Archives for April 13, 2016

'The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Alexander was originally an undrafted pickup in 2005 and has lasted this long thanks to his play on special teams. He appeared in all 16 games last season for the Oakland Raiders, was in Arizona the two seasons before that and particularly excelled on special teams for six seasons with the Washington Redskins (2008-12).'

'"My vision started to close in on me and I blew a coverage assignment on the next play. I got pulled off the field, and I tried to buy myself some time. When asked about the blown coverage, I told a coach that I made a mistake and it wouldn’t happen again.'

'Meanwhile, Anderson played the last two seasons for the Indianapolis Colts. He is most well known for being the man who took the snap on what may have been the worst trick play in NFL history.'

'Do guys get second chances? Do players miss snaps and still make the team? Yes. But it's not the sort of thing you leave to chance. If coaches can't see you practice, they can't rely on you when it counts. When their jobs are on the line, the priority is playing guys whom they trust to perform. I knew I couldn't sit out. I couldn't risk coming this far toward my ultimate childhood dream only to let this stop me short. So I did everything I could to hide it, and I didn't tell a soul.'

'The Bills need depth at linebacker after failing to re-sign Nigel Bradham and Ty Powell, and after backup A.J. Tarpley retired last week because of concussion concerns.'

'Alexander, 32, has played nine NFL seasons and was a member of the Oakland Raiders last season.'

'But Whaley will stick to his philosophy and select the best player on their board regardless of position, even if that means selecting an offensive player. “We need some depth in a lot of areas and we need some starters in a few other areas,” he said. “So we’re going to work and look at every possible position and we’re not going to limit ourselves.”'

'Anderson comes to Buffalo after spending the past two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. The 5-10, 195-pound University of Montana product originally entered the NFL in 2009 as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings before going on to join the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010. Anderson, 30, has started 7-of-77 career games played, consistently making contributions on special teams throughout his career—accumulating 53 solo and five assisted special teams tackles.'

'Anderson, 30, is a six-year veteran having spent time with both the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile Alexander, 32, has spent 10 years in the NFL at various stops — most recently with the Oakland Raiders.'

'If it’s a run-stuffing nose tackle the Bills are after, Baylor’s Andrew Billings brings quite a bit to the table.'

'If you’re looking for defensive versatility, Cravens is a compelling argument.'

' Not just out of the wide receiver crowd, Corey Coleman is one of the most explosive players in the draft altogether. For his height, Coleman put up a jaw-dropping 40.5-inch vertical jump. If you combine that with a 4.37 40-yard dash and a 129-inch broad jump, Coleman will leave defenders in the dust. With his size, and movement ability, he has the potential to be a terror as a slot receiver, which is something the Bills could certainly use.'

'The two free agents visited One Bills Drive late last week with both players meeting with coaches last Friday in Orchard Park. Both Alexander and Anderson have are veterans who have cut their teeth in the league as high end special teams players.'