WGR

‘Morgan has familiarity with Bills’ general manager Brandon Beane. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round in 2001 out of Miami (FL) while Beane was working in the team’s football operations department. Morgan played in Carolina for the next seven seasons before being released and retiring prior to the 2008 season.’

‘I don’t expect him to be the opening day starter in Baltimore, but I certainly wouldn’t discount it and think somehow, someway, at some point, he starts in 2018.’

‘“The game really starts up front,” McDermott said. “Philosophically for us on both sides of the ball. Down the middle in particular you want to be strong and powerful. In particular more than strong, so power is important. You saw some of our issues last year in the run game on defense, so that has been a major emphasis on defense this year as well. Some of that was just gap assignment rather than power and what-not.”’

‘Brandon joined the Bills organization in 1997, he was also the team’s general manager in 2009. Brandon was named CEO of the Bills in 2010 and became president of the Sabres in 2015.’

‘“It just fell that way,” Beane said about the versatility of the draft class. “We really, I mean, truly, we’re looking for good football players that fit what we do. Our DNA is really what we were targeting. It just, sometimes it falls where they’re more one-hole players but you like versatility when it happens.”’

‘A great example was last night [with] Harrison [Phillips] and Andre Reed and what Fred Jackson did. That’s the type of culture we’re trying to build here with their gesture with Pancho Billa. That’s the type of culture we’re trying to build. The work continues, and it’s going to continue to be an urgent, team-first approach.’

‘Johnson figures to play nickel corner with the Bills. He’s a good fit for a zone coverage scheme, which Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier use a lot of. His quick feet allows him to stick with slot receivers over the middle. His weaknesses include his size, which should prevent him from being an outside cornerback in the NFL. Johnson’s tackling will also be something the Bills look to improve in his game.’

‘Many think this can be an immediate help for the Bills, with Teller potentially starting as a rookie. He’ll join a competition in the interior offensive line that includes Russell Bodine, John Miller, and Ryan Groy.’

‘Then in the 7th round the Bills selected Austin Proehl. Son of former Jets receiver Ricky Proehl.’

‘Philips is a high motor guy. What he lacks in physical tools he has in effort. Many draft experts don’t believe that Philips has the burst to supply consistent pressure on the quarterback, or the strength to be a great run stuffer. His best trait is his hand technique.’

‘The quarterback and linebacker got an ovation from the Bills’ staff inside the lobby of the offices of One Bils Drive before spending time with owners Terry and Kim Pegula, general manager Brandon Beane, and the rest of the front office and coaching staff. From there the two met with the local media and answered questions together at one table inside the Bills’ media room.’

‘”I try not to read it. I know the type of player I am. Everyone wants to dive into the 56% completion. I don’t think that accuracy represents accuracy. The two are intertwined for sure, but I don’t think it’s a complete description.”‘

‘”Sometimes I showed up inside, sometimes I showed up outside. I’m a versatile player so I can move around. Real athletic guy. Just find ways for me to make plays out there, ultimately we’ll have success.”‘

‘According to NFLPA records, the Bills currently have roughly $18.3 million in available salary cap space for 2018. Figuring in the top-51 rule (only the top-51 salaries on the roster count against the cap during the offseason), they’ll need to allocate roughly $6 million for their entire rookie class.’

‘Allen was widely considered as the quarterback with the most physical tools in this class. However, he had his struggles with mechanics and accuracy during his time at Wyoming.’