Archives for May 20, 2006

The team’s search for a fourth defensive end has created an opportunity for undrafted rookies Matthew Rice, Jason Hall and Ryan Neill. Rice, a three-year starter at Penn State, Hall, an All-SEC pick at Tennessee, and Neill, who had 10 sacks and 21 1/2 tackles for losses as a senior at Rutgers, are try-hard players with decent athletic ability and 4.8-second speed in the 40-yard dash. They are in the 260-pound range, so they need to add more bulk and strength. The team has two good starters Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay and top backup Ryan Denney. If Rice, Hall or Neill stands out in training camp, one of them have a chance to earn a roster spot.’

‘The Bills have a new head coach in former Chicago Bears coach Dick Jauron and Evans is excited about what the 2006 season may bring. “They’re coming in with new ideas and different things going on,” he said. “I’m excited about it. Our new coach seems like a real good guy. I’ve heard nothing but good things about him coming from players who he’s coached before.’

‘It’s impossible to know if Ochs’ play dissuaded Buffalo from drafting a quarterback last month, but that fact has to be seen as good news among Ochs’ supporters.’

‘In Buffalo, coaches and fans are hoping Aaron Gibson, the 27th overall pick of Detroit’s in 1999 who was out of football last season, can do the same. Gibson, whose 6-6, 375-pound girth rivals Williams, knows this is likely his last chance to make something of his football life.’

‘One player to watch is second-year man Justin Geisinger, a sixth-round pick out of Vanderbilt who has made strong strides under assistant Jim McNally and could wind up as Buffalo’s starting center were he to beat out free agent Melvin Fowler.’

‘The Bills will conduct a series of three-day organized team activities over a three-week period starting next week.’