Archives for April 2016

'Cook, a three-year starter for the Spartans, is projected to be a late first to early second-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft. He joins Mississippi State's Dak Prescott and Ohio State's Cardale Jones as the quarterbacks that the Bills have had in as pre-draft visitors so far.'

' In need of some more pass-rushing punch, Kevin Dodd would fit in with the Bills around the same role as Manny Lawson is ready to assume in 2016. It will likely end up being a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid role, where many of the responsibilities will reside in edge contain, and out in the flat areas for coverage.'

'At one time thought to be a potential first-round pick, Cardale Jones then was benched halfway through the 2015 season. Even though that happened, the NFL remains interested because of his rare combination of traits. Jones has the size, he can run, he can fling the ball down the air with a simple flick of the wrist… it’s the rest of the prospect that needs molding.'

'With the Bills on the hunt for young, disruptive, and versatile defensive linemen at some point in the draft, Kenny Clark is a name to keep an eye on. While not as explosive as some other defensive linemen in his class, Clark is a solid run-stuffing option that could allow them to move some pieces around. With his style of play, Clark could play nose tackle, a defensive tackle role in even-man fronts, and he could even dabble as a five-technique defensive end. Clark is only 20 years old, and that will attract some teams to him.'

'It took a while, four weeks into free agency. But last week, the Buffalo Bills got busy on the NFL’s open market for personnel. With their salary cap limitations, the Bills had to sit out the initial wave of free agent signings. But after waiting out the market, the Bills signed five players last week at cap-friendly terms. One of the five could wind up as a starter. All of them add depth at critical spots on the roster. And most of them can contribute on special teams.'

'“He’s different. It’s kind of like you’re playing your little brother and he gets mad at you for being too physical with him — throwing a tantrum. I’m like, ‘Man, we’re playing football. It’s a physical game. … He’s a prima donna. He feels like he’s on top of the world and nobody’s supposed to do anything to him."'

'Those Instagram posts have since been erased, but The News has screenshots for posterity in their report. The two players then took to Twitter for some apparent subtweeting.'

'No doubt its frustrating for Taylor and Bakari to see what has happened with some of the quarterback contracts this off season. Brock Osweiler, who wasn’t as good as Taylor in 2015, cashed in with a four year, $72 million deal in free agency. Kirk Cousins who was good not great while helping Washington into the playoffs was tagged so he will make just under $20 million this season. Chase Daniel, a backup who has done nothing in this league, received a three year, $21 million contract from Philadelphia in free agency. Taylor is scheduled to make just over $3 million from the Bills.'

'“You know every year, this award is about excellence on the field and off the field and having now moved from playing to coaching I have a new perspective of what it takes, said Reich.” “Playing against this guy, coaching against this guy is a nightmare. This guy truly as a football player…is one of the forces in the NFL. We played against him a couple years—this guy wreaks havoc."'

'“I want to live like a champion. Most people associate the word champion with rings and trophies and awards, and I just think about the word ‘excellence.’ That’s what the word ‘champion’ means to me. It’s being excellent at what you do.”'

'We’ve heard all Ryan’s jokes and proclamations before. They’re getting tiresome. Maybe players aren’t paying as much attention either.'

'Bakari believes his client deserves elite quarterback money. That’s his job. But it was weak of him to trash Taylor’s team in the process. That can’t help Taylor as he attempts to become more of a team leader for the Bills.'

'Too often, NFL players leave the game without realizing the toll taken on their bodies until the damage is done. Tarpley wasn’t willing to sacrifice a productive life for a few years of football. It was a tough decision. It was the right decision.'

'According to Peter Schrager of Fox Sports, a source tells him that Harvin is now "unlikely" to play in the 2016 season. Then Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com chimed in, citing a source that said "the driving force primarily is Harvin’s habit of waffling and wavering and flat-out changing his mind, over and over again."'

'There's no denying that the fit with the Buffalo Bills would be a great one for Cardale Jones. He wouldn't have to worry about starting this season with Tyrod Taylor in place, and the Bills even have a backup there for 2016 in EJ Manuel, which could make the upcoming season be totally about Jones and his development.'