Archives for April 2002

@ The Cowboys also were said to be entertaining a flop with No. 4 Buffalo if the No. 3 Lions select Joey Harrington. Concerned that the Chargers at No. 5 might take Jammer ahead of them, Dallas would take Jammer at No. 4, and Buffalo would go with North Carolina DT Ryan Sims in the sixth spot.

‘Williams just turned 21 in November, but has plenty of experience playing in big games for the Longhorns. He has been compared favorably to former teammate Leonard Davis of the Arizona Cardinals, the second overall pick in the 2001 draft.’

@ ESPN compares three mock drafts posted on their site; Kiper got it wrong regarding Buffalo.

PFW (4/20), Mike Williams

Kiper (4/19), Ryan Sims

ESPN.com (4/17), Mike Williams

I had Williams rated ahead of Bryant McKinnie after the knee injury wasn’t viewed as a concern. He could step in at either right or left tackle. At Texas, he protected the blind side of Chris Sims at right tackle, but he has prior experience at left tackle. He is a great pass blocker and is exceptional at sustaining blocks as a run blocker. He is nimble at 375 pounds, often getting downfield to help spring running backs for large gains. He has enough polish to step in and be an immediate starter and anchor on the Bills’ offensive line.

The Buffalo Bills kept the fourth pick overall in Saturday’s NFL Draft and selected offensive tackle Mike Williams from Texas.

"We didn’t receive a phone call while we were on the clock," Donahoe said. "It wouldn’t have mattered anyway because we were unanimous in the choice of this young man."

Donahoe believes Williams is an outstanding prospect and talked about upgrading the team’s offensive line problems this offseason

@ "Conventional wisdom is that the top pick should be an offensive tackle. It won?t happen." Looks like Larry is not as connected as he used to be.

In a post 1st round selection interview, GM Tom Donahoe, responded to a question about a trade for Drew Bledsoe with "Stay tuned….". So, we shall Mr. Donahoe.

Let everyone know your opinion on the Bills 1st round draft pick!

MIKE WILLIAMS – Offensive Line

University of Texas Longhorns

Has quick movement ability coming out of his stance, showing nimble feet and good hand rise & explosion…Hits defenders instantly coming off the ball, delivering power behind his arm swipes… Gains position and sustains blocks with a wide leg base and arms extended…Has the leg drive to steer and block the defender…Shows very good knee bend for a player his size… Shows the agility to pull and accelerate at the point of attack… Uses his hands properly to turn the defender and makes smooth adjustments in space to cut off and wall off the linebackers…Very quick to set and extend his hands, delivering a forceful punch and jab on the pass rusher…Has the lateral slide needed to recover when changing direction… Competes and works hard in the weight room…Works well with the offensive guard in picking up stunts with ease…Shuffles his feet well setting up in pass protection…Physical, athletic and intelligent lineman who developed into one of the nation’s premier offensive tackles in 2001…Dominating blocker who is light on his feet for his size…"The sky’s the limit for Mike and he has a chance to be one of the great ones," offensive coordinator Greg Davis said…Moved into the starting lineup at right tackle in the later part of his sophomore year…Has allowed only two quarterback sacks in 28 career starts.

Joey Harrington was taken by Detriot and shortly later Bills take Mike Williams despite multiple comments from naysayers on his assessement that Mike Williams was a better tackle.

New Acquisitions Give Buffalo Flexibility

Head on over to the TBD War Room and chat with your fellow Bills fans about the draft! Donahoe and company will surely give fans something to talk about!

‘But one way or another, the Bills probably will have another quarterback on the roster by the end of the draft Sunday afternoon. "I’d say that’s likely," Bills President and General Manager Tom Donahoe said.’

‘"Scouting is not a math problem where you just add height, weight and speed and divide by the 40 time," Modrak said. "You have to blend it all together."’

‘Do not be surprised if part of the on-going discussions include the Bills and Pats considering swapping first round picks, with New England moving to 4 and the Bills getting Bledsoe and moving down to 32.’