Archives for May 1, 2022

‘Beane has every reason to feel good about what he’s accomplished. He’s got the Bills on rock-solid footing, with a roster devoid of holes. Coming into the draft, the only one was potentially at cornerback, where the team lost Levi Wallace in free agency and is dealing with the uncertainty of when All-Pro Tre’Davious White will be ready to play after tearing his ACL on Thanksgiving night last year.’

‘“I’m excited about some of these late guys, maybe even more than some of the other years,” Beane said. “I think a lot of these guys have a legit chance to make our roster. I know people sometimes are like, well, get rid of your picks, they’re not going to make it. I mean, we needed some depth in some certain areas. I feel they all have a legit chance.”’

‘“This is his moment,” Abram said Friday after Kaiir’s introductory press conference at One Bills Drive. “He took advantage of every opportunity and made the most of it. This isn’t about me. This is him. As a father, this is what you always dream of, your son having more or better than what you set out to do. … We always have a saying in the family. They call me ‘The Blueprint,’ but I see him and Matt and they took the plans and they enhanced it. You know what I mean? So they’ve taken it and did their thing with it and made it even better. And that’s what you always want.”’

‘He’s more of a slot receiver. That’s where he played in 2019 and 2021. But he played outside a lot in 2020. He ranks fifth all time at Boise State in receptions (208), fourth in receiving yards (2,878) and sixth in career 100-yard receiving games (10).’

‘He’s a lefty. Araiza punts left-footed. He is right-handed, though, which even he notes is an interesting combination for punters. He set an NCAA record by averaging 51.19 yards per punt last season, eclipsing the record set by Texas A&M’s Braden Mann in 2018.’

‘He made an instant impact in college. Benford played as a true freshman at Villanova, being named the Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Rookie of the Year and earning third-team all-conference honors after he tied for ninth in the Football Championship Subdivision with five interceptions. He also had 49 tackles and six passes defensed in eight start.’

‘He has exceptional height, at 6-foot-8, which will fit in well in the Bills’ offensive line room. The Bills have 6-8 starting right tackle Spencer Brown and 6-8 reserve tackle Tommy Doyle.’

‘Star turn: Had 19 tackles against North Carolina State, the most by a player in the Dabo Swinney era, and the most for a Clemson player since John Leake had 21 against Maryland in 2002. The 19 tackles included nine solo spots. His previous career high had been 13.’

‘The Bills traded Teller to Cleveland before the start of the 2019 season, ultimately cutting bait way too soon. That misstep came up Saturday, because the Bills went back to Virginia Tech to draft massive offensive tackle Luke Tenuta in the sixth round, No. 209 overall.’

‘Sean McDermott’s culture.’

‘Furthermore, the name should resonate with Western New Yorkers and conjure up the history and pride associated with the hardy, determined folks who have made Buffalo a model of working-class values. I think all New York residents would agree that regional pride is a good thing and since we, in New York City, have a Yankee Stadium and a Madison Square Garden, Buffalo should also have a venue steeped in local lore’