Published: April 16, 2008 10:41 pm      

BILLS: Team's opinion of Kelly unchanged

ORCHARD PARK — The Buffalo Bills held their annual game of charades, otherwise known as a pre-draft luncheon, Wednesday. Not surprisingly, front office members gave few hints as to who they’ll target with the 11th overall pick at the 2008 NFL Draft, which kicks off at 3 p.m. April 26.

Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon and Vice President of College Scouting Tom Modrak did, however, touch on a variety of topics in the lengthy session, including the team’s opinion of Malcolm Kelly. The Oklahoma wide receiver had been pegged in several mock drafts as a player the Bills would likely target with their first-round pick until a slow 40-yard dash time at his pro day dropped Kelly’s stock.

The Bills, though, haven’t changed their opinion of Kelly.

“Him running that 40 time didn’t alter where we put him on the board,” Modrak said. “We didn’t expect that he was going to run on the clock much differently — a little bit better than that. We figured he was a 4.5, 4.6 guy (he ran a 4.68). Those guys can play.”

Finding a starting wide receiver to go opposite Lee Evans is undoubtedly the Bills’ biggest need. There are other options outside the draft, like trading for an established veteran.

“Well, I think we always look into improving that area,” Brandon said of the receiver position. “(Quarterback) Trent (Edwards) made some strides last year and he’s looking forward, as well as everyone is looking forward to him making another step and we’re looking forward to surrounding him with good talent. We have good talent but anyway we can add to that, albeit the draft or other ways, we’ll look at it.”

Should the Bills decide to pass on receiver at No. 11, a good possibility since there isn’t a slam-dunk prospect at the position, cornerback is another area the team could address.

“There’s depth at the top,” Modrak said. “The difficulty with that is it’s a position that usually runs pretty fast and what you thought was strong can get average very quickly because everyone’s looking for them. It’s different, too, in that there are guys not all from big schools, mid-majors, guys who have played at different levels so there’s a bit of flavor. It’s a good list to start out, it just depends how fast it runs.”

n Following Marv Levy’s retirement as general manager shortly after the 2007 season ended, the Bills restructured the front office, most notably giving Brandon the COO title and control over both the business and football operations. Brandon said Wednesday the team’s approach to the draft won’t change despite his new role.

“Fortunately, I’ve been involved in the draft process for the last decade,” he said. “I’m very comfortable with how we go about our business, and I’m extremely comfortable with the man to my left (Modrak). We are going with business as usual, and we are very pleased with the results.”

Brandon also said team owner Ralph Wilson remains involved in the process.

“Mr. Wilson, as long as I’ve been here, has always been very involved in this process. He's the leader of this organization, and he's very involved in every process that we go through. So, we look forward to his input,” Brandon said.

n The time limit for picks this year in the first round has been cut from 15 to 10 minutes. That led to the funniest comment of the day, from Modrak, who looked comfortable and confident addressing the media.

“I guess you get faster guys in New York,” he said, referring to the team representative who brings the card to the podium.

Modrak did, however, believe that the time change could affect teams’ trade prospects.

“You can do it, but you know how many times they’ve run down to the wire running the card up there with the 15 (minutes),” he said. “So yeah, it will be a little bit tighter. I’m anxious about it because it is a different tempo.”

n The Bills have 10 picks in the draft, two in the fourth round, three in the seventh round and one each in the remaining rounds.

Contact editor Jay Skurski at 693-1000, ext. 117.