Archives for May 1, 2006

‘Former Cardinal standout and All-American John DiGiorgio (Shelby Twp., Mich./Eisenhower) will continue his football career with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League after signing a free agent contract with the team on Monday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "A lot of scouts were interested in John for his athletic ability, leadership and great football instincts," said Randy Awrey. "As the draft drew closer, teams interest heightened as they saw what a great player and person John is and what he can bring to an organization."’

‘Grade: D.’

‘On the heels to the two-day marathon of selections I have decided to weigh in with my feelings on the direction the Bills took this past weekend.’

‘Simpson said before the draft that he considered himself among the best defensive backs available and was optimistic that he would go sometime in the second round. Immediately after his selection, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said Simpson could be a steal for the Bills in the fourth round, but he also questioned Simpson’s decision to leave school early. "He could be (a steal)," Kiper said. "A third-year sophomore comes out early. He had two outstanding seasons for the Gamecocks in the SEC; a productive player; pretty good tackler. Consistent performer; made some big plays as well.’

‘A two-time all-Mid-American Conference selection for the RedHawks, Nance finished his career as Miami’s all-time leader in receptions (208) and receiving yards (3,131). He broke onto the scene during a sensational sophomore campaign when he shattered Miami’s single-season records with 90 receptions and 1,498 yards, ranking fourth nationally in receiving yards per game while helping Miami to MAC and GMAC Bowl Championships. Nance, who totaled seven 100-yard games during the 2003 campaign, was named second-team all-MAC and entered his junior season as one of college football’s top ranked wide receivers.’

‘This draft more than anything shows the new philosophy in the Marv Levy/Dick Jauron era. The team drafted players of high character, intelligent, smaller, and faster with high motors always taking them to the ball.’

‘Buffalo appears to be a perfect fit for Butler, who started 37 games at Virginia. Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Munoz is the president of the Integrity Financial Management, the agency that represents Butler. Bills offensive line coach Jim McNally coached Munoz when he was in Cincinnati.’

‘Former Missouri linebacker Derrick Ming signed a contract to play fullback for the Buffalo Bills. Ming said his phone was ringing an instant after the seventh round ended, and that the Bills told him he was a perfect fit for their offense. He also had an offer from the San Diego Chargers, but signed with the Bills because they only have one true fullback on the roster. Ming said he felt ecstatic when the deal was done.’

‘”They are going to keep four defensive ends,” Hall said. “They have three right now, but they don’t have that fourth guy yet. … Basically, it would be mine to lose.”‘

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‘”I’m excited to be picked by the Bills,” Ellison said. “They were a great team back in the 1990s, and they are on their way back up again. They have a great fan base, and I want to be part of that.”‘

‘”We felt that with [defensive tackle] Sam Adams not being here and [strong safety] Lawyer Milloy not being here and with the defense that had not been successful at all, the core of what we needed to do was build the middle of our defense,” General Manager Marv Levy said during the post-draft news conference. “That’s where most of the slant went.”‘

‘”We had him rated as a good player who would go in the first day,” said Bills scout Joe Haering. “To be there in the fourth round we were surprised. He’s got size and speed, a very productive college player.”‘

‘”With Marv, we always knew the philosophy,” Majeski said Sunday on the second day of the NFL draft. “Smart guys get better.”‘

‘Buffalo took McCargo, the defensive tackle from North Carolina State, 26th overall. Where did the draft guru’s rate him? Pro Football Weekly rated him 21st, NFLDraftScout had him 38th, the Sporting News 51st and the Dallas Morning News 52nd. Mel Kiper had him outside the top 100, as the 11th defensive tackle. McCargo was the third defensive tackle taken. No defensive tackle went off the draft board for another 42 picks, when Claude Wroten went 68th.’

‘Steve Tasker, former Buffalo Bills All-Pro player and National Football League announcer, will be the principal speaker at the 31st Iroquois Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America, BoyPower dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. May 23 at Batavia Downs.’