Archives for May 2, 2011

‘”My mother she always told me that,” said Dareus. “My big brother Pierson, my godfather. They said, ‘Don’t take a handout. Nothing is going to be given to you.'”‘

‘In the race to end their NFL-worst 11-year non-playoff streaks, the Detroit Lions appear to have a significant lead over Buffalo. The Lions have their franchise quarterback (if Matthew Stafford can get and stay healthy), a top-notch receiver in Calvin Johnson, two promising young running backs (Jahvid Best and No. 57 overall pick Mikel LeShoure) and can build their defense around possibly the NFL’s best and deepest defensive line. With Ndamukong Suh and bargain No. 13 overall pick Nick Fairley, the Lions will be very tough to run against. The secondary is the only glaring weakness.’

‘"We went for where we thought we needed players, and the best players on the board that we needed to improve our football team," he said at the end of the three-day draft. "We’re always just looking to improve our football team, whatever it takes. We sit and talk about every pick. I don’t think we go overboard one way or another. If a guy’s there, and he’s a good player, and we need him, we’ll select him. We needed help on defense a little bit more this year in some spots so we went there."’

‘The Bills’ draft haul, headed by Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus at No. 3 overall, demonstrates the flexibility of offensive-minded head coach Chan Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix’s focus on improving the defense.’

‘We Question Why: Nix passed on taking a quarterback in the second round with Colin Kaepernick, Andy Dalton and Ryan Mallett on the board in favor of Williams, whom some scouts feel may be better suited to safety but isn’t a great tackler. Though the Bills have an opening at right tackle, Hairston may have been a reach and isn’t ready to contribute right away.’