Archives for March 19, 2016

'Considering the Bills will still likely address defensive line (where Mario Williams was released), inside linebacker and/or outside linebacker, they needed to dip into free agency to some extent. His old team decided to move on at safety in signing Michael Griffin (Tennessee) and Travis Lewis (Detroit).'

'Doug Whaley and Jim Overdorf had no choice but to cut loose several players (Mario Williams, Leodis McKelvin, Kraig Urbik, Boobie Dixon), in addition to letting Nigel Bradham walk. In a tough situation, they probably made the right calls, too. Williams checked out. Ronald Darby replaced McKelvin at cornerback. “Boobie D” might’ve had the best personality on the team, and one heck of a back story that dates back to a homeless shelter, but averaged 2.1 yards per carry last year.'

'Blanton’s deal is reportedly one year at $840,000.'

'Goff is considered to be one of the best quarterback prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft. The former Golden Bear is likely going to be long gone when the Buffalo Bills are on the board at No. 19, but that didn't stop Whaley from doing his homework, and philosophically, he would have no problem taking Goff if he's there at 19.'

'Blanton, a fifth-round pick of the Vikings back in 2012, started in Minnesota for one year. He will likely come in and compete for the third safety spot behind Aaron Williams and Corey Graham in the Bills' defense. With Bacarri Rambo departing in free agency, Blanton will compete with Duke Williams and Jonathan Meeks to add depth to a secondary that needed it.'

'"Attending the Women's History Month Reception at the White House was an absolutely amazing experience," Smith said via the team. "I am extremely honored to have been invited, and to be in the presence of so many powerful, influential and trailblazing women was a once in a lifetime experience."'

'Hogan reportedly threw the ball well at his pro day and his elongated throwing motion, which has been a cause for concern with him, and looked more compact during his workout. At Stanford, Hogan played from under center often, and that will appeal to NFL teams. Like Hackenberg, Hogan is big and has a strong arm. Accuracy and the windup of a throwing motion are the biggest red flags. Still, Hogan seems to have the traits to at least be a solid backup in the NFL, something the Bills currently lack.'

'Buffalo is expecting safety Aaron Williams to return and play alongside Corey Graham in center field of the Bills defense. Blanton and Duke Williams will round out the depth chart at the position.'

'Blanton has primarily played safety over his first four seasons in the NFL, all in Minnesota, but can play cornerback, as well. He’s started 14 games for the Vikings the past two seasons.'

'It’s unlikely the Bills will be in position to draft the consensus top two QBs in the draft, Carson Wentz or Jared Goff. Paxton Lynch could possibly still be on the board when they choose at 19, but even if he is, the Bills may very well choose to draft a player that will give them more immediate help, then look to the later rounds for their young QB.'

'Blanton (6-1, 200) will provide depth behind incumbent starters Corey Graham and Aaron Williams in the secondary.'

'Blanton, 26, is a four-year NFL veteran, but has been a full-time starter at safety in just one of his previous four seasons with the Vikings. He started 13 games in 2014 and finished third on the team in tackles with 111 and had his only fumble recovery that season against the Bills.'