‘The Bills chose Williams because they love his humongous yet agile 6-foot-5, 375-pound body and the mean streak that courses through his veins on every snap.’
BillsBeat - April 21, 2002
Donahoe makes safe, smart pick at No. 4
‘Finally, a first-round pick by the Bills that legitimately addresses a line that’s been in decay for a decade. A pick to make amends for Corey Louchiey, Jamie Nails and Robert Hicks.’
Bills, Patriots put Bledsoe deal on hold
‘The Bledsoe trade rumor story that had Bills fans stoked in the days leading up to Saturday’s NFL draft did not come true. A deal could not be consummated.’
Up Close: Mike Williams
‘[Mike Williams] needs to get his weight to the 340-pound area in order to maintain stamina.’
Bills draft capsules
‘[Mike Williams] Was considered the most polished blocker in the draft, a dominant performer who was not only extremely talented and athletic, but he played with a notable nasty streak.’
Bills take a pass on Bledsoe trade
”’One thing I will say is that we weren’t going to give up a pick in this year’s draft,” he said. ”We never had the opportunity to speak to Drew or his agent. We are not going to be put in that type of position.”’
Pats won't fill Bills
‘The Pats want a first-round pick as part of the compensation package for Bledsoe. The Pats are apparently willing to accept a conditional pick, but it has to be fair. The Patriots believe the Bills’ offer on Friday – a 2003 second-rounder that can become a first-rounder if Bledsoe plays in 12 games and the Bills make the playoffs – isn’t close.’
QB picture status quo in AFC East
‘Instead of Bledsoe, the Bills ended up with a 365-pound offensive tackle as their key acquisition of the day.’
As sun comes up, Bledsoe still a Pat
‘The Bills were set to take Tulane quarterback Patrick Ramsey in the second round, but Washington took him with the last pick in the first round.’
And Drew shuffles off to...nowhere
‘…Belichick and Pioli will look like geniuses for not giving in yesterday and taking what ever they could get for him.’
Bills tab Texas-sized OT
‘Of Williams, Bills’ president/general manager Tom Donahoe enthused, “He’s a large, agile, tough individual who adds chemistry to our football team.” Indeed, personality was seemingly one factor that pushed him ahead of McKinnie.’
No Beldsoe, no draft-day trade
‘”We never got a call,” said an almost incredulous Buffalo president/general manager Tom Donahoe, who quickly added, “and we never made one.”‘
Bills add a fast, wide body
‘”If you want a quality football team in Buffalo, it starts with the offensive line,” Donahoe said. “It makes the whole team better. You look at teams that are quality teams year in and year out and it usually starts with the offensive line.”‘
Four state players taken on first day
‘”I felt like they wouldn’t have made that pick if they didn’t think I could do it,” Reed said. “They showed some belief in me so now I’m going to have to show some belief in myself.”‘
After long wait, Reed at ease
‘”It feels great to be selected by such a good team.”