Archives for April 2005

‘The Bills were successful with last year’s undrafted rookie signings when they had five players make the active roster last season.’

‘Coach Mike Mularkey was scheduled to address reporters later in the day.’

‘The Bills today announced that the team has signed the following undrafted rookie free agents…’.

‘He’s a two-time 1,000-yard rusher who lost his job to a younger, higher-regarded player and is looking for a fresh start with a new team. We’re not talking about Travis Henry. It’s Anthony Thomas, who paid the Buffalo Bills a visit Thursday.’

‘"With Kevin, we’ve seen flashes of things he’s capable of doing," Mularkey said. "I’m going to work with him, and (assistant) Mike Miller, and we’re anxious. We think he’s got some skills that are rare for that position."’

‘His production has steadily declined, however, in part due to finger and foot injuries. Last season Thomas lost his starting job to free agent Thomas Jones and finished the year with 404 yards on 122 attempts, both career lows.’

‘Glover caught 62 passes for 660 yards and one touchdown last year, when he missed the final month of the regular season with a broken foot.’

‘Glover is in the history books as one of the most productive receivers at Tech. Somewhat undersized, he tallied 2,725 yards and 21 touchdown receptions. He finished his career one short of tying the school record for touchdown catches. He also was a vital part of the offense that became the first in NCAA history to record three receivers with 1,000-plus yards and five receivers with at least 70 catches.’

‘He played four seasons in Chicago rushing for over 3,000 and scored 21 touchdowns.’

‘Thomas said he liked his visit with Mike Mularkey and Tom Donahoe. He said he was told he would get playing time and doesn’t consider himself a backup or a starter. As we’ve found out with the Bills trying to trade Travis Henry, there really isn’t a market for starting runningbacks in the NFL at this time so Thomas is going to have to realize any situation he steps into, it’ll be as a backup.’

‘The Bills coaching staff didn’t comment on Thomas’ visit. But it’s likely they offered him the same role as Henry would have: a third-down back who could also fill in whenever McGahee needed a rest.’

‘"I’m willing to be a player here," said Thomas. "I’m not going to say I’m going to be a backup or say I’m going to be a starter. They say they are going to give me the opportunity to play and that’s good enough for me."’

Barring a key injury between now and the regular season, interest in trading for Henry likely will remain where it is today – nonexistent. The Bills never received an offer involving a first-day pick in the draft according to general manager Tom Donahoe, who decided not to part with Henry for less than market value. There isn’t a better backup running back in football and Donahoe knows Henry will be with the team when his paychecks start coming in September.

‘”I keep praying for that one phone call, but I’m not going to stay around waiting for it to happen,” Glover said. “The most frustrating thing about the process is knowing that you can play, but having to wait for someone to give you a chance. I know that I can play in the NFL. I just want the chance to show some-one.”‘

‘One of the most prolific receivers in Texas Tech football history has agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills and will attend the first rookie training camp of the spring next week. Nehemiah Glover finished his career with 2,725 receiving yards and 21 touchdown receptions.’