Archives for May 2017

'“He’s had a heck of a career,” said Beane of Dawson. “He rose to a level of VP of Player Personnel. He’s interviewed for multiple GM positions. To have a guy with his experience and leadership… it’s a strong addition.”'

'Adams has more than 30 years of scouting experience. He spent the 2016 campaign as the Midwest regional scout for the Dallas Cowboys, but spent seven years with the Saints. He also has a working history with Beane, spending seven years in the Panthers scouting department.'

'Both clubs received ‘B’ grades from ESPN.com for their offseasons. Here’s an excerpt of their assessment of Buffalo’s dealings since the 2016 campaign ended.'

'By acknowledging it was "kind" of the Cardinals to let Boyd interview, Beane means they could've denied the Bills' request, just like the Dolphins could have with Schoen. ProFootballTalk reported that Dolphins executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum "decided to allow the move in order to foster an atmosphere of upward mobility in Miami, with quality work resulting in a reward — even if the reward comes from a division rival."'

'Barnwell was not as kind to two of the Bills' AFC East rivals, giving the Dolphins a D+ and the Jets a C+. The Patriots also earned a B.'

'"Malik has had experience in college and pro. He also was a former player and he knows the game well. He cut his teeth in college originally. Good versatility. He started with Bill Polian and those guys. He worked his way and ended up in Arizona and really did a nice job. I had seen him on the road, but I called around the league and nothing but great things about his work ethic, his character and he's a good evaluator."'

'As previously mentioned, it’s unclear if McDermott, Beane, or whoever, are good hires. What would be clear is that a loss would be potentially devastating to those looking to have fun this season.'

'Boyd replaces Jim Monos, who was fired along with general manager Doug Whaley and most of Buffalo's scouting staff a day after the NFL draft. Beane took over as GM last week and has since hired Brian Gaine as vice president of player personnel and Joe Schoen as assistant general manager.'

'“He was my number one choice,” said Beane. “The first guy I targeted. I appreciate (Arizona GM) Steve Keim letting him come over here and interview. It was very kind of him because he was under contract. Malik is talented. He won an award in 2014, the Fritz Pollard Scout of the Year. They don’t just throw those out. He earned it. He’s going to be a great influence on our pro staff. He has a high ceiling.”'

'Although I would think long and hard about keeping a fourth quarterback, Cardale Jones has to prove it on the field in order to warrant a roster spot in 2017. Peterman likely isn't going anywhere, though there is some potential for Yates to get cut if both Jones and Peterman show enough this spring and summer. At this point, you have to look at Cardale Jones as a player that the last general manager and head coach wanted, and a lot of times in the NFL, those later round guys have a harder time making it through with the new guys in charge. It'll be an uphill climb for Jones, but we shouldn't count him out just yet.'

'Peterman began playing football in fourth grade, but instead of getting to play his preferred position of QB, he was assigned to play center and linebacker. Two years later, he thought about quitting football to concentrate on basketball, but the sixth grade coach gave him a chance to switch positions. His team won a city championship that year, and he’s been playing quarterback ever since.'

'“He was my number one choice,” said Beane. “The first guy I targeted. I appreciate (Arizona GM) Steve Keim letting him come over here and interview. It was very kind of him because he was under contract. Malik is talented. He won an award in 2014, the Fritz Pollard Scout of the Year. They don’t just throw those out. He earned it. He’s going to be a great influence on our pro staff. He has a high ceiling.”'

'No pads except protective knee and elbow pads. Helmets are permitted, but there is no live contact. Provided no live contact takes place 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 team periods are allowed during this time.'

'The rankings were put together by evaluating on-field performances during the 2016 season, fantasy football popularity, early demand from NFLPA sponsors and licensees, as well as new faces in strong markets. To be considered for inclusion, players must not have appeared in any previous quarterly or year-end list of the NFLPA Top 50 Player Sales.'

'None of the OTAs or minicamp are open to the public. Media will attend three OTA practices, with the first coming Thursday. After practice, the Bills will make assistant coaches available to the media for the first time since they were hired. Here is The Buffalo News' crack at providing a 90-man depth chart.'