Two Bills Drive

‘If the Buffalo Bills could figure out a way to pay quarterback Drew Bledsoe, they’d probably give New England a third-round draft pick for him. But the Patriots believe Bledsoe is worth at least a first-round pick and the Bills won’t give up that much.’

@ David Dinkins shone during the scrimmage, completing 3 of 5 passes for 100 yards, including a 37-yard TD pass to WR Marcus Knight (Oakland Raiders). Knight also had a 50-yard catch from Dinkins. Curtis Alexander carried 10 times for 33 yards and scored on a 1-yard touchdown dive.

‘The Bills’ first pick in the April draft might come down to the Big Two, the 374-pound Williams and the 337-pound McKinnie, if Buffalo does not trade down.’

‘Can anyone accurately predict who will be the starting quarterback for Buffalo?’

‘"Other than one Japanese Film study class at the University of Pittsburgh, though, I really have no formal training in this area," Van Pelt adds, "But I feel I’m up to the challenge."’

‘If Wilson is down on less than perfect weather, I wonder why he didn’t insist that there is no place like dome and ask Erie County and New York state to build him a covered stadium. And I’m sure Wilson didn’t mind the weather when his Bills were beating the San Diego Chargers 20-7 in the AFL Championship Game at War Memorial Stadium the day after Christmas 1964.’

‘If the Bills make him the best offer, and he decides that keeping Bledsoe isn’t an option, The Franchise better be prepared to pack his long johns for the long western New York winters. Not to mention some frustrating Sunday afternoons against Belichick’s defenses. One of the reasons the Pats wouldn’t hesitate to send Bledsoe to Buffalo is the success Belichick has had in defending Bledsoe in the past.’

‘A player can be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame only once. Area hotel and restaurant owners probably wish the Canton shrine would make an exception for Jim Kelly.’

@ Levy will be among eight individuals with NFL ties to be honored by Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in Commack, N.Y.

‘"Well, we signed a 15-year lease. I have no intentions of moving the team – as long as circumstances permit me to stay. That says it, doesn’t it? That’s about the best I can say."’

‘Quarterback Jim Kelly, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame Aug. 3, has donated the Bulldogs’ No. 11 jersey he wore while playing at East Brady. It is one of 17 items Kelly donated to the Hall of Fame this week, including mementos from his playing days with the USFL Houston Gamblers and the NFL Buffalo Bills.’

@ The Bills are serious about signing veteran Tennessee Titans weakside LB Eddie Robinson. Buffalo has been interested in Robinson since the free agency period began, but this would be his first visit to Buffalo.

Of course McKay has Rob Johnson and is probably in favor of any rule that would help protect his new QB from fumbling during the 57 times he’s scheduled to get sacked next season – that is if Johnson starts.

His agent, Bob Lattinville, who also represents Jerry Ostroski confirmed it is for the league minimum. Even though Kazadi is a vested player in the league, he comes in at the second year salary level so he will make $300,000 this season and $375,000 next season.

Bills looking to tackle draft: While the Bills retain moderate interest in Riley and Denver unrestricted free agent tackle Trey Teague, look for Buffalo to use its first-round pick in next month’s draft on either Mike Williams of Texas of Miami’s Bryant McKinnie, the two highly-regarded tackle prospects in this year’s lottery. GM Tom Donahoe personally scouted the campus workouts of both players and, on Wednesday, he and coach Gregg Williams spent extra time with Williams. A right tackle for the Longhorns, there is some question as to whether Williams can switch to the left side in the NFL, and the Bills made him do several drills with a left-handed stance. Buffalo would prefer to rid itself of 10-year veteran LT John Fina after June 1, when the impact of releasing him would be somewhat ameliorated on their salary cap. They could move second-year right tackle Jonas Jennings to the left side or draft one of this year’s two top prospects. What they almost certainly will not do, despite rumors to the contrary, is use the fourth overall choice in the draft on Oregon QB Joey Harrington.