Mark Gaughan, Buffalo Bills reporter for the Buffalo News and one of the most respected beat writers in the business, just published his first round “draft forecast” moments ago.  While the man that covers the Bills closer than anyone joined the recent in-crowd by predicting the Bills would take Marcell Dareus, he added a nugget of information that may keep people guessing right up until Buddy Nix has the Bills’ draft card up at the podium.

Gaughan cites sources that say Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert is still very much in the mix, especially if it comes down to Gabbert and Von Miller.

“The belief is the top two on the Bills’ board are Newton and Marcell Dareus,” Gaughan wrote. “If Carolina does not take Newton, General Manager Buddy Nix would be hard-pressed to pass him up. Dareus instantly would make everyone on the Bills’ defense better. Is there anyone unaware the Bills ranked 32nd in run defense? If Newton and Dareus go 1-2, the decision gets cloudier. Is it Texas A&M’s Miller or Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert? Close call. Our sources say Gabbert is very much in the mix. The fact Florida State QB Christian Ponder might not last to No. 34 plays into the decision as well.”

Gabbert has been the lone prospect seemingly no reporter can wrap their hands around.  Except for the regular mumbo jumbo Bills’ brass has spoken, it seems their true intention regarding Gabbert has been kept tighter than a noose.

One thing I’ve learned for sure is this: Gaughan doesn’t write things and cite sources for the attention.  He rarely reports on speculation, so if Gaughan is comfortable with those words, there’s definitely merit to it.

This is going to be an interesting 24 hours for sure.