Archives for April 30, 2023

‘In this draft, the Bills used four of their six picks on offense, but Beane said that wasn’t from pressure to build up that side of the ball, specifically. “There was never a, ‘Hey, we got to get offense this draft,’ ” Beane said. “It was the picks, when they came up, the first two rounds, and there was just a guy standing out, best player.”’

‘Those contributions from the 2023 rookie class will be far more than luxuries – they will be necessities. The Bills are firmly in their championship window, with quarterback Josh Allen in his prime, but they’re also up against the salary cap. That means they need players on cost-controlled contracts, the kind rookies entering the league through the draft sign for four years, to provide good value.’

‘The Bills drafted Torrence to start. Connor McGovern just got a contract worth $7.4 million a year to start at guard. That makes Bates the likely odd man out of the starting lineup, even though his spot on the roster is secure due to his versatility and his contract. It might only be a temporary “loss” for Bates. The Bills will face another salary cap crunch in 2024. Center Mitch Morse has two years left on his contract. The Bills could save $8.5 million against the cap by releasing him after the 2023 season. Bates can play center. That’s a long way off. A lot could happen before then. Morse could take a pay cut and stay. Who knows? But Bates is the obvious choice to give way to Torrence this year.’

‘Shorter was teammates for one season at Florida with guard O’Cyrus Torrence, who the Bills took Friday in the second round of the draft. He also played with cornerback Kaiir Elam, the Bills’ first-round pick in 2022. Shorter said he can’t wait to be teammates with Elam again, reminiscing on competitive one-on-ones during practice at Florida. He expects to fall back into that routine shortly.’

‘He started at left tackle in 2020 and 2021 then shifted to left guard for the 2022 season. He also served as the long snapper. He told reporters he feels as though he can play any of the positions along the line. He doesn’t have overwhelming physical size and athleticism, as is the case with most seventh-round picks. But he didn’t allow a sack in 472 pass blocks as a senior. Ole Miss ranked No. 3 in rushing yards per game (256) in the Football Bowl Subdivision last season.’

‘He mostly played outside cornerback. During a video conference call with the Western New York media, Austin said he was comfortable playing inside or outside cornerback, or even safety, if needed. However, he was used almost exclusively at outside cornerback for the Beavers. The 6-foot-1, 191-pounder played 645 of his 749 defensive snaps at outside cornerback, according to analytics website Pro Football Focus. He allowed 42 receptions for 529 yards and two touchdowns, according to PFF. Austin is the eighth player from Oregon State to be drafted by the Bills. Safety Jordan Poyer also attended the school, and is a “legend” there, Austin said.’

‘“He’s going to be a great pro just with how he carries himself and how he does things,” said Dorian Keller, who was San Diego’s tight ends coach in 2019. “I will be shocked if he isn’t.”’

‘”If I’m not in a Training Camp, I’m retiring,” Beasley tweeted Saturday. “Coming in when the season has already started doesn’t give me a chance to be implemented and make an impact. I need camp to develop chemistry with everyone and build confidence. If they won’t give me that, then they don’t want me there.”‘

‘As if two Florida Gators in the NFL draft weren’t enough, the Buffalo Bills’ first reported undrafted free agent signing is another Gator. Offensive lineman Richard Gouraige will join the Bills, according to Aaron Wilson, citing sources.’

‘Patterson, a middle linebacker and a captain for the University at Buffalo football team, will join the Buffalo Bills for their rookie minicamp in May, UB’s athletic department announced Saturday evening.’

‘“Kim and our family have entered a new season in our lives,” Terry Pegula said in the video shown to a crowd of 300-plus at Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church. Another 300-350 people joined a livestream of the event, which was co-organized by Kim’s alma mater, Houghton University. “The beginning of this season has been difficult,” Terry Pegula continued. “But we ask, with God’s help, that Kim’s recovery continues. We also ask, with God’s help, that Kim has a full recovery. We ask humbly, but we pray boldly.”’