Archives for March 21, 2017

'"It's a blessing to be where I am, but it's not where I want to be," he said. "I'm going to try to get a couple touchdowns on there for the Bills fans, and give them something to cheer about."'

'Robinson, 27, played in all 16 games last season fro the New York Giants, making six starts. He finished with 83 tackles and seven passes defensed. Robinson's specialty is in pass coverage. The analytics website Pro Football Focus gave him a 76.5 coverage grade, which ranked 33rd among all linebackers. His run-coverage grade, however, was just 38.0, which dropped his overall grade to 43.4, which ranked 78th among all linebackers.'

'If there is a saving grace for the 2013 class, it's that Alonso turned into running back LeSean McCoy. The Bills traded the linebacker to Philadelphia before the 2015 season, and McCoy has been Buffalo's best offensive player the past two years, racking up 2,162 rushing yards, 82 catches for 648 receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns over the past two years. That explains the asterisk when saying the 2013 class has nothing left to show for it.'

'This dude is a beast with all the qualities you see in NFL tight ends: agility, speed, great hands, leaping ability and a very strong base. Given his size and athleticism, he would be a mismatch for most linebackers and defensive backs.'

'Brown joined the Bills in 2016 on a one-year, $1.25 million contract. He was originally signed as depth by the team, but moved into the starting lineup after 2016 second round pick Reggie Ragland tore his ACL.'

'Robinson appeared in 16 games with the Giants and recorded six starts. In New York, Robinson was primarily used as a nickel linebacker. In addition to recording 83 tackles, Robinson also had seven passes defensed with the Giants.'

'In his first season with the Bills, Tate served as Buffalo's primary return man. Tate recorded 662 yards on 29 kick returns, a 22.8 yard per kick return average, with the Bills last season. His longest return went for 45 yards. He also had 26 punt returns that went for 301 yards. His punt return average of 11.6 yards was second in the AFC according to the team.'

'He was arrested with a teammate with marijuana and a handgun in their car, however, Robinson was not charged. Still, NFL teams will likely be asking him about the incident leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft.'

'Round 1, pick 10: Mike Williams, wide receiver, Clemson.'

'“It was very surprising,” said Manuel, who turned 27 on Sunday. “You know, obviously being 2-2 and after losing to Houston, coach Marrone made the change and it was something I never dealt with as a competitor, as an athlete. So, it was definitely one of those things that I had to humble myself and understand that this could happen to anybody, you know what I mean?'

'Forced into duty at wide receiver last year due to injuries to others at the position, Tate caught 8 passes for 117 yards.'

'The fit for the Bills with Cam Robinson is fairly obvious. They have a gaping hole at right tackle at the moment and that's really the only weakness along an offensive line that seems like it will feature the run prominently once again in 2017.'

'Tate originally signed with the Bills just prior to the start of the 2016 season and initially provided a boost to Buffalo’s return game. He finished 2016 ranked fifth in the league in punt return average (11.6) and seventh in kick return average (22.8).'

'“I’d go into any of these other teams and I know I would be a starter,” Groy said. “Here (in Buffalo), on paper right now I’m not a starter. But of course you’re going to go in and try to start. I’m not going to go in and fight for a backup job. That’s not in my nature to do. I’m not going to fight to be second-best. Going to do what I can to push the guys ahead of me and make the team better.”'