Archives for May 2006

‘Despite the constant criticism of their offensive line, the Buffalo Bills seem to feel it’s good enough to get the job done. Frankly, it probably is. Although the line isn’t among the elite by any means, it’s better than the Bills’ previous lines, which were a catastrophe.. With quarterback J.P. Losman’s mobility, the line’s shortcomings should be somewhat covered up. At least, that’s what the Bills are hoping for.’

‘Still, anyone who feels confident assessing the Bills’ draft at this point is a fool.’

‘Donte Whitner was one of the highest graded players on the Bills draft board last weekend, but not a word was spoken about the Ohio State safety. Granted, no member of the media asked members of the scouting staff or the front office about him either, but the Bills made it a point to keep his name from being associated with them leading up to draft day.’

‘The Bills, who are busy signing players who were not selected in last week’s NFL draft, have yet to release an official list.’

‘Where he fits: Should be the starter at strong safety from Day 1, replacing Lawyer Milloy.’

‘But if Whitner and McCargo were “reaches” in the first round then cornerback Ashton Youboty and free safety Ko Simpson were “steals” in the third and fourth because those two defensive backs had first-round grades.’

‘Unfortunately for the Bills, Clements, the team’s $7.2 million franchise player, hasn’t signed his franchise tag tender this offseason. He’s stated that a holdout could be imminent, unless the Bills give him a long-term contract. However, an incredibly lucrative deal for the 26-year-old isn’t likely, since Levy and co. clearly prepared for his departure this past weekend with the Youboty pick.’

‘The 300 pound lineman tells us he expects to start this year for the Bills. Right now, his agent is working to finalize his contract. When it is done, McCargo will be a multi-millionaire.’

‘No matter how anybody views this Bills draft, passing on Leinart and Cutler was the right move, for this team.’

‘Former Cardinal standout and All-American John DiGiorgio (Shelby Twp., Mich./Eisenhower) will continue his football career with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League after signing a free agent contract with the team on Monday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "A lot of scouts were interested in John for his athletic ability, leadership and great football instincts," said Randy Awrey. "As the draft drew closer, teams interest heightened as they saw what a great player and person John is and what he can bring to an organization."’

‘Grade: D.’

‘On the heels to the two-day marathon of selections I have decided to weigh in with my feelings on the direction the Bills took this past weekend.’

‘Simpson said before the draft that he considered himself among the best defensive backs available and was optimistic that he would go sometime in the second round. Immediately after his selection, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said Simpson could be a steal for the Bills in the fourth round, but he also questioned Simpson’s decision to leave school early. "He could be (a steal)," Kiper said. "A third-year sophomore comes out early. He had two outstanding seasons for the Gamecocks in the SEC; a productive player; pretty good tackler. Consistent performer; made some big plays as well.’

‘A two-time all-Mid-American Conference selection for the RedHawks, Nance finished his career as Miami’s all-time leader in receptions (208) and receiving yards (3,131). He broke onto the scene during a sensational sophomore campaign when he shattered Miami’s single-season records with 90 receptions and 1,498 yards, ranking fourth nationally in receiving yards per game while helping Miami to MAC and GMAC Bowl Championships. Nance, who totaled seven 100-yard games during the 2003 campaign, was named second-team all-MAC and entered his junior season as one of college football’s top ranked wide receivers.’

‘This draft more than anything shows the new philosophy in the Marv Levy/Dick Jauron era. The team drafted players of high character, intelligent, smaller, and faster with high motors always taking them to the ball.’