Archives for April 2016

'The most intriguing signing of the free agent visitors is Zach Brown, mostly because he could push to start. Brown has always been known as an incredibly athletic linebacker, and would slot in — at the very least — as competition to be the weakside inside linebacker next to Preston Brown.'

'As far as the NFL is concerned, any form of discipline for McCoy still needs to be decided upon. The league has said the case is under review in the Personal Conduct Policy, and that there is no timetable on a decision at this time.'

'The Bills have shown that they can adapt their offense to the quarterback, but with Paxton Lynch, they wouldn’t have to do that. Lynch has the size, mobility, and arm strength teams covet. With a simple flick of the wrist, Lynch can heave it down the field and take advantage of a speed threat like Sammy Watkins. He also has the ability to keep plays alive, and like Tyrod Taylor, keeps his eyes down the field when he does so. With Taylor already in line to be the 2016 starter, there wouldn’t be any rush to get Lynch on the field this season — which is what the quarterback needs.'

'With the uncertainty of Kyle Williams both this season and beyond, a versatile defensive lineman like Chris Jones could be just what the Bills need to help keep their defensive line fresh as the season wears on. Jones is one of those players that just look imposing in pads, and it’s hard to ignore the potential. He’s a long and powerful player that has great reaction time off the snap, and can disengage from defenders easily. It looks as though he’s also able to play both five-technique defensive end, as well as nose tackle in a 3-4 defense — which would give the Bills flexibility with Marcell Dareus not always having to play the nose.'

'With rushing the passer being his biggest asset as a prospect, Kamalei Correa is a more natural fit for a 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker than he would be for an even-man front. A few things stand out about Correa: his reaction time at the snap, his speed and explosiveness, and a good initial punch against the blocker. Since the Bills run a 3-4 and are in need of a complementary option to Jerry Hughes, Correa is someone to keep an eye on.'

'Hankerson originally joined the Bills on December 26, 2015 and played in the team’s final game against the New York Jets. He did not record a reception in the game. The 6-2, 211-pound Miami (Fl.) product entered the NFL in 2011 as a third round pick (79th overall) with the Washington Redskins. Hankerson has played in 40 career games, starting 14, catching 107 passes for 1,408 yards and nine touchdowns.'

'The Samford product has played in 51 career games with 20 starts, totaling 123 tackles, one sack, four interceptions, 18 passes defensed, five quarterback hits, three tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.'

'White, 25, is a former fifth-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2012. The cornerback split last season between the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals appearing in a combined 10 games with limited time on defense.'

'“It’s a great experience to see some of the fans that you don’t normally get a chance to interact with,” said Thomas. “So to come out and to answer their questions about the Buffalo Bills and even about the Buffalo Sabres—I’m a big hockey fan also—just come here…and let them know that we’re still doing well and we appreciate all the support that you give us.”'

'Part of the problem is his lack of college game experience. He threw just 269 career passes for the Buckeyes completing almost 62 percent of his attempts. His touchdown to interception ratio is almost 2:1, but Jones had just 15 touchdown passes against seven interceptions in his college career. For NFL scouts it’s far from the volume of work that they typically get to see.'

'With coach Rex Ryan admitting recently that the team lacks depth, and some fairly obvious holes in the front seven of the defense, can the Bills afford to select a player at a position they feel has a solid starter in place? That’s a question Whaley will have to wrestle with.'

'"I definitely think I showed what I can do, and I definitely think that I showed that I'm going to continue to get better. I improved each game. … I would love to be the long-term answer but I understand the business side of it. If something happens (with the contract) this year, I'm happy for it, but if not, we'll wait it out and see what happens."'

'“I’m not necessarily into the contract stuff,” he said. “I let my agent handle that. I know I’m under contract for another year. Whether they choose to extend me or not, that’s out of my reach right now. Like I said, I’m just focused on things I can control, and that’s preparing like I’ve always prepared.”'

'Since the 2010 offseason, every player the Bills have drafted in the first round has made a pre-draft visit to Orchard Park. So, while it’s certainly not guaranteed, it’s likely that the player they select 19th overall on the night of April 28 will, at some point before the draft, be at One Bills Drive.'

'Thomas said McCoy is "doing great" and has been working out in preparation of the season, despite not knowing if he'll be suiting up in Week 1 when the season kicks off.'