Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘Last season, the Bills had at least five defensive backs on the field for about half the defensive snaps. And because the Bills enjoyed remarkable health, the group usually consisted mainly of White, Wallace, Poyer, Hyde and Johnson. When they went to six DBs, the player who most often got the call was now-departed Kevin Johnson.’

‘The only other running backs on the current roster are T.J. Yeldon and practice squad member Christian Wade, so it seems like a pretty safe bet Buffalo will be picking one at some point in the draft, and perhaps might add a veteran free agent after that, too.’

‘Originally scheduled to take place in Las Vegas in conjunction with the Raiders arrival in the city, the draft will now be held virtually with teams making their selections remotely and Commissioner Roger Goodell announcing selections from his home in New York.’

‘The league has shipped technology to 58 top prospects, led by LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and Ohio State defensive end Chase Young, so live player reactions and interviews will be plentiful. Who will be this year’s Thurman Thomas, caught dozing off? And with ABC, ESPN and NFL Network personalities plugged in, analysis will flow until the last eyelids are shut.’

‘Quite the contrary, with so many talented receivers available, it would be wise for Beane to think about the future and start developing a player who could replace Brown when his contract expires after 2021, not to mention someone who would probably move right into the No. 4 spot on the depth chart this year.’

‘“You can never have enough pass rushers,” said Beane, whose 2019 Bills amassed a respectable 40 sacks which ranked 10th in terms of sacks per pass attempt. “At the end of the day there’s guys in this draft that I’m already aware of who can come right in and play for us right now. Those guys usually go pretty quick, though.”’

‘Here’s a look back at the other drafts in which the Bills did not make a pick in the opening round, the reason why, and who wound up being the first player they chose.’

‘”I’m grateful for individuals in Buffalo and across the country that are on the frontlines – doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery store workers, pharmacists, all the people that are trying to help others and are putting their own health at risk for this big cause,” Beane. “There’s no way to really thank them, but hopefully this is a good way for the rest of the community to help.”‘

‘“I think what we’ve got going on in Buffalo is a special thing and I’m super excited and I’m fortunate to be part of it,” Allen said Friday during a Zoom video conference with reporters. “Now we need to see results and I understand how big of a year it is.”’

‘“I know this guy knows ball, he will be able to understand the verbiage once he learns our system quicker than (a draft pick),” said Beane. “A lot of the stuff in college is all signaled in. A lot of these guys aren’t in huddles. So, the biggest transition for these receivers, beyond the routes, the physical stuff, is just hearing these long play calls in the huddle and processing it in their head. The mental part is so hard. And that’s why I think so many receivers, we talk about it all the time, probably one of the higher bust rates across the league. I think it’s more mental than physical.”’

‘“I wouldn’t want to comment either way. Again, I’m not in the know enough, I’ve been focusing on the Buffalo Bills and paying attention to the governors and leaders of our country, but behind that, I think there are too many unknowns to make decisions. You see these major sporting events being canceled so of course, every option to me is on the table. But I’m an optimist, too. I’m going to think positive and hope there is some type of season, but again, I really don’t know. I just look forward to when we can get past this and get back to normal.’’’

‘“What we did last year, we have to build off that. This year we’ve got some great guys coming in. I feel like we’ll have a chance to win the whole thing, if you ask me. We can’t be complacent, and when it’s time to roll, it’s time to roll. I hope everyone is doing their job in the offseason so when the season comes and we get this train rolling.”’

‘“It means a lot. He’s my new teammate so if he’s got that much faith in me, I’ve got all the faith in the world in his ability and what he can do,’’ he said. “Now it’s time to start jelling, that will come with time, but the sooner we can start the better.’’’

‘This will be Gaines’ third stint with the team, though his second time around in 2019 never panned out because he suffered a groin injury in training camp and was released with an injury settlement.’

‘Williams, a fourth-round draft pick of the Panthers in 2015, will likely provide depth at both tackle and guard, though he could challenge for a starting job at either guard spot, or right tackle.’