Archives for April 30, 2016

'Ragland is listed at 6-foot-1 and 247 pounds and was a consensus All-American after he had a team-leading 102 tackles, including 6 1/2 for a loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles. He was also a finalist to win the Bednarik Award (linebacker of the year) and Nagurski Trophy (defensive player of the year).'

'The Bills also lack depth, with former starter EJ Manuel the only other quarterback on their roster.'

'The moves were announced Friday, before the Bills resume the NFL draft with a second- and third-round pick. Buffalo has eight picks in the draft, which it opened Thursday by selecting Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson with the 19th pick.'

'In Brandon's place, the Sabres are sending amateur scouting director Greg Royce and former spokesman and newly promoted HarborCenter general manager Michael Gilbert to the draft lottery.'

'"Very few times that you go into a draft and have a really big need, and you can fill it with one of the top-rated guys on your board. The guy is standing out there like a sore thumb. We're extremely excited; we never thought he'd get to us at 19 and when it got closer and closer, we all said 'let's keep our mouths shut.'"'

'The Bills also announced the release of tight end Jacob Maxwell.'

'Many mock drafts had either Shaq Lawson or Reggie Ragland going to the Bills at #19 overall — they ended up with both. Buffalo traded up to the 41st pick to grab Ragland, LB out of Alabama and SEC Defensive Player of the Year.'

'Cornelius Bennett. Derrick Thomas. That’s the company of Alabama players Ragland stands next to when it comes to accolades, joining those other two Crimson Tide greats as the only ‘Bama players to named a unanimous All-American. He was also named SEC Defensive Player of the Year last season.'

'By selecting players from Clemson, Alabama, and Ohio State, the Bills grabbed three players who came from three of the winningest programs in college football over their time in school, including three of the four who played for the last two national titles and the past two champions (OSU and Alabama). Whaley says the team likes to have players who come from strong programs and understand what it takes to win against high-level competition.'

'“I fit into the scheme,” he said. “They’re going to do a lot of different things with me. I can play either-or (down defensive end or stand-up linebacker), so I’m just ready to get on that field and help this team out and bring a banner back here and bring a Super Bowl back here.'

'Ragland played at several linebacker roles throughout his time with the Crimson Tide, but with the roster that the Bills have, the second-round pick will play the weakside inside linebacker role for Rex Ryan's 3-4 defense, according to General Manager Doug Whaley.'

'With yet another pick in the front-seven, even as a third-round pick Adolphus Washington will look to start immediately for the Bills. He'll be in a competition with Corbin Bryant for the honors to start, but they envision him as a player that can not only play early, but one that is versatile as well.'

'"I didn't know anything about it till I got to the draft and they ran some test and said that I was fine. And I still went to a specialist after the draft to see if I was fine, and he said I was fine, said I needed a check once a year. Other than that I am ready to go, ready to play."'

'"You know I told him the God honest truth and he could tell I was telling the truth and he believes in me," Washington told local reporters. "I learned from it and that's what you do, you learn from your mistakes."'

'“We were going to take him at pick 19, so this was a no-brainer,” Whaley said. “He’s a winner and a leader and we need that on our defense.”'