Archives for April 30, 2017

'"Buffalo was in desperate need of another wideout and nabbed ultra-productive East Carolina product Zay Jones in the second round," said Rosenthal. "Temple's Dion Dawkins could wind up filling Buffalo's empty right tackle spot. It should be encouraging for Taylor that new coach Sean McDermott wasn't only focused on defense and didn't try to draft a quarterback to replace Taylor."'

'As a coach, McDermott has displayed a savage work ethic. He rises early and stays late. He wants the same out of his players. He talks about "the process" and "earning the right to win." He backed up his words with actions on Thursday night and again on Friday night, selecting East Carolina wide receiver Zay Jones, who has a dogged work ethic of his own.'

'The Bills are still expected to be a run-first team in 2017, but it's hard to argue with Berry's logic. Jones has a legitimate chance to step in immediately as Buffalo's No. 2 wide receiver. With 399 career receptions at East Carolina, it's safe to think that Jones will find ways to get open against NFL defensive backs.'

'According to Jason LaCanfora of CBS, Buffalo Bills scouts and personnel people have been told to be in the office in the morning. The report adds that news of a change at general managed could be revealed at that meeting, and Carolina Panthers assistant general manager Brandon Beane is thought to be a potential replacement for Whaley.'

'"It was more just, you know, you put me on your page like you made a big tackle. If you look at the stats I had like two touchdowns for a buck-fifty. It didn't make sense to me. You know? I didn't like that. Don't put me on your page. Like, c'mon."'

'Milano, drafted with the 19th pick of the third round and 163rd overall, played in 50 games for BC. He ranks ninth in program history with 31½ tackles for losses, 11 of which came in his senior season. Milano was second on the team in 2016 with 6½ sacks while earning all-ACC honorable mention'

'Milano, the 163rd player chosen overall, was projected as a likely seventh-round pick and the Orlando native had even prepared himself for a possible venture into NFL free agency. He won’t have to go that route now.'

'“I’ve compared him to Trent Green, I’ve heard Kirk Cousins; he could be that type of quarterback in the NFL if his arm continues to get stronger,” ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper said Monday. “He’s got all the other attributes you need.”'

'Heading into the NFL draft, CBS Sports had Peterman ranked as the No. 6 quarterback and predicted he would get drafted in the third round. Instead, Peterman fell to the fifth round and was the eighth quarterback off the board.'

'“Everyone dreams of being the No. 1 pick in the draft,” Peterman said. “…I’m really extremely thankful for the opportunity. It’s just about getting to the NFL. It’s about proving myself. I have always done that. I enjoy the chance to do that again and it seems like God is setting it up for me to do that again.”'

'“It was pretty emotional,” Peterman said. “We were riding the roller coaster of the draft. You have expectations going in, hopes and dreams. When that call came in, it was really emotional. It was humbling and we were really thankful for the opportunity they are giving me. I can’t wait to get to work up there.”'

'On ESPN, Mel Kiper Jr. said that Vallejo “has a shot,” while fellow broadcaster Bucky Brooks said the Bills’ draft “is blue collar, top to bottom.”'

'Vallejo took his talents from Nevada Union to Boise State. He put up impressive numbers each year there before he injured his wrist his senior year and had to have surgery after nine games. The Bills, however, liked the potential and chose to give Vallejo a closer look.'

'The 6-foot-5 Towbridge, whose playing weight was listed at 265 pounds last season, looked trimmer and faster than ever at U of L's recent pro day, and he was said to have run a faster time than fellow tight end Cole Hikutini.'

'“Right after the draft the Bills’ offensive line coach (Juan Castillo) called me and he said all the paperwork and everything they need will be done by Monday,” said Polite, who is 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds and who attended the Wake Forest Pro Day last month.'