Archives for April 2013

‘”We think this defense and the way they’re going to play him will fit what he does best,” Nix said. “He was a defensive end at TCU. Played with his hand on the ground. Did that at first with the Colts and then when they went to the 3-4, he played a little bit of both. But he played behind Robert and Dwight Freeney, so playing time wasn’t a lot. We think this will give him an opportunity to do what he does best.”‘

‘Hughes had the makings of a talented speed rusher, amassing 30 sacks and eight forced fumbles in his final two college seasons at Texas Christian. But he didn’t register an NFL sack until his second season, finishing with just six tackles in 12 games as a rookie and 15 in 12 games in 2011.’

‘Sheppard, a 2011 second-round pick from LSU, has been inconsistent in two seasons in Buffalo. He had 138 tackles and two sacks in 31 games, including 24 starts.’

‘Sheppard was selected by the Bills in the third round of the 2011 draft and has started 24 of the 32 games he has played. He has totaled 138 tackles, including 95 solo, with two sacks and a fumble recovery.’

‘C.’

‘Hughes started six of the 16 games he played last year for the Colts. He had 41 tackles (29 solo), including a career-high 4.0 sacks and one pass break-up. Hughes was a first round draft pick (No. 31 overall) of the Colts in 2010. He has played 40 games (seven starts) and totaled 62 tackles (41 solo) and 5.0 sacks in his career.’

‘Hughes struggled out of the gates after being selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Failing to get on the field all that much, Hughes finally got some chances in 2012. He had a career high in both tackles (41) and sacks (4) last season. Hughes is 6-foot-2, 254 pounds and turns 25 years old in August.’

‘I don’t mind telling you, I’m excited about this. Heck, I can’t wait for the first practice. Seriously. I’m already looking forward to the first preseason game.’

‘In EJ Manuel, the Bills have given us reason to believe that it’s somewhat possible. Drafting a QB in the first round means that you can entertain the idea that you may have a star on your team.’

‘Hughes (6’2″ 254) played defensive end in college at TCU and started his pro career with the Colts as a defensive end in their previous 4-3 system. When the Colts switched to a 3-4 system under new head coach Chuck Pagano he moved to outside linebacker and was a subpackage rush player.’

‘To make room on the roster the Bills released QB Aaron Corp, T Adam Grant, K Chris Koepplin and TE Joe Sawyer.’

‘”I had a really good feel when I came up and met with Coach Marrone and Coach Hackett and Mr. Nix and Mr. Whaley and we had great conversations,” said Manuel. “I think I picked up the offense that he taught me and I think we met for four or five hours and I think they see I fit best into what they want to do.”‘

‘”Speed is hard to coach,” said Marrone. “I think that when you look at the picks you’re looking at players that have a lot of speed. I think the versatility is important because I think when you have versatility within the players then you don’t get stuck. Then you can get the best players on the field.”‘

Another draft is in the books and the Bills have shown what type of team they would like to be under Doug Marrone. They want to be a fast team and added a lot of speed to an offense that will play an up tempo game. On defense they looked for versatility to play the hybrid defense that Mike Pettine plans to run.

‘”He said this is a great town … the fans love their football team. When they’re winning this is the best place to be in the world. Obviously, the fans all want this (team) to be back on the positive note.”‘