Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘I have been around Jones since the NFL Scouting Combine in 2017 (when I said — two months before the 2017 draft — that the Bills should draft him not only because of his on-field production but his personality and demeanor) and he would rank at the very bottom of my list of players on the team who I would ever expect to find themselves in this type of incident.’

‘The Browns are still getting roasted for trading out of the No. 2 spot in 2016, which allowed the Eagles to draft Carson Wentz. For a team that is 1-31 the last two years, it would be suicidal for GM John Dorsey to trade the pick and not take one of the quarterbacks, no matter how rich the package is.’

‘“We’re very low on money,” Beane said the other day, though he did add that the salary cap situation would not preclude the Bills from making some “lower level” moves. However, neither Newhouse nor Bodine falls into that category as they have combined for 134 NFL starts between them and could prove to be interesting additions to the team.’

‘“I never say I’m comfortable,” Beane said. “I can walk out with a Pro Bowl roster and I’m not comfortable, I’m always looking for ways to get better, all 12 months. Call me in July, I may be on vacation, but I’m never comfortable.”’

‘Both players showed promise in their brief time on the field as competent runners, but also players that could catch the ball out of the backfield.’

‘“Whether they’re going to draft somebody or not, I just think it’s a great opportunity to be able to compete and really showcase, day in and day out, what you’re able to do,” McCarron said. “I try not to waste any mental thought on it. It’s something I can’t control, so there’s no reason for me to put any thought into it. It creates mental clutter for my process day in and day out to be the best player I need to be.”’

‘“I had an opportunity to play with some great players in Carolina, so to come here and be a part of this defensive line, it’s exciting for me,” he said. “Kyle Williams, I’ve been a big fan, so I can come in here and learn from him. I know he’s a heck of a player, he’s got great versatility, he’s got great athleticism. From what I hear he’s a great leader, great locker room presence, everything you’d want out of one of your veteran leaders.”’

‘McCarron has four career starts, including one in the 2015 playoffs, when Dalton was injured. He won two national championships at Alabama.’

‘Murphy and Lotulelei will be expected to come in and start on the Bills’ front line, while Bush and Stanford figure to serve in backup roles and contribute on special teams.’

‘So, if you’re counting at home, that’s five free agents in the fold, all on the defensive side of the ball. That’s what happens when you rank 29th in run defense, and 31st in sacks, a double whammy that illuminated Buffalo’s difficulty in stopping teams in 2017.’

‘The Bills were never going to be in on Kirk Cousins, and probably not Case Keenum or Sam Bradford, either. Not at those prices. The second tier was certainly a possibility, but several were scooped up — Teddy Bridgewater, Josh McCown, and Mike Glennon.’

‘ As for the Bills, GM Brandon Beane, diving head-first into his first full off-season with Buffalo, did a lot of impressive heavy lifting before Wednesday’s 4 p.m. green light.’

‘On Tuesday afternoon, his daughter Erin Kelly-Bean posted a photo to Instagram of the former Buffalo Bills quarterback and his wife, Jill, aboard a departing plane. Kelly-Bean’s message read: “These two are off to NYC for more tests for my dad. Believing in the power of prayer. Believing that God still performs miracles. Thank you to everyone who has been praying. Don’t stop! #KellyTough”’

‘The Bills had already found and played Glenn’s replacement, Dion Dawkins, while Taylor was clearly no longer in Buffalo’s future plans; and rather than just cutting both players before $8 million in roster bonuses came due this week, Beane was able to get valuable compensation, a third-round pick from the Browns for Taylor, and a swap of first-round picks with the Bengals that moves the Bills up to the No. 12.’

‘While it seems apparent the Bills are gearing up to trade into the top five of the draft to select their franchise quarterback, they still need a veteran on the team, at the very least to act as a mentor to the rookie, but also perhaps to serve as the bridge starter in 2018. In this game of musical chairs, the Bills don’t want to be left standing with only Nathan Peterman in a backup role, do they?’