Archives for April 26, 2009

Buffalo Bills pick Alexandria’s Nic Harris in 5th round of NFL Draft (Alexandria Town Talk)

Ex-ASH star on cusp of seeing his football dreams come true (Alexandria Town Talk)

Oklahoma S Nic Harris LB-bound (Dallas Morning News)

Bill draft USM’s Nelson in fourth round (Hattiesburg American)

‘”He’s a linebacker for us,” said Bills scout Shawn Heinlen. “He’s a very versatile player. He’s played safety, corner and started at middle linebacker in an emergency role against Kansas State. He played outside linebacker at the Senior Bowl and I think that’s where we see him best fitted for our defense.”‘

‘”He’s an extremely athletic tight end that can help right away in the passing game,” said Bills scout Shawn Heinlen. “He’s a vertical threat with excellent hands and athletic ability. He runs very well for his size and is going to create matchup issues with linebackers and safeties.”‘

‘The Buffalo Bills have selected Oklahoma safety Nic Harris in the fifth round of the NFL draft with the intention of converting him into a linebacker.’

‘"We have to make the quarterback uncomfortable, and he gives us an opportunity to do that," said Russ Brandon, Bills chief operating officer and general manager.’

‘”I think we were all very comfortable in the production the kid had,” said Bills Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon. “He is a rare athlete who provides us with an opportunity to add to our defense. We talked about it at the conclusion of the season that we have to make the quarterback uncomfortable, and he gives us an opportunity to do that. With the rotation that we run and the athletes we have, we feel that we have upgraded.”‘

‘”We were looking to get guys who are blue-collar guys, guys who have a strong work ethic, guys that are tough and will compete,” Bills offensive line coach Sean Kugler said. “Eric is a tenacious player. He’s highly motivated. He’s highly competitive. As far as all of the players that we looked at, his competitiveness stands him above everybody else.”‘

‘The Bills are still a long way from contention. They need Maybin, who is considered an average run defender, to make an immediate impact. Wood, a college center, will be expected to contribute right away at guard on a refurbished offensive line. He’s tough and smart, and the Bills love him, but it’ll be a challenge. At least they’re trying to get it right. Under Russ Brandon, the Bills are making a departure from previous drafts, a renewed commitment to the lines, though they’re loath to admit it.’

‘”Coach Fewell and I go back to high school,” said Byrd, who was selected with the 10th pick in the second round and 42nd overall Saturday. “He definitely knows what I bring to the table and knows the kind of player that I am. … We were both pretty excited and I think it will be a good fit for me.”‘

‘”There were so many great players and coaches in the organization,” said Steve Tasker. “This is a great honor.”‘

‘”It wasn’t where we sat down and said our philosophy’s changed,” Modrak said of picking two linemen in the first round and three overall. “You take good players where you can get them.”‘

‘Even though Texas’ Brian Orakpo was still on the board, the Bills chose Maybin, who had 12 sacks for Penn State last season, just his second with the Nittany Lions.’

‘The upside is that he has the speed to clear the corner and make a quick move at the opposing quarterback. And with the Bills finishing 29th in the league in sacks the past two seasons, the Bills needed help in that area.’

Dallas Cowboys go without a first-day pick (Dallas Morning News)

After punting Saturday, Dallas Cowboys like 12 picks for Sunday drive (Fort Worth Star Telegram)

Cowboys trade 2nd-round draft pick to Bills (AP)