Archives for April 21, 2002

The Buffalo Bills are now a playoff contender. There, it’s said. Crazy? Did anyone think the New England Patriots could win the Super Bowl last season? Didn’t think so.

College: Tennessee Height: 5-11.6 Weight: 222

Very quick and active run stuffer… Stays under control knifing through the line of scrimmage… Has good strength to take on the fullback to fill the rush lanes… Uses his hands well when covering the tight ends and running backs in the short area passing game… Has the quickness to string plays wide and prevent the long gain around the outside corner… Adjusts to the flow of traffic and has fluid lateral agility… Could shift to fullback at the pro level.

‘Even before the deal was announced, the Bills opened their box office to accommodate fans who heard the trade was imminent. Buffalo, which failed to sell out four of its eight home games last season, drew 504,709 fans last year, the lowest since 1987.’

College: Virginia Tech Height: 5-8 Weight: 222

Bruising inside runner with good weave-and-hip movement upfield… Changes direction well and has an assortment of moves to cut back outside when turning the corner… Breaks arm tackles easily and has excellent short-area quickness… Has large, soft hands and great ball awareness as a receiver out of the backfield.

College: Fresno State Height: 5-8 Weight: 175

Crisp route runner with an explosive burst off the line ? Can transition quickly, showing a fluid change of direction ? Fearless in a crowd and has the acceleration needed to defeat defenders racing down the sidelines.

[NOTE: writer is slightly confused or in a hurry – they list him as a 6th round pick]

Q: Do you like him as center?

A: We thought that he had the ability to play center. We took him as a guard; at least what we valued the most was him at a guard. He’s a smart kid and has enough athletic ability to add to that spot as maybe a backup or a second at the position. As you know in the NFL especially in the NFL the more positions you can play and the more flexible you are the better. The more things you can do to be the utility guy, especially when you dress 8 guys, you have to have someone who can play at center as well in this league.

The Bills today announced that the team has acquired quarterback DREW BLEDSOE from the New England Patriots in exchange for a first-round pick in 2003

Started every game at right offensive guard… Earned Tiger Offensive Player of the Week honors vs. Mississippi and Florida… Graded 83.5% for blocking consistency and came up with 71 key blocks for an offense that generated 3947 yards, an average of 358.8 yards per game.

College: Auburn Height: 6-4 Weight: 317

Intelligent lineman who compensates for a lack of an athletic physique with sound technical skills… Has effective linear speed… Shows good hand placement and takes excellent blocking angles with surprising quickness, despite his frame… Dominates defenders with his lateral agility, showing suddenness to reach and zone… Knows how to sink his hips to maintain balance… Shows good explosion coming off the snap

‘The Bills landed the best remaining available veteran quarterback, filling their most glaring need in a way that puts them in position to win now. And yes, they’re going to enjoy telling Jeff Blake to take a barrel over Niagara Falls. ‘

Cornerback for University of Nevada-Las Vegas Rebels. Four-year starter with a knack for making the big play…Good athlete with a quick burst off his backpedal…Very smooth in transition…’

College: UNLV, Height: 5-11 Weight: 180

Good athlete with a quick burst off his backpedal – Very smooth in transition – Is not afraid to battle for the ball – Shows superb jump ability going after the pass and has natural hands to make the interception – Athletic in the open field, driving with his legs and with arms extended to wrap and secure as a tackler – Very aware of his responsibilities in the zone – Makes proper reads and shows good field vision – Covers the short routes well, breaking on the ball quickly.

‘After much speculation and several trade overtures, the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills reached an agreement Sunday to trade quarterback Drew Bledsoe, the Super Bowl champions’ Web site reported. The Patriots will receive the Bills’ first-round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft for Bledsoe.’

Defensive Tackle, Colorado, Height: 6-3 Weight: 300

Has thick muscle development in his arms and chest… Recognizes the plays and shows awareness getting to the ball… Holds his ground firmly at the point of attack and shows the power to stack… Uses his arms to defeat blocks… Wrap-up tackler with explosiveness behind his hits… Can control combo blocks with his hand punch… Has a sharp burst to close on the quarterback once he gets past the blocker… All-out effort type with good functional power.

Justin Bannan, 6’3", 300 pounds DT for the Colorado Buffaloes. Profile linked.