Two Bills Drive

‘The Buffalo Bills weren’t necessarily in the market for a middle linebacker during the NFL draft, but when Chris Spielman’s clone was there for the taking, they didn’t think twice.’

‘Rookie coach Gregg Williams wants more speed in his Buffalo Bills defense, and free safety Travares Tillman could provide that element plus some blitzing ability. Tillman started the final four games of the regular season in place of the injured Keion Carpenter a year ago. It won’t be an upset if Carpenter doesn’t get his job back.’

‘Judge (who is a good judge of character, excuse the pun) thinks he’ll be Buffalo’s starting back this year.’

‘I always wondered why the Bills were called the Bills, if most of the players on the team weren’t actually named “Bill” (or William). So, I have outlined which players SHOULD be on the Bills for the 2001 season.’

‘Robertson transferred to Hinds for academic reasons in 2000 and collected 38 solo tackles, 22 assists, nine sacks and nine other tackles for a loss as the Eagles rode a dominant defense to an 11-1 finish and a state championship.’

‘"Hey man, I’m a Bill," Peterson gushed. "Yeah, man! A Bill! I’m a Buffalo Bill!" It was a bit overwhelming for a kid from Clinton, N.C. who didn’t even play his first season of football until his junior season in high school.’

‘When the last of the 246 picks was called, Peterson found himself in a recruiting war as a free agent between Miami and Buffalo. He said he was leaning toward Miami and the warm weather until talking with his agent, Joe Linta…"Miami had five defensive tackles on the roster and they were only keeping five. Buffalo has only two defensive tackles. So that was our best bet."’

‘No matter how rosy the projections, however, the final grades on this draft will be available sometime around Thanksgiving.’

‘So the education of Leif Larsen continues. How quick a study he is will determine whether he has a future with the Bills.’

‘Donahoe had a long history of success drafting in Pittsburgh, and his first effort for the Bills looks solid…count on Donahoe having brought in some young talent that will play well in this league.’

‘"I’ve been blessed in life," Robertson said. "I took the long road to get here, but I’ve worked hard. I just want to make this team and prove to people I belong."’

‘Antoine Winfield knew Nate Clements could be a good defensive back the first time he saw him at Ohio State three years ago. They’re in similar roles now with the Buffalo Bills. The team drafted both players in the first round — Winfield in 1999, and Clements a week ago.’

‘When it comes to scouting, Buffalo Bills coach Gregg Williams knows his stuff. When asked what attracted him to Boston College quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, Williams answered without hesitation. "His girlfriend," Williams said.’

‘"We just wanted him to come in and visit with the coaches and take a look at what we’re trying to do," team president and General Manager Tom Donahoe said. "And then we’ll see if it makes sense to try and sign him."’

‘Hasselbeck’s fiancee is Elisabeth Filarski, one of the castaways on Survivor who made it to the final four before meeting her demise Thursday night when she was voted off the island, leaving only two men and one woman alive for the $1 million grand prize.’