Archives for April 2017

'The biggest knock on White in college was his lack of physicality. Some scouts said he didn’t stick his nose in as a tackler as often or hard as he could have. Interesting given McDermott said at the NFL owner’s meetings in March that his defense would be built around cornerbacks who can tackle. Bills fans remember Stephon Gilmore dodging tackles all-too-well on his way to a big pay day with the Patriots.'

'Patrick Mahomes could flame out and never be a starting caliber quarterback in the NFL. But of all the QBs in this class, he has the best chance to be great. He’s the ultimate high boom-high bust potential QB.'

'When asked on Twitter most fans approved of the move by the Bills while those who didn’t cited a need to “win now” and get an “impact player at 10” to help the franchise snap a 17-year postseason drought.'

'“I really felt good about the pick of Tre’Davious White,” said McDermott. “A solid person, solid football player. A guy we had on our board. We felt like if we could get him he’d be a good pick for us.”'

'In White’s senior season he was the most difficult cornerback to pass against. According to ProFootballFocus he allowed only 41.7 percent of his targets to be completed and he led the nation with a 90.5 overall grade.'

'Trade talks commenced with the Chiefs and other clubs right after the free agent market began to thin out according to McDermott. Kansas City GM John Dorsey and Bills GM Doug Whaley remained in constant contact throughout the week leading up to the draft Thursday night to ensure they remained on the same page.'

'“It’s been ongoing,” said head coach Sean McDermott. “It’s exciting. Everything you read about, the fans see that’s what’s going on right now. We’ve had a lot of conversations. We are in a good spot, a healthy spot. We’re not too high and we’re not too low, so we like where we are. There are a lot of people trying to get into where we are, so we feel like we’re in a good spot right now.”'

'Another former Bills player will also be announcing the team’s third-round selection. Former safety Bryan Scott will step to the lectern to reveal Buffalo’s third-round pick Friday night.'

'McDermott has become the Bills’ “One Voice,” but since he hasn’t coached a game and is learning about this year’s college talent on the fly, his comments were restricted to vague generalities.'

'"And if you have two players at positions of need, who's the best player?" former Bills general manager, Hall-of-Famer, and current ESPN NFL analyst Bill Polian said. "And if everything is plus-plus and it's a tie, then who's the most likely to succeed. But I don't think at 10 you get there. At 10, even in this draft, where there's a lot of ifs, that's a guy most likely to succeed."'

'"We are all getting fired next week," an anonymous Bills scout was quoted as saying in the PFT report.'

'They could also wait until the middle rounds, although Gabriel doesn't think that would be wise.'

'Pegula has been the catalyst for a $635 million investment in Canalside. That includes Wednesday’s announcement of a Labatt restaurant and brewery in a Pegula-owned building across from KeyBank Center.'

'Retaining Whaley and his scouts, many of whom pre-date predecessor Buddy Nix, will help the Bills get through the draft, which runs through Saturday. Then it will be time for McDermott to install evaluators he trusts.'

'v13. Buffalo Bills (from Arizona). Mike Williams, WR, Clemson. With three quarterbacks gone – as well as Howard – the Bills stay true to their love of the ACC by taking Williams, who immediately takes over as the No. 2 receiver and provides some insurance in case Sammy Watkins isn’t able to stay healthy.'