Archives for April 2001

‘The Bills had three of the first 58 picks and five of the first 95. They have 12 choices overall. That’s a potential windfall for a team that has seen 27 veterans skip town over the last two offseasons.’

‘"We’re excited about Nate Clements," said Bills President and General Manager Tom Donahoe, who traded down from the 14th spot and still got his man. "He comes from a great family and a disciplined upbringing. Everybody we talked to about him had nothing but good things to say."’

‘Kenyatta Walker, the hulking offensive tackle from Florida, didn’t interest them. So even though he unexpectedly filtered to the 14th pick, 315 pounds of talented temptation, the Bills turned their heads with resolve.’

‘The senior defensive end from Texas Christian thought he would go in the first round, possibly to the St. Louis Rams with the 29th pick. But Schobel (pronounced Sha-bel) fell to the second round, where the Buffalo Bills snapped him up with the 46th overall selection.’

‘The Bills, through the years, prospered mightily with some of their late picks.’

‘The Bills expect big things from him, general manager Tom Donahoe said, and not just at cornerback…"When you put the combination of size, speed, and special teams together, that’s what made him attractive to us."’

‘If you drove down Sudbury Rd. it was easy to spot the doings at the home of Nathan and Emma Clements. When their son, Nate, got the word he was a first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills, the gathering of approximately 75 friends and relatives spilled out to the front lawn to celebrate.’

‘Clements was erratic last season but has all the tools–eye-popping speed, jumping ability and strength. He also is a flashy punt returner.’

"We said today that we felt it was nice to have Kris Farris, almost like an extra pick. His problems have stemmed from injuries. He took time last year, had surgery on his foot in December, and has responded well to the surgery. He’s 6’8, 322 lbs., and those guys are nice to have. We brought him in for a workout and physical, and he passed. He’s had no problems since the surgery."

‘With the Buccaneers’ first round pick, Buffalo took Ohio State cornerback Nate Clements, who played with current Bill Antoine Winfield in his freshman year in Columbus.’

‘Yesterday, the Bills resigned DT Shawn Price. The signing of the 7-year veteran is significant after losing defensive lineman Wiley and Washington this offseason. In addition, the team’s draft needs were also impacted by the signing.’

‘Bills head coach Gregg Williams and his entire coaching staff will host the "Gregg Williams High School Coaches Clinic" on Tuesday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 2 in the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse in Orchard Park.’

"I [Gregg Williams] am impressed on the number of guys who were able to watch and add to the voices in the room. It’s been impressive coming from another organization seeing how good these scouts are in that room. It’s been refreshing."

‘"They really hadn’t shown any interest, but called and said they were surprised I stayed on the board that long," Henry said. "I was hoping to go a little higher, but all that matters is that I get a chance to play on the next level."’

‘"I think I can stand the cold," joked Henry, who was the seventh running back selected in the draft. "Once I’m playing and my adrenaline gets flowing, it really doesn’t matter."’