Archives for April 18, 2018

‘One look at the linebacker depth chart shows how big of a need the position is entering the draft. Outside of Matt Milano, there does not appear to be any realistic starting options for the base 4-3 scheme.’

‘”I’m confident that he is wired the right way and he’ll learn from the moments both high and low that did or didn’t go his way,” coach Sean McDermott said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “He’s an extremely confident young man and a guy that works hard. Sometimes as a rookie, in this case as a rookie quarterback, you’re thrust in a situation where everyone sees your body of work. I know his second year will be better than his first year. I thought he did some really good things his first year. When you look at the DNA, he’s a fit for us in that regard.”‘

‘”I think (Panthers All-Pro linebacker) Luke Kuechly benefitted a lot from his presence on that line, and hopefully I can mimic some of those things that Luke was able to do by benefitting from that guy in front of him,” Alexander added, “allowing me to make more plays in backfield, pushing the pocket so a guy like Jerry Hughes can now turn that corner and not have to worry about the quarterback stepping up.’

‘”I think with everything, this is a quarterback-driven league,” Alexander said Tuesday. “Whether that quarterback is on our roster or somebody we decide we want to go up and get, that’s something as an organization that you want to be able to build around. But we have other needs as well.’

‘He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Akron. He first signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015, and also spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, the Atlanta Falcons, the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants.’

‘”Well yeah, I’m confident in myself,” McCarron said. “I’ve never been boastful. If people want to say cocky, that’s fine. I was always taught – by my dad, my mom, the great coaches I had coming up – that whenever you’re inside those white lines, you can bring your different personality out.’

‘I know that everybody will be held to a standard that we have that me and other guys set and we’ll all operate under that. Whoever rises to the top, rises to the top.’

‘Armstrong has impressive physical numbers, checking in at 6-4 and 257 pounds at the Scouting Combine with 10-inch hands and 34 2/4-inch arms. He caused some concern when he ran a 4.87 at the combine, although he impressed with his athleticism.’

‘If that scenario panned out, a trade up to No. 5 would certainly not be worth it for the Bills. But if the draft falls the right way, a trade with Denver for the fifth overall draft pick could provide a nice sweet spot for the Bills, allowing them to land one of the top quarterbacks without having to give up nearly their entire draft arsenal (like a trade for No. 2 might require).’