Two Bills Drive

ESPN’s Chris Mortenson reports that a deal to trade for Drew Bledsoe is more likely to happen today than not. The Bills have offered higher round selections, which now almost certainly includes a 1st rounder in 2003, and additional draft picks. The Patriots appear willing to acept the fact that none of these draft choices will be in this year’s draft.

Mike Williams took a while to get to the podium after NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue announced the Buffalo Bills selected him with the fourth overall pick. Williams was on the phone. The 6-foot-5, 375-pound OT from Texas answered a call on his cell phone from Bills president and GM Tom Donahoe just before his name rang out. “I got called and all of the sudden I was like, “Oh man, what are they going to tell me?'” Williams said. “Tom Donahoe got on there and that’s why I was a little late.” Williams couldn’t even remember what Donahoe said. “It was just … I know it was a happy moment,” Williams said with a big grin. “I think he said congratulations to me, the best I can remember.”‘

Up to the minute updates on picks, comprehensive information on each pick including audio, video and transcripts of press conferences and draft pick conference calls.

We were pleased but like I said before this is just the first step. We want these young guys to come in and help us and we think that we’ve addressed some of our needs today. Hopefully tomorrow we can address a few more.

‘Williams, the most talented lineman the Bills have acquired since they drafted Bruce Smith, represented the best player available. That was the theme of the day for the Bills.’

‘"When I get on the field, I like to punish people," said Williams, a former all-state defensive tackle at The Colony (Tex.) High School. "It feels great. You just grab him and you got him. You look in his eyes and he’s like, "Oh please, let me go. I’ll never do it again.’ And I say, "Oh no, no. You’re going down.’"’

‘The Bills conceivably could sweeten the offer of picks next year. But sources on both sides had maintained the best chance for a deal was before this year’s draft.’

‘His forte is turning short catches into long gains. Nearly half of his total yards this season came after the catch.’

‘Yes, the Bills got better, but so have the teams they must hurdle in 2002.’

‘The Bills have drafted the best run blocker in America. Tailback Travis Henry has to be the happiest guy in town – along with Brown, who has a star quality tackle to play alongside, and with a personality to rival his own.’

‘Rusty Jones, the strength and conditioning coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, will be the keynote speaker at "Lighten Up, Niagara!" a daylong conference on obesity Thursday in the New York Power Authority building in Lewiston.’

‘The Buffalo Bills organization named Karen Marsch executive director of business development.’

‘The Bills chose Williams because they love his humongous yet agile 6-foot-5, 375-pound body and the mean streak that courses through his veins on every snap.’

‘Finally, a first-round pick by the Bills that legitimately addresses a line that’s been in decay for a decade. A pick to make amends for Corey Louchiey, Jamie Nails and Robert Hicks.’

‘The Bledsoe trade rumor story that had Bills fans stoked in the days leading up to Saturday’s NFL draft did not come true. A deal could not be consummated.’