Archives for April 21, 2001

‘Schobel captured the Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award in 2000 despite playing with nagging injuries most of the season. The 6-3, 264-pounder collected 56 tackles and 6 1/2 sacks in his senior season.’

‘Clements was the first cornerback taken in the draft, and is considered a need for the Bills who were seeking a strong, speedy defender to cover the NFL’s top wide receivers. It’s an added bonus for Buffalo, seeking to revamp its porous special teams, that Clements was Ohio State’s top punt returner and backup kick returner.’

‘After undergoing foot surgery in January 2000, Clements had a solid final season for the Buckeyes, intercepting four passes and breaking up 13 others. The 5-11 Clements, who left school after his junior season, solidified his draft position with a strong showing at the combine.’

‘Brian DeLucia, publisher of NFLDigest.com, ranks Clements No. 1 among corners. One reason is Clements’ brass, and his willingness to stand up "to anyone and he will muscle receivers," DeLucia said. "The only negative is that he will lose awareness of the ball at times downfield in man coverage and not be in position to make a play."’

‘Whether a premier defensive lineman will fall to the Bills’ 14th overall selection is one of many uncertainties in what shapes up as the most unpredictable, wide-open first rounds in recent years.’

‘"I’ve got great confidence in the coaches and Dwight and his staff, I promise you we will have an outstanding draft," Donahoe said. As Bills fans know, he’s going to need it.’

‘[Donovan] Greer, 26, agreed to a three-year contact with a $400,000 signing bonus and a salary around $448,000, the minimum for a four-year player. He gives the Redskins depth at cornerback behind Champ Bailey, Deion Sanders and Darrell Green.’

‘The NFL Draft has arrived, and not since the early days of the Bill Polian Era when the Bills were trying to regain their pulse after back-to-back 2-14 seasons has a draft been this meaningful to the future of the Bills.’

‘"Mr. Wilson would make suggestions, but he never told us who to take," he said. "If he had been impressed with someone he had seen in a televised college game, we would brief him thoroughly on that player. He was open-minded. He understood that the draft is a risky proposition."’

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‘The Redskins also signed free agent Donovan Greer, a nickel back with the Buffalo Bills the past three seasons.’

‘Center is the most stable off-season position in the game of football. The 2001 off-season is no exception. There are likely only two teams in the NFL going into the draft with a major need at the position. Free agency could very easily reduce this to just one.’

‘He arrives at work before 6 every morning and never goes home before 10 that night.’