Archives for March 23, 2002

@ 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.

There is much speculation that Donahoe wants to trade down in the first round and acquire more picks, which he did last year. But his reputation as someone who always trades is unwarranted, Donahoe said.

“If it makes sense to sit there and take the pick, that’s what we’ll do,” he said, adding that his philosophy is to be open-minded and ready to audible if a wise trade offer surfaces.

As draft day nears, Buffalo continues to explore ways to upgrade its line through free agency, a tact that could change its draft-day game plan.

"Denver’s still in the mix but right now, I’m just trying to see what’s out there, maybe something that could be a good opportunity," Teague said. "I have a good feeling (about the Bills)."

Chris Mortensen: I bet Davis would love to get a shot at his Miami OT McKinnie but I’m not sure he would want to pay the price. I’m not ruling it out because I think the Bills (picking 4th) would be receptive to deal with the Browns (16th).