Two Bills Drive

‘Former KU assistant coach Pat Ruel will be Sands’ position coach with the Bills. Sands said he expected to sign his contract today and report to mini-camp Thursday in Buffalo. An intern in KU’s weight room this semester, Sands will graduate next month with a degree in exercise science.’

Quarterback Drew Bledsoe visited relatives in Portland, Oregon recently and visited the Portland United Bills Supporters (PUBS) chapter of Bills Backers.

Former Bills receiver Andre Reed will be in the broadcast booth this weekend providing commentary on Fox Sports Net's national broadcast of NFL Europe's game of the week.

‘Paris Jackson’s roots may be a little hard to trace, but there’s no doubt about the strides he’s made in his football career.’

Honorable mention All-ACC guard…first-team Strength All-American in 2001…started at three positions over his Clemson career…second on the Tigers in knockdown blocks in 2001 with 130…finished his career strong with 13 in the win over Louisiana Tech in the Humanitarian Bowl.

‘He was flagged for a team-high seven pass interference or illegal contact penalties. He also had one other penalty, a roughing-the-kicker call in New York on a 26-yard field-goal attempt. It gave the Jets first-and-goal at the 4 and started New York on the path to an easy win.’

‘Buffalo Bills: Rolling dice on McGahee, but why not gamble on potential greatness? Second-round DE Chris Kelsay is first-round talent. Next three picks (LB Angelo Crowell, CB Terrence McGee and WR Sam Aiken) provide depth and special teams help. Grade: B.’

Another player who was taken too early was RB Willis McGahee, but it wasn’t to fill a need. That’s what makes the Bills’ 1st round selection even harder to figure. McGahee is not expected to be able to help the Bills much this season, and his ability to overcome the physical and mental barriers associated with tearing three knee ligaments is questionable. In the 1st round, risk should be at an absolute minimum.

“We had fun.”

-Tom Donahoe, on this year’s draft

Second-best line of the night: emcee John Murphy asked TD (who had a root canal earlier in the day) whether he’d rather have three root canals or one telephone conversation with Drew Rosenhaus. That one got a big laugh.

‘Instead of the six-year, $38 million deal with a $10.5 million bonus that San Diego gave LaDainian Tomlinson — the last running back chosen in the top 5 back in 2001 — the market for McGahee is more like five years, $7.5 million with a $3.2 million bonus.’

‘Watson struggled as the third cornerback last year, eventually losing his job to rookie Kevin Thomas at the end of the season. Earlier this month, the Bills signed free agent cornerback Dainon Sidney.’

‘Watson’s struggles in pass coverage last season led Bills fans to wonder, "What took you so long?"’

‘The Bills signed free agent cornerback Dainon Sidney earlier this month, making Watson expendable.’

‘Overall Draft Grade: C+’

Jim Kelly was drafted with the 14th overall pick in 1983.