Archives for April 2017

'"It's voluntary, so I am encouraged by my conversations with LeSean, this whole offseason, actually since I got the job," McDermott said. "It is voluntary, though, it is what it is. I'm encouraged by the guys who are here and that's really my focus at this time."'

'“I’m a big believer in leadership, and player-driven leadership, the players having a part of this,” said McDermott. “The ownership part of this is big, and empowering those guys – and that leadership council will help me with that.”'

'Webb, 26, is a former fourth-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2013. He has been with four different NFL clubs in his four pro seasons serving primarily as a depth cornerback and special teams contributor.'

'In his new role, Kerner will work with the players in the areas of continuing education, family assistance, financial planning and post-football career development. He will continue to oversee all alumni relations matters.'

'“I sat in Andy’s meetings for years and took note after note, and then the next year in the same meetings, took note after note,” said McDermott at last week’s league meetings. “It’s fun to go back and compare and contrast what was the same and what was different, and I pulled some notes out the other day just to put them side-by-side and do that. And then I add my personal spin to it with my personality. That’s the neat part about this. I sit at my desk and really lay all that out and prepare for our players.”'

'"So you start with the run game, and that's a big part of who we're going to be on offense," the coach said. "You've got to be able to run the football when the defense knows it" is coming, "and that's big. When they feel like they know you're going to run the football, you've got to be able to run it to win games at the end of the game or to open up games.'

'" I wouldn't be surprised to see Derek Rivers go in like the top 40 or even slide into the back half of the first round, just because he has all of the things you look for except for the brand name from the school." – Bleacher Report's Charles Johnson.'

'Since March 9, Brown has changed agents and visited with the Raiders, Dolphins and Bills. Despite interest, Brown has not been able to reach agreement with any team.'

'However, as Polian noted, Kelly comes with a lot of baggage. The quarterback was dismissed from Clemson's program after pleading guilty to a noncriminal disorderly conduct charge stemming from a Buffalo nightclub incident. He also found himself on the field of a high school football game after his brother took a late hit. Kelly did not get involved in a physical altercation, but needed to be restrained by coaches.'

'Officially referred to as "Phase One" in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Bills – and four other teams – are allowed to hold their first voluntary session two weeks earlier than the rest of the league because they hired a new head coach this offseason.'

'Because they hired a new coach, the Bills are able to start their workout program two weeks before teams with returning coaches. While that might not mean much when the regular season arrives in September, it will nevertheless be a symbolic start to the Sean McDermott era.'

'Simply put, Johnson looks like an NFL player in uniform.'

'Today, after 17 consecutive seasons of missing the playoffs and burning through GMs, coaches and quarterbacks like Tequila on spring break, the Bills are perceived as The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight.'

'As noted by Pauline, Barnes could be selected on the final day of the NFL draft. Buffalo currently holds two fifth round and one sixth round pick on the third day of the draft and could target Barnes with one of their selections. If Barnes is not selected in the draft, the Bills may target him as a high priority undrafted free agent.'

'Despite possibly being a top-10 talent, Williams played a rotational role for the Crimson Tide. Given more playing time, his numbers could have looked even better. While he’ll be counted on to provide a pass rush right away, Williams looks to be a good enough athlete that he can play some in coverage while getting better at defending the run.'