Archives for April 2017

'A fifth-round pick in 2013, Gillislee rushed for 577 yards and eight touchdowns on 101 carries last season as LeSean McCoy's backup in Buffalo.'

'Gillislee, 26, was the Bills' No. 2 running back last season behind LeSean McCoy, rushing 101 times for 577 yards and eight touchdowns. Among NFL running backs with a qualifying number of carries, Gillislee led the league in yards per rush (5.71), rushes per touchdown (12.6), first-down rate on rushes (38.6 percent) and third-down conversion rate on rushes (75 percent).'

'Not matching the contract means the Bils will receive the first of the Patriots' two fifth round picks in this week's draft, No. 163 overall. It also means the Bills will clear $1.798 million from their 2017 salary cap, the amount Gillislee was already counting on his RFA tender.'

'Given that Gillislee's new first-year salary would eat up over 20-percent of the Bills' remaining cap room, that he'll be 28 years old by the end of the deal, and because they'll be getting a much-needed fifth-round pick out of the deal, letting the running back go is the best decision for all parties.'

'“The best running back group I've seen in a decade,” said NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “So it's loaded at that position with high-end talent as well as depth.”'

'New England’s offer sheet makes Gillislee one of the highest-paid committee running backs in the league. The Patriots also signed RB Rex Burkhead this offseason, who will join Dion Lewis and James White.'

'“I think it’s timely to point out the Bills didn’t do that last year when New England signed restricted free-agent receiver Chris Hogan to an offer sheet,” he said. “In that situation, the club was decisive in reporting to the NFL almost immediately that it wouldn’t match Hogan’s offer sheet.”'

'Jackson added two touchdowns on punt returns during his Alabama career. What makes that more impressive is it came on just 11 returns, all of which came during his senior year. He averaged a whopping 23 yards on those returns.'

'Most draft experts believe the Bills taking a QB would be a mistake because they do have Taylor in place, none of these four are considered ready to step in and start right away, and Buffalo has several other pressing needs beginning at cornerback and wide receiver.'

'Mike Williams, WR, Clemson.'

'LeSean McCoy will count for $8.875M on the team’s cap this year. New FB Patrick DiMarco, signed as a free agent, is scheduled to count $1.85M. Mike Tolbert and Joe Banyard, both signed to veteran minimum deals, will count $695K and $690K, respectively. Second-year RB Jonathan Williams’ cap number is just over $600K.'

'While ruling out the Bills taking a quarterback at 10 cannot be an absolute, trading up to get one with just six picks at their disposal seems unlikely unless they’re willing to part with future picks.'

'It’s interesting how your perspective changes when the newsmaker is somebody you know.'

'"I think for us, we're going to get a lot more fundamentally sound," Hughe said. "That's one thing" defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and coach Sean McDermott "are bringing to our side of the ball. They're really focusing on fundamentals, which is great, and for everybody to understand their job and how to execute it properly, which are two huge points that we've focused on this spring."'

'Kelly's off-field issues are only one reason he's expected to last until Day Three of the draft. There is also significant concern about his injury history, which includes tearing the ACL in his right knee twice, and most recently needing wrist surgery upon injuring himself after just 12 throws during the Ole Miss Pro Day. Because of those reasons, it's possible Kelly isn't even drafted.'