Archives for July 15, 2014

‘”Last year we went in the season and we had a lot of guys that had never done it, either because they were young and hadn’t done it in college or hadn’t done it period,” said Bills special teams coach Danny Crossman. “Any time you’re on a new staff and a new organization from top to bottom … we were trying to constantly turn over that bottom of the roster so those guys would identify themselves.”‘

‘So why did he fall to the second round? Because his surgically repaired knee reportedly caused him to fail physicals with six teams at the NFL Scouting Combine. Whaley said the Bills’ medical staff was comfortable with the condition of Kouandjio’s knee (he tore his left ACL as a sophomore), but he wasn’t quite the same player as a junior while playing on it.’

‘”We’re confident as a football team, and I’m extremely confident in the roster we have, so now it comes down to execution,” said center Eric Wood. “We have a solid group from top to bottom, with some depth to withstand a full season which is crucial in this league. I’m excited about our roster.”‘

‘Woods will be one of the top two receivers in that base set alongside the presumed top wideout in Watkins. When the Bills go to three wide receiver sets however, Woods will provide the Bills the flexibility to play on either the outside or on the inside as the slot receiver. With Manuel a little bit more comfortable with the offense and his role in that offense, there’s a fair expectation that Woods’ stat line at the end of the year will receive a jump from where it was last season (40 receptions, 587 yards, three touchdowns).’

‘The 2013 season wasn’t a step back but a lateral one. With a relatively healthy offseason and a clear pass to hit the ground running at training camp this year, Gilmore has the opportunity once more to develop into the top cornerback the Bills believe he can be. Already boasting the necessary physical nature and hip fluidity needed in cornerbacks, Gilmore has a straight-line personality as well. He never gets too hyped up and he certainly never gets down on himself, leading to a level-headed approach to the game which is a huge advantage for playing such a volatile position. In a defense that will allow its cornerbacks to shine, everything is there for Gilmore to make the jump. It’s just a matter of staying healthy and capitalizing on the positive play from training camp of 2013.’

‘Michael Carter, Darius Robinson – Carter is getting his first chance with the team and the NFL, over a year removed from leaving the University of Minnesota. Robinson, an undrafted free agent, is undersized (5-foot-10, 175-pounds) and missed most of the spring practices due to an injury suffered during one of the early sessions. Both would need very strong camps just to get on the roster bubble.’

‘Two younger players – Jonathan Meeks and Duke Williams – are vying for the spot, with veteran Da’Norris Searcy already taking the upper hand.’

‘He would start the next four games at cornerback before making his last seven starts at safety. The flip-flopping back and forth between positions compromised Williams’ growth at the safety position. Now with newfound depth at cornerback with the free agent addition of Corey Graham and fourth-round draft choice Ross Cockrell and Ron Brooks playing some of his best football this past spring it looks like Williams will be able to stay put at free safety for a full 16-game slate.’