2002 RECORD: 8-8 TEAM RANK (NFL): Defense (15th); Offense (11th) ADDITIONS: Free agents -- LB Jeff Posey (Texans), LB Takeo Spikes (Bengals), WR Bobby Shaw (Jaguars), S Izell Reese (Broncos), DT Sam Adams (Raiders), K Rian Lindell (Seahawks), FB Sam Gash (Ravens), CB Dainon Sidney (Titans), RB Olandis Gary (Broncos). Draft picks -- 1. RB Willis McGahee (Miami); 2. DE Chris Kelsay (Nebraska); 3. ILB Angelo Crowell (Virginia); 4a. CB Terrence McGee (Northwestern St.); 4b. WR Sam Aiken (North Carolina); 5. OG Ben Sobieksi (Iowa); 6. DT Lauvale Sape (Utah); 7. MLB Mario Haggan (Mississippi State). SUBTRACTIONS: DL Leif Larsen (released), DL Kendrick Office (released), TE Jay Riemersma (Steelers), S Billy Jenkins (released), RB Larry Centers (released), LB Eddie Robinson (released), LB Greg Favors (Panthers), RB Shawn Bryson (Lions), K Mike Hollis (Giants), KR Charlie Rogers (Dolphins), CB Chris Watson (released). Team news | Roster | More on Bills draft

		Mon., May 26 Will their offseason additions actually lead to more wins next season? Probably, but not more than one or two victories. The Bills had one of the best offseasons in football and should be one of the most improved teams. They strengthened the front seven of their defense with the additions of defensive linemen Sam Adams and Keith McKenzie and outside linebackers Takeo Spikes and Jeff Posey. Cornerback Dainon Sydney and safety Izell Reese should fill out their already talented secondary. Against the run, they should jump from 29th to the middle of the league, which should allow them to have more fourth-quarter leads. The problem is their schedule. They face 11 teams that had winning records last season. With few easy games, the Bills might struggle to dramatically improve an 8-8 record. They are becoming a playoff caliber team in a division that has four playoff caliber teams. There aren't many easy games, so each week can wear down a team.

Team president Tom Donahoe's judgment is rarely questioned, but until Willis McGahee becomes a 1,400-yard rusher, the team's first draft pick is suspect. Yes, Travis Henry's contract could be an issue down the line. And yes, the third-year runner has a fumbling problem, but using such a high pick on a risky performer while the team had other holes to address is peculiar.

By trading for quarterback Drew Bledsoe last year, the Bills went from dreadful to respectable in one season. However, circumstances both in and outside the franchise might prohibit the Bills from making another leap that will qualify them for the playoffs. Not only do they have to fit a lot of new players into the system, but they're still in a division with three other playoff contenders.

What they've added?
Buffalo missed the postseason in large part because of a porous defense. The Bills were 11th in scoring offense (23.7 points per game), but allowed 24.8 per contest. They sought improvement by signing linebackers Takeo Spikes and Jeff Posey, and drafting Angelo Crowell. Next, they brought in defensive tackle Sam Adams, who won a Super Bowl with Baltimore in 2000 and got there last season with Oakland, and used their second-round pick on end Chris Kelsay. They also added depth to the secondary by acquiring safety Izell Reese, cornerback Dainon Sidney and drafting corner Terrence Kiel.

On offense, McGahee is the big addition -- sort of. In terms of name recognition, McGahee is the offseason acquisition. Yet, there's a good chance he'll make limited contributions in 2003. For one, he's still rehabbing the knee he severely injured in the Fiesta Bowl. Also, Buffalo signed Olandis Gary as a viable backup to Henry, so there's no rush to put McGahee on the field.

The Bills also signed Bobby Shaw, who's supposed to help soften the blow of Peerless Price's departure. However, asking Shaw and second-year receiver Josh Reed to make up the 1,252 yards had last year might be a bit much.

Another key changing possibly effecting the offense is on special teams where kicker Rian Lindell, who had his ups and downs in Seattle, replaces Mike Hollis.

What they're missing?
The departure of Price hurts. Atlanta will soon find out if Price is legitimately a No. 1 receiver or if he just benefited from Eric Moulds' double teams. However, there's no question that his speed and route-running alongside Moulds made him a great target for Bledsoe. Whether it's Shaw (525 yards, 1 TD in '02), Reed (514 yds, 2 TDs) or Henry (309 yds, 1 TD), someone will have to emerge as more of a receiving threat to keep Buffalo's offense clicking in '03.

Fantasy Focus

When Drew Bledsoe arrived in Buffalo last season, No. 2 wideout Peerless Price benefited greatly. His receiving yards jumped 40 percent from 895 to 1,252, and he became a top 10-fantasy receiver last year. Since Price departed for Atlanta, second-year talent Josh Reed is ready to take over the desirable slot opposite elite No. 1 receiver Eric Moulds. He's favored over Bobby Shaw because of his route-running, physical play and ability to break tackles while the speedy Shaw may be better suited as the slot receiver. Grab Reed as a mid-round sleeper and watch him become a 1,000-yard wideout with scoring potential. -- Roger Rotter, ESPN.com Fantasy editor

Another offensive concern is the line. Bledsoe was sacked 54 times last year. Now, he's not the league's most mobile thrower and he's guilty of holding on to the ball too long at times, but he's not playing behind a bunch of Pro Bowlers, either. The only real addition was fourth-round pick Ben Sobieski.

Defensively, they're banking on production from veteran ends Keith McKenzie or Marcus Jones, who combined to play just four games last season. The additions at linebacker and in the middle should improve their pass rush, but they still need someone to make plays on the end.

What it all means?
On paper, the Bills look better. Defensively, the unit is a lot stronger and foes shouldn't average anywhere near 25 points a game this season. But the offense is a concern.

Bledsoe clicked last year because he established quick chemistry with Moulds and Price. Reed had 11 catches (one for a touchdown) in the first two games, and then just 26 in the final 14 contests and no scores. Will he suddenly overcome the traditional struggles of first-year receivers and comfortably fill Price's shoes? Those are the expectations from Donahoe and coach Gregg Williams.

If the Bills indeed make major strides on defense and continue to score in bunches, they'll secure a playoff spot. But in a division where none of their foes has taken a step back, Buffalo will need to make another big leap to realize its postseason hopes.

James C. Black is an NFL editor for ESPN.com.