Archives for April 29, 2015

'“As a general manager, you’ve got to create a sense of urgency among your scouts because there’s the human tendency to say, ‘Ah, we won’t get that guy and we won’t get that guy,’ ” Polian said. “You never know what’s going to happen, and you always want that information in the files anyway in case that guy should become free at another point. Then, the approach during Draft Day is to stay on top of things. You’ve got to make sure that no opportunity to move up or even move back is overlooked. You’ve got to make sure that you cover every base.'

'While Beckham has become the standard to which Watkins will be held, Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans and Carolina’s Kelvin Benjamin had more catches, yards and touchdowns. Philadelphia’s Jordan Matthews, a second-round pick, had more catches and touchdowns, while fellow second-rounder Jarvis Landry had more receptions.'

'“I don’t look at second- and third- round guys as backup players,” said Kelvin Fisher, the Bills’ director of college scouting. “The history that I’ve been in this business, they all end up playing, and some of them end up being great starters.'

'Cooney said Ferrari and the other former Jills didn’t include the NFL in the suit initially because they didn’t learn of Goodell’s signing and approval of the contracts and the provision requiring the Jills to sign the cheerleading agreement until the Bills included copies of the contracts in the team’s unsuccessful bid to have itself dismissed as a defendant.'

'"I thought it started when we all got back," said Manuel, who watched the Bills trade for Cassel and sign Taylor in free agency, a warning sign that he was about to enter the battle of his football life. "Even in the film room trying to grasp the offense, it's like a race to see who knows it the best and you want to know it the way (offensive coordinator Greg) Roman does."'

'"I thought it started when we all got back two weeks ago or three weeks ago," Manuel said. "Even in the film room and trying to grasp the offense because it's like a race to see who knows it the best. Obviously you want to know it just like coach (Greg) Roman does."'

'After an injury riddled 2013 season, Gilmore emerged as the best player in Buffalo's secondary in 2014. He intercepted three passes and allowed 61 percent of the passes thrown his way to be caught, according to Pro Football Focus.'

'Buffalo is obviously in need of a quarterback, and with pick No. 50 being their first selection in the draft, players like Petty are all that will be left. Petty, who turns 24 in May, was one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football over the last few seasons, but he has a few red flags that make him a risky option on day two. He played in a one-read offense and hasn't shown he can make plays when the first read breaks down.'

'“To be honest with you, I really wasn’t worried about it,” Amaro said. “I had no intention of attacking anybody, especially Rex. I have the utmost respect for the guy. He gave me a chance to play in this league before anybody else. That’s an everlasting thank you to him.”'

'"I guess it's just one of those things," Amaro said Tuesday, as the Jets opened a three-day voluntary minicamp. "I'm not really sure what you want me to say. That's the way he is, I guess. I didn't take it as any insult. I really didn't even look at any of them [Ryan's comments], besides the first one. I'm just worried about this team and what we have to do now.'

'Gailey used a spread offense in Buffalo, and while it looks like he'll employ something very similar with the Jets, it's too early to determine exactly what the offense will look like.'

'"I had no intention of attacking anybody, especially Rex," Amaro said Tuesday during the first day of voluntary minicamp. "I have the utmost respect for the guy. He gave me a chance to play in this league before anyone else, so that’s an everlasting thank you to him."'

'Gilmore has been a three-year starter in Buffalo since being selected with the 10th pick in the 2012 draft out of South Carolina. He had a career-best three interceptions last season.'

'Amaro took the high road when asked if he's looking forward to the two games against the Bills — in Week 10 at home and Week 17 at Buffalo — because Ryan is apparently planning to make sure the tight end is not a factor for the Jets.'

'Gilmore, the 10th overall pick of the 2012 draft, has been a key part of a Buffalo defense that permitted a league-low 16 passing touchdowns and allowed the third-fewest yards through the air last season.'