Archives for May 2016

'The Bills could use some competition at the return specialist spot. They don't have a set starter at that spot with Robert Woods, Walt Powell, Marquise Goodwin, Mike Gillislee and rookies Kolby Listenbee and Kevon Seymour all possible candidates for the job.'

'A year ago, Bills running back LeSean McCoy and wide receiver Sammy Watkins ranked No. 47 and No. 49 respectively on the NFLPA's list of the top 50 sellers. Taylor could join them with another strong season in 2016. Bills fans have been waiting for a quarterback for a long time and will likely be scrambling to the team store to buy Taylor's jersey the more he proves himself.'

'Archer was a multiple threat at Kent State, where he was used as a running back, receiver and kickoff returner. In four years at college, he combined to score 24 touchdowns rushing, 12 receiving, four on kickoff returns and even had one passing.'

'In 20 games, Archer has totaled 10 rush attempts for 40 yards and seven receptions for 23 yards. Archer has also returned 23 kicks for 515 yards.'

'The addition of Archer now puts the Bills roster at the maximum of 90 they can bring to training camp.'

'With the top two spots at running back already well established with LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams, and with two other promising young players behind them, Archer's best chance at cracking the roster is to take advantage of the opportunity as a kickoff and punt returner.'

'Perhaps it was just a slip of the mind, but they made no mention of Kouandjio as someone that could push for the starting job this summer — which isn't exactly the strongest endorsement for his short-term outlook. Entering his third season, Kouandjio has made only two starts for the Bills since entering the league, and could be in jeopardy of making the roster if the Bills add additional depth at offensive tackle.'

'Archer, 24, was signed by the Jets as a future free agent this past January. He was waived by the Steelers last November after serving as a multi-faceted offensive weapon and kick returner.'

'“He’s definitely going to be competing and he’ll be up for some of those jobs,” Bills coach Rex Ryan said of Lewis. “His work ethic in the weight room, all that – he’s a small-college kid – but he’s really, really taken off. He’s definitely here to compete for one of those jobs.”'

'Lawson, Ragland and Washington are three handpicked saviors of sorts by Ryan and GM Doug Whaley. For a peak at that thinking, here's more from Bart Scott…'.

'"It doesn’t matter what bravado or what you want to say or whatever mantra you want to have," he said, "at some point you have to deliver to back it up. And that’s where it comes from, as opposed to the personality of the individual players. By nature, defensive players are going to be aggressive and confident and want to get after you. But to take it to the level we had there in Baltimore, you’ve got to follow it up with the productivity.”'

'Zimmer, a defensive tackle out of Division II Ferris State, had to fight for every bit of attention he got coming from a small school. He had to contact his own agent to help get interest out there. He wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, so he had to attend the NFL Regional Combine, where he impressed in nearly every drill. From there, he had to compete at Michigan's pro day because Ferris State didn't have one.'

'Heck, the Bills might well be the NFL's only team with an official chicken-wing sponsor: Duff's.'

'But at some point, paying big money for your own players will cost you others down the road. The Bills had to let go of Mario Williams and Leodis McKelvin this offseason, and allowed Nigel Bradham to leave as a free agent.'

'Just as we did last year, a list of five players currently on the Bills roster that will likely need either a big summer in training camp and preseason, or a change in circumstances to crack the 53-man team…'.