WGR

‘”Yeah. So that’s the obviously the thing that was, I guess, like a sigh of relief that I didn’t need to know everything that’s going on, you know? So obviously I went out and really didn’t know much about playbooks and stuff and I heard the quarterback talking a whole story or a whole long sentence. Now I know I’m listening for certain parts, like what formation, (or) I’m standing here, (or) what’s the protection? And then if there’s a route I know I’m doing, and if there isn’t a route then I’ve got usually something else I should be doing.”‘

‘Smith joins Croom, as well as drafted tight ends Dawson Knox (Ole Miss) and Tommy Sweeney (Boston College), and free agent additions Tyler Kroft and Jake Fisher from the Cincinnati Bengals. Also, the agency for rookie tryout tight end Moral Stephens (Florida) tweeted over the weekend that he had signed a contract with the Bills, but the team has not announced that as of yet.’

‘Tight end Jake Fisher, signed as a free agent from the Cincinnati Bengals, was released, as was running back Keith Ford, who spent most of last season on the team’s practice squad, but played in two games at the end of last year, carrying the ball 21 times for 79 yards.’

‘When Beane talked about Singletary the night he was drafted, he said “the guy’s got some amazing vision, rare vision, lateral quickness, and his instincts,” when expanding on why he was so fun to watch. “If this is ten (signals up), they’re up here (signals higher), and they’re very rare. Rare instincts, rare vision for the position. He’s a smaller guy, wouldn’t call him a home run hitter, but he can make guys miss in a phone booth.’

‘There was a very strong wind in Orchard Park and it didn’t help former U.B. quarterback Tyree Jackson or Sam Straub throw the football at all. Both were off and Sean McDermott said all were jittery as early as Thursday, “I thought they were nervous, to be expected. It’s a good group. We’re off to a good start. There’s a lot of work to get done. I don’t think you really know about a draft class until you’re two or three years down the road. All those draft grades, that’s for all you guys out there. We’ll know a little bit more once we get going, in particular once we get to training camp.’

‘That start included a full practice, similar to one during the regular season, but with no contact. The players started with stretching before heading off to their individual positions to work with their position coaches on basic techniques and drills. From there, some of the offensive and defensive skill position players worked a special teams punt drill. Then it was time for the offense and defense to separate into their own huddles and run some of their schemes and concepts, before finally each unit going against one another running plays.’

‘Buffalo Bills rookie minicamp began Friday with eight drafted players, eight undrafted free agents, 36 players on a tryout basis, and two who are considered NFL veterans, but eligible for rookie camp. ‘

‘The soon-to-be-36-year old is widely credited with helping mentor Josh Allen during his rookie season after signing with the club in early October. After an injury to Allen just a week after Anderson signed, coupled with two critical interceptions thrown by Nathan Peterman in relief, Anderson started the following game against the Indianapolis Colts, throwing for 175 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Bills lost 37–5.’

‘Some quick thoughts on the retirement of Bills QB Derek Anderson, in Twitter form…’.

‘Oliver was not the only rookie to sign a contract on Thursday. With the exception of third round pick Dawson Knox, the Bills inked their entire 2019 draft class, and signed eight undrafted free agents as well.’

‘It’s probably too much to expect Oliver to play more than half the snaps as a rookie, whether he starts or not, but he’ll certainly play a big role.’

‘“Josh Allen is a flamethrower. He’s Randy Johnson. That’s who I compared him to in baseball. So, you’ve got to have a guy who is able to adjust and be able to have great hand-eye coordination, and that’s what Tommy Sweeney has. He may lumber a bit, but his hands are as good as anybody’s in this draft.”’

‘Come Friday, Buffalo’s three-day rookie minicamp kicks off and will continue on through Sunday, May 12th. The 2019 Draft class, headlined by first-round draft pick Ed Oliver, second-round selection Cody Ford, as well as third-rounders Devin Singletary and Dawson Knox will be taking the field for the first time as members of the Bills. Buffalo’s undrafted free agent pick-ups and tryout players will also practice alongside the draftees come the end of the week. Those tryout players will have a chance to earn a contract and even a training camp invite to continue with the team deeper into the offseason program.’

‘Sean McDermott’s defense could see as many as eight first or second-year quarterbacks this season. The veterans they’ll play aren’t much to look at either.’

‘Lawson is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal, which means he’ll now be in the last year of his contract. But just because the option wasn’t picked up, doesn’t mean the Bills can’t retain Lawson. They would still have the option of placing the franchise or transition tag on him, or even work out an extension.’