The Buffalo Bills' direction is clear -- onward toward the new era.

In selecting University of Houston running back Antowain Smith and Columbia defensive end Marcellus Wiley in the first two rounds of the draft, the Bills secured two important building blocks for the future.

The new era officially began with the retirement of Jim Kelly, the greatest quarterback in franchise history. But now the 225-pound Smith gives them the heir apparent to the leading rusher in team history, Thurman Thomas. And Wiley looks like he could be a long-time anchor of the defensive line after All-World end Bruce Smith, who is 33, finally hangs up his cleats.

Also, the Bills seemed to take a meaningful stab at getting at least future help for their offensive line -- which might need more immediate aid -- by taking tackles Jamie Nails and Marcus Spriggs in the fourth and sixth rounds, respectively.

One need the Bills did not address in the draft was center. Apparently, they are content to follow through with plans to go with Dusty Zeigler, a seldom-used reserve offensive guard as a rookie last season, to fill the spot left open by Kent Hull's retirement.

ROUND-BY-ROUND ANALYSIS

Round 1/23 -- Antowain Smith, RB, Houston.

Smith is a perfect fit for the ball-control-oriented scheme of new offensive coordinator Dan Henning. He has the size to power up the middle and speed to get wide. Given the uncertainty of their quarterback situation, the Bills need to take pressure off of their passing game -- whether Todd Collins or Billy Joe Hobert is at the controls -- and Smith and Thomas could be an effective one-two punch.

Round 2/52 - Marcellus Wiley, DE, Columbia, 6-4

The Bills filled a critical need with this pick. They have been fortunate the past couple of years because Bruce Smith and Phil Hansen have stayed mostly healthy. They twice failed on attempts to reinforce the defensive line in this decade, with second-round flops James Patton in 1992 and John Parrella in 1993. Wiley offers far greater promise than those two because he has far more athletic ability. He has a 39-inch vertical jump and has run the 40-yard dash in 4.67 seconds, which is remarkable for his size.

Round 4/120 -- Jamie Nails, OT, Florida A&M

The Bills clearly went for size with this pick. And the biggest concern is whether Nails, who is a right tackle prospect, doesn't eat his way out of the NFL. He weighed 363 pounds at mid-season, and by February he had soared up to 387. Although he has "slimmed down" to 354, the Bills want him even lighter -- about 340. Nails also offers toughness and is exceptionally strong. He outperformed everyone at the scouting combine by bench-pressing 225 pounds 37 times.

Round 5/153 -- Sean Woodson, S, Jackson State

He can play either safety, and the Bills have a definite need there, considering the problems they had last year after strong safety Henry Jones suffered a season-ending knee injury. Matt Stevens was moved from cornerback to replace him and struggled badly. Woodson, who has already graduated college with a degree in English, can play either safety and is known for his hitting.

Round 6/185 - Marcus Spriggs, OT, Houston, 6-3, 315 pounds

Like Nails, he is a right tackle prospect, although he is probably three inches shorter than the norm for an NFL tackle. Spriggs could wind up being moved to guard, although the transition might be tough. If nothing else, he could provide companionship to first-rounder Smith -- Spriggs was his top blocker in college.

Round 7/226 -- Pat Fitzgerald, TE, Texas

He seems a bit too short and light to make it in the NFL as a tight end. He also isn't known for being a particularly good blocker or pass-catcher. His best hope could be as a "move" tight end in Henning's offense, which involves back-side pass protection and being an upfield receiver in a two-tight-end formation.