Archives for April 21, 2002

‘The Bills have drafted the best run blocker in America. Tailback Travis Henry has to be the happiest guy in town – along with Brown, who has a star quality tackle to play alongside, and with a personality to rival his own.’

‘Rusty Jones, the strength and conditioning coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, will be the keynote speaker at "Lighten Up, Niagara!" a daylong conference on obesity Thursday in the New York Power Authority building in Lewiston.’

‘The Buffalo Bills organization named Karen Marsch executive director of business development.’

‘The Bills chose Williams because they love his humongous yet agile 6-foot-5, 375-pound body and the mean streak that courses through his veins on every snap.’

‘Finally, a first-round pick by the Bills that legitimately addresses a line that’s been in decay for a decade. A pick to make amends for Corey Louchiey, Jamie Nails and Robert Hicks.’

‘The Bledsoe trade rumor story that had Bills fans stoked in the days leading up to Saturday’s NFL draft did not come true. A deal could not be consummated.’

‘[Mike Williams] needs to get his weight to the 340-pound area in order to maintain stamina.’

‘[Mike Williams] Was considered the most polished blocker in the draft, a dominant performer who was not only extremely talented and athletic, but he played with a notable nasty streak.’

”’One thing I will say is that we weren’t going to give up a pick in this year’s draft,” he said. ”We never had the opportunity to speak to Drew or his agent. We are not going to be put in that type of position.”’

‘The Pats want a first-round pick as part of the compensation package for Bledsoe. The Pats are apparently willing to accept a conditional pick, but it has to be fair. The Patriots believe the Bills’ offer on Friday – a 2003 second-rounder that can become a first-rounder if Bledsoe plays in 12 games and the Bills make the playoffs – isn’t close.’

‘Instead of Bledsoe, the Bills ended up with a 365-pound offensive tackle as their key acquisition of the day.’

‘The Bills were set to take Tulane quarterback Patrick Ramsey in the second round, but Washington took him with the last pick in the first round.’

‘…Belichick and Pioli will look like geniuses for not giving in yesterday and taking what ever they could get for him.’

‘Of Williams, Bills’ president/general manager Tom Donahoe enthused, “He’s a large, agile, tough individual who adds chemistry to our football team.” Indeed, personality was seemingly one factor that pushed him ahead of McKinnie.’

‘”We never got a call,” said an almost incredulous Buffalo president/general manager Tom Donahoe, who quickly added, “and we never made one.”‘