I thought they might jump on OT Eben Britton, and instead chose OL Eric Wood.  I didn’t see that one coming at all.

So the first day picks are in.  Needless to say, the Bills scouring staff does an immeasurable amount of research on these prospects, so it’s tough to sit on the sidelines and second-guess.

The best news about day one is that with their first pick, the Bills directly addressed a crying need–pass rush.  The test will be whether Aaron Maybin can become more than a situational, third down specialist and contribute regularly against the run.  It may be a year or two into his NFL career before that happens.

Their second pick is bold–a total projection of basically a lifetime center to the guard position.  But when you listen to Wood on the conference call, you get a sense of his seriousness of purpose and in some ways, his toughness.  He could line up at LG on opening day.

And you have to like Byrd’s NFL bloodlines and his ball skills.  If he can contribute on special teams and stick around and learn the FS position, he has a chance to contribute in the next season or two.

One day down, one more to go.  Still no Tight End.  Surprised?