Archives for May 19, 2016

'Now, the search for a consistently strong returner continues.'

'Consistently effective running is the Bills' offensive identity. And they clearly devoted a large part of their offseason to making sure that remains the case in 2016 — especially when it currently stands as the best thing they do on either side of the ball.'

'Ryan certainly has to take a large share of the blame for this one. He’s the driving force in the organization. Rex needed an infusion of defensive help to shore up his reputation and help him get back to the playoffs. He wore a Clemson helmet to a news conference last year. His son, Seth, is the holder for the national runner-up. On draft night, Lawson talked about his close relationship with Seth Ryan.'

'The questions don't end with the medical staff, however. Scouting is as much about gathering information as it is about the ability to assess talent and project whether it belongs in the NFL. Millions of dollars are spent by each team, including the Bills, to go through this intensely detail-oriented process to find out, with as much certainty as humanly possible, what you're getting: especially with your first-round pick. That's because millions of more dollars will be spent on that player.'

'Archer was also expected to be in the mix to compete for the Bills' return specialist gig. Buffalo is not without options at that spot, though. Gillislee, Robert Woods, Walt Powell, Marquise Goodwin and rookies Kolby Listenbee and Kevon Seymour could all be in the mix for that job.'

'Joyner also notes that quarterback Tyrod Taylor could be poised to take another step forward in 2016. If that happens, the Bills could become the type of balanced offense every coach dreams about. Taylor already put together an impressive 2015 season, so if he continues to develop, the Bills have room to improve on offense.'

'Remember, the Bills nabbed Watkins in a draft that featured Odell Beckham, Jr. (who went 12th overall to the New York Giants), Mike Evans (seventh overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Brandin Cooks (20th overall to the New Orleans Saints) and Kelvin Benjamin (28th overall to the Carolina Panthers). Beckham, Jr. is already a two-time Pro Bowler and a former first-team All-Pro.'

'The Jets had signed Archer to a reserve/future contract in February, but he was cut last week and never arrived in Buffalo.'

'Last year, the Bills got an unexpected bargain by putting their faith in a former backup, who generated starter’s numbers for an $833,333 cap hit. This season, Taylor will either prove his worth as a long-term starter and raise his price accordingly or fall back to the middle and struggle to gain a foothold as anything more than a reliable reserve. The tape indicates that Taylor is more than a one-year wonder, but the circumstances surrounding 2016 undoubtedly make it the most important season of his career.'

'Archer originally began his NFL career as a third round pick (97th overall) of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Laurel, Florida native has played in 20 games in his career, totaling 10 rush attempts for 40 yards and seven receptions for 23 yards. Archer has also returned 23 kicks for 515 yards.'

'Tyrod Taylor’s former college teammate at Virginia Tech, Boykin really stepped up his second year in the league in 2013 after coming in as an undrafted free-agent in 2012. He caught 49 passes for 681 yards with the Packers that season, but hasn’t done much since. He didn’t play last season after being released by the Carolina Panthers right before the season started. Boykin has a lot of special teams experience and is seen as a good contributor there. But, with Watkins out, he will also have a chance to make an even bigger impression at wideout.'

'The designation opens up a spot on Buffalo’s 90-man offseason roster. The Bills will retain the rights to Archer until a resolution to his status with the club takes place.'