Two Bills Drive

‘Donahoe has already begun laying a new foundation, bolstering his roster with six free-agent acquisitions over the past month. Those additions include two likely starters: linebacker London Fletcher and offensive tackle Trey Teague. As a result, the Bills most pressing concerns entering the draft are at defensive line, where they need another nosetackle to complement returning veteran Pat Williams, and at strong safety.’

WGR Sports Radio 55’s Bills reporter Chris Brown reports that Buffalo has agreed to terms with Jacksonville free agent kicker Mike Hollis. Brown says it’s a one year deal for $650,000 and no signing bonus. Hollis was 64% on field goals last year. He is 10 for 14 from beyond the 49 yard line, and is 80% lifetime on field goals.

@ As compiled by John Clayton as of April 9. Bills are in 4th best salary cap shape, followed by Eagles, Texans and Vikings (best shape).

Maybe John Butler isn’t such a fool after all: “Of the team’s starters in ’01, 15 were drafted by the Steelers (NFL average: 12), including these Pro Bowlers: quarterback Kordell Stewart, guard Alan Faneca and linebackers Jason Gildon and Kendrell Bell (the defensive Rookie of the Year). Faneca is the only No.1 pick in that group. Last year, opening day rosters across the league featured 26 players drafted by the Steelers. Only the Bills, with 27, drafted more.”

Less than a month to the 2002 NFL Draft, all focus is surrounding Buffalo’s 11 draft picks. Here are a few things you may have not known about Buffalo’s draft history.

‘With Van Pelt, the number of sacks allowed dropped significantly and the offense functioned much better. He also has the respect of his teammates.’

‘Peppers, a 6-foot-6, 285-pounder, is rated as the top defensive lineman in the draft. He is expected to be taken with the second overall pick by the Carolina Panthers, who have a glaring need at defensive end.’

Bills management seemingly has made no bones about wanting to bring other quarterbacks onto the roster. The Bills have been in touch with Blake, Chandler & Quinn (or their agent). The argument can be made that Bledsoe is the best option at QB.

‘Peppers was the third defensive lineman to make a visit, following Tennessee’s Albert Haynesworth and Georgia’s Charles Grant. The interest in Oakland Raiders free-agent tackle Grady Jackson is said to have cooled, so doing last-minute checks on college draft talent could be an indication of where the Bills are leaning.’

‘”We’ve had some discussions to let them know our interest, and those discussions are ongoing,” Donahoe said.’

In Gilbride’s eyes, Buffalo has players who can take the ball and run with it. The Bills also have players who can catch the ball and do something dazzling

I’m just trying to take it all in. I’m not really getting that excited about it. I’m just trying to stay calm but I think I will be getting more excited as it gets closer.

The following are the dates for specific ticket sales.

Select-A-Seat – May 11th and 12th

Season Ticket Holder Additionals – May 13th

Group Tickets – May 20th

Individual Game Tickets – July 13th

Season Ticket holder’s may get additional tickets at these numbers:

2: 50, 4: 150, 6: 300, 8: 500, 10: any amount

‘Since Buffalo is the only bidder, the Bills aren’t offering the Patriots a big deal. They’re certainly not going to give the Patriots the fourth pick in the draft. The Patriots have countered by saying they could bring Bledsoe back, even though that may not be realistic. That’s why Bledsoe is likely to still be a Patriot when the draft opens a week from Saturday. Then it becomes interesting. The Bills are likely to test the Patriots’ resolve during the draft after they make their first-round pick.’

Based on several publications reviewed by buffalobills.com, here are the top quarterback, offensvie line, running back and wide receiver prospects in this year's draft. Click on the player's name for a detailed bio.