‘Here is a list of the top players available in the 2018 NFL Draft by position on offense. Asterisk denotes underclassman.’
BillsBeat - April 25, 2018
Jerry Sullivan: It's time, Brandon – be bold and go get the quarterback
‘I can see the merits of both sides. But it’s time to be bold, to make a move that could set the Bills up for success for the next 10-15 years. They built up all that draft capital for one clear reason: To go after a franchise quarterback in a class that some feel is the most talented since that famous group from 1983.’
Ch. 7 is favorite to simulcast Bills game with Pats on 'Monday Night Football'
‘When ESPN or the NFL Network has the rights to night games, the league sells the broadcast rights in the home markets of the participating teams to simulcast the coverage and maximize viewership.’
Bills great Jim Kelly set to return home to Buffalo
‘”The speed of that process, considering the extensive nature of his surgery, was a function of his toughness, the firmness of his resolve, his faith and the support of his family,” Urken said in a statement. “All of those factors will continue to serve him well as he moves on to the next phase of his rehabilitation.”’
Bills draft preview: No matter who QB is, he needs WRs and there's a few to choose from
‘The Bills are desperate to add a downfield threat at wide receiver, and if they don’t trade away their second-round picks in a deal to move up for a quarterback, and Chark slips to them at either No. 53 or 56, Beane should pick him without giving it a second of thought.’
2018 NFL Draft: Ranking Josh Rosen and top 10 quarterbacks for Buffalo Bills
‘While Beane isn’t asking for my input, here’s how I would rank the top 10 quarterbacks in this draft.’
BillsBeat - April 24, 2018
Quarterback tops Buffalo Bills' priority list entering draft
‘What the Bills do have are assets in terms of draft picks — nine overall, including two in each of the first three rounds — to land one of the highly regarded prospects available by either staying put at Nos. 12 and 22, or packaging them in a trade to move up in the order.’
Joe B: My guess at the 2018 Buffalo Bills' draft board
‘QB Sam Darnold, USC.’
Jim Kelly may be coming home following surgery
‘Kelly posted the update while in New York City.’
Who are the top sleepers in the 2018 NFL Draft?
‘DE P.J. Hall – Sam Houston State – 6-0 ½”, 308.’
Bills Today: Beane prepares for QB-hyped draft
‘“I’m excited,” said Beane. “I’m sure there will be nerves. It’s like when you play sports, you practice all week, but when it gets to game day there is a different feeling.”’
NFL braces for wild draft, but big moves in top 10 are risky
‘”I think this is going to be a very, very wild ride when it comes to draft night,” the NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks said. “The fascination and need for quarterback will really drive the draft. We talk about maybe seeing five or even six quarterbacks that may come off the board in the first round.”‘
Brandon Beane says Russ Brandon will have seat at Bills' draft table
‘The minute Beane’s comment hit social media, reaction was swift – and brutal. While most fans are fine with the team’s head coach, owners, assistant general manager and college scouting director having a seat, it was the inclusion of Brandon that has heads spinning.’
Bills chose Jim Kelly in 1983 draft, but this tight end was their first pick
‘”That was probably the most exciting time in my life for me and my family when I was drafted by Buffalo,” Hunter said last week from his home in Cincinnati. “I looked forward to going to Buffalo.”
Peter King's mock draft has Bills moving up for 'genial version of Jim Kelly'
‘But given how well connected King is in league circles, it is worth noting that he has the Bills moving up to No. 6 in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts and selecting Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen. The trade, though, allows the Bills to keep No. 22 in the first round.’
Thurman Thomas to announce Bills draft picks from Niagara Falls
‘In an interesting twist, the Bills will take to Niagara Falls for the draft’s third day on Saturday. Thurman Thomas will make selections for the fourth and fifth rounds and youngsters from local NFL flag football teams will be announcing the sixth-round pick. Day 3 will be streamed on BuffaloBills.com and NFL.com with a select number of picks from around the league being shown during the NFL Network’s draft coverage, according to the team website.’
Spotrac: Bills rank last in the NFL in salary spending
‘They rank next-to-last in the NFL in quarterback spending with a cap hit of $3.6 million, 30th in linebacker spending at $13.1 million, 29th in offensive line spending at $24.3 million, and 25th in wide receiver spending at $14.8 million. The Bills also rank 24th in defensive back spending at $22.5 million, although they were aggressive in addressing the position in free agency and the draft last year.’
Tasker embraces new CBS role, talks NFL draft prior to opening of 'One Bills Live'
‘”I have a lot to learn about doing it every day and grinding it out,” said Tasker. “I am leaning on Murph and producer Jay Harris a lot. I love talking football and do what I do. I’m anxious to do it every day.”‘
NFL draft preview: If all else fails in the quarterback quest, Bills need to pivot to linebacker
‘So, for this purpose of this exercise, let’s assume the Bills don’t make the QB deal and stay put at 12. If none of their preferred QB options are available and they go in a different direction, linebacker should be the pick, and two players who could walk in and be day one starters are Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds and Georgia’s Roquan Smith.’
Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane: No truth to trade blueprint with New York Giants
‘Several people I’ve spoken with speculated that the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills likely have a blueprint in place for a trade that would allow the Bills to move up to the second spot in the draft. They also believe that the trade won’t happen until very late in the process, if it happens at all, as the Giants want to field further offers.’
Buffalo Bills have checked in with Denver Broncos on No. 5 pick in 2018 NFL Draft (report)
‘According to Mike Klis of Denver’s 9news.com, three teams have already called the Broncos about the pick. One of the three teams to reportedly check in on the pick was the Buffalo Bills.’
2018 NFL Mock Draft: What the Buffalo Bills' draft will look like if they swing a trade
‘osh Allen, QB, Wyoming.’
Despite signing McCarron, Bills have 'desperate need' at QB
‘It’s not something former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron will appreciate, but the Buffalo Bills – despite signing McCarron weeks ago – have a “desperate need” at quarterback entering the 2018 NFL Draft, according to USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Jones.’
Report: Bills unlikely to trade for No. 2 pick
‘According to Rapoport, however, the Bills would not try to get the Giants’ No. 2 pick, and would consider trading up only if a quarterback they want is still available with the No. 5 or No. 6 selection.’
At No. 22, the Bills may have plenty of options at needy positions
‘Trying to take into account the group of players that will most likely be gone by the time they’re on the clock again, here’s a list of four players who could potentially be available and a fit for the Bills…’.
Report: Bills have called the Broncos about trading up to five
‘Mike Klis from 9News in Denver says that the Bills, Dolphins, and Cardinals have all checked in with the Broncos about trading up to five. With the Browns, Giants, and Jets ahead of that pick it would be likely that at least two and maybe three quarterbacks would already be off the board.’
Rocket man
‘Allen, who had no FBS offers coming out of high school and had to go the junior college route for a year, reportedly had a pre-draft visit with the Bills. He is said to have also met with Cleveland, Denver, Miami, and both New York teams. Over the last two weeks, there have been numerous stories claiming the Browns are planning to take Allen with the first overall pick.’
What fans should watch for with quarterbacks in the NFL draft
‘It’s been analyzed ad nauseum for the last four months, and the night the 2018 NFL draft opens the top quarterback prospects will dominate the conversation as well. Buffalobills.com takes a look at what pressing question faces each team looking at QB in the top 12, and provide the opinion of NFL draftniks on the top QBs.’
Bills Today: Mayock sees Darnold as fit for Bills
‘“Immediately, Darnold and Allen are the two guys I think of from that perspective…,” said Mayock. “My gut tells me that, if you’re choosing between the two, Allen might have the higher ceiling… and I think at the end of the day it will be Sam Darnold, and he’s got a little Brett Favre in him.”’
BillsBeat - April 23, 2018
What are the Bills' NFL Draft priorities other than quarterback?
‘With LeSean McCoy turning 30 in July and journeyman depth from Chris Ivory, the Bills could use an infusion of youth. This might be a spot to address in the middle or even late rounds, where solid talent should be available. The Bills and every other team will be searching for their versions of last year’s gems at the position found in the third round (Kansas City’s Kareem Hunt and New Orleans’ Alvin Kamara). The Bills had pre-draft visits with San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny and Arizona State’s Kallen Ballage; both should be selected on Day 2.’
Bucky Gleason: In 48-hour period this week, Buffalo sports could take dramatic upturn
‘On Thursday, the Bills will take two first-round picks into the NFL Draft, including No. 12, with hopes of finding the next No. 12. They have six picks in the first 100 and nine across seven rounds. On Saturday, the NHL will hold its draft lottery in Toronto. The Sabres have the best chance of nabbing the first pick.’
Buffalo Bills draft capsule
‘Bills might take step back before begin advancing after yet another offseason overhaul in bid to build through youth and shed high-priced contracts. Difficult to see how playoff stars will align perfectly for second consecutive year with questions at quarterback, offensive line and with McCoy set to turn 30 in July.’
Buffalo bound Baker?
‘As far as the potential negatives on the Mayfield resume, he doesn’t have the prototypical NFL height. Mayfield was measured at six foot 5/8 at the combine. Some might also wonder about his competitiveness which can be over the top at times, depending on your point of view. Mayfield’s flag planting at midfield after a win at Ohio State and a crotch grabbing incident during a game at Kansas might be pointed out by some as a lack of maturity.’
Capaccio: LB and WR options for the Bills at No. 12 if they don't select QB
‘But what if they can’t trade up and there are no QBs general manager Brandon Beane deems worthy enough of selecting with the No. 12 overall pick Thursday night? In that case, if the Bills decide to go in a different direction and address QB later, here are two linebackers and two wide receivers, both needy positions, who could potentially land in Buffalo and how they would fit the Bills…’.
Who are the top defensive prospects for the NFL Draft
‘There have been too many times to count how much we’ve heard about the 2018 quarterback class and it has completely overshadowed the rest of the talent in this year’s NFL draft. To help provide a wider view on this year’s draft class, Buffalobills.com takes a closer look at the top handful of defensive prospects in the 2018 crop…’.
Bills fan "Pancho Billa" to attend 2018 NFL Draft as part of Buffalo's "Inner Circle"
‘Commonly referred to as “Pancho Billa,” Ezra Castro, a lifelong Bills fan and President of the Dallas-Fort Worth Bills Backers chapter, has been courageously battling cancer since last fall. One of the most iconic and recognizable Bills fans, Castro, a Texas native, manages to travel to a handful of Bills games each season and in doing so has gained quite a following. After learning of his diagnosis, Bills faithful from around the country have taken to social media to offer their support, using #PanchoPower to inspire others to get involved.’
BillsBeat - April 22, 2018
NFL Draft Preview: Top 10 quarterbacks
‘Sam Darnold*, USC. 6-3, 221. At the top largely because of improvisational playmaking and strong leadership, but turnovers can’t be ignored.’
Jay Skurski's Bills Mailbag: Giants' decision at No. 2 will have big impact on Buffalo
‘Let’s say the Giants love Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold. If the Browns take Wyoming’s Josh Allen at No. 1, then New York gets its potential quarterback at No. 2. If Cleveland takes Darnold, then maybe the Giants are comfortable trading down. Those two decisions will go a long way toward determining what happens with the Bills in their pursuit of a quarterback.’
Chad Reuter 2018 NFL Mock Draft 5.0: Buffalo Bills land USC QB Sam Darnold in trade
‘Buffalo gets a new quarterback in Darnold, who will try to show the Browns and Jets that they shouldn’t have passed on him.’
Editorial: Fred Jackson, WNY's real sporting hero
‘In an era when pro athletes often are regarded as aloof prima donnas who are only in it for the fame and money, Jackson’s journey, his drive and his attitude offered a different sort of story, one fans and non-fans of all ages could embrace.’