Archives for April 19, 2003

Given what the Bills have done in free agency this offseason, their options are wide-open going into the draft. DE Michael Haynes, DE Rien Long, CB Dennis Weathersby, TE Jason Witten, and S Mike Doss are among the players that have been projected to fit Buffalo's needs.

Has above average quickness, agility, awareness and acceleration…Has an explosive closing burst and is very effective mirroring the receiver’s moves in the short-to-medium areas…Supports with aggression in run force, showing the burst needed to close and stay in front of the opponent.

‘Andre Reed is the latest former Buffalo Bill to head to the broadcasting booth. The Bills’ all-time leading receiver will work two games in May for Fox Sports Net’s coverage of NFL Europe.’

‘Just because the coach and linebacker came from Cincinnati, a 2-14 team, it will not prevent them from being impact people who will help put the Bills over .500 and into the AFC playoffs. LeBeau, who begins his 45th year in the NFL, will fill in the mental voids left by head coach Gregg Williams and defensive coordinator Jerry Gray. Spikes, while vying with London Fletcher for vocal leadership, will fill in defensive voids.’

‘Thomas emerged for the Bills late last season, breaking up five passes in the final two games. He intercepted a Brett Favre pass against Green Bay, and started the finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. He will compete for the third cornerback spot this summer.’

‘Then the phone rang. A guy identified himself as Ralph and welcomed Delamielleure to the team, adding that someone would be calling shortly. "I thought I had been drafted by the Steelers," he said. "I didn’t realize Ralph was Ralph Wilson, owner of the Buffalo Bills."’

The conventional wisdom has the Buffalo Bills choosing a defensive lineman, preferably an end, with their first-round draft choice. But the club is also looking hard at the cornerback spot. Always cognizant of what is upcoming for his team, general manager Tom Donahoe knows that current starting corner Antoine Winfield is eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2003 campaign. And the feeling on the part of some Bills officials is that Winfield, given the spiraling rate of cornerback contracts, could be difficult to retain. Thus the interest in perhaps adding a quality corner in the draft and, quite possibly, even in the first round.

‘Flashes explosion off the ball and has above average anchor and leverage ability to hold firmly at the point of attack…Shows power in his moves down the line…Has the instincts to react quickly to the play and is very aware of play action and fakes.’

‘All-American first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report, ESPN and the Associated Press, adding second-team honors from CNN/SI…All-Pac 10 Conference first-team pick…Recipient of the Outland Trophy, given to the premier interior lineman in college football.’