Two Bills Drive

@ Last year, the Bills were cap-strapped throughout the offseason. They ended up getting a league-high four draft choices — a third-rounder and three seventh-round choices. Defensive end Marcellus Wiley, who went to the Chargers from Buffalo, was considered perhaps the top free agent in 2001. The Bills also lost cornerback Donovan Green and offensive lineman Marcus Spriggs to Miami

The Bills were granted four Compensatory draft choices.

3rd – loss of Marcellus Wiley

7th – loss of Donovan Greer

7th – loss of Marcus Spriggs

7th – One of three awarded teams with worst records (Detriot, Buffalo, Carolina)

‘The extra picks were among 32 awarded by the league as part of the compensatory pick system that is part of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement. Any team losing more or better free agents than it acquires in a year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks.’

With rights come responsibility as illustrated by a scene at a Bills game.

‘Peter King’s interesting note: Buffalo plays 16 Sunday afternoon games, the last 13 at 1 p.m. Don’t overdrool on the safeties. This includes teams like Buffalo and Minnesota that pick in the top 10 and absolutely love Oklahoma safety Roy Williams. Only eight of the 62 starters at strong and free safety at season’s end in the NFL were first-round picks. Sixteen were undrafted college free agents. Good safeties can always be found down the line in the draft.’

‘UFA LB John Holecek has reportedly reached an agreement with the Falcons, where he should be able to help the team in its transition to a 3-4 defensive front. Holecek had also been receiving interest from the Texans, who will also employ the 3-4. Holecek is expected to compete for the second starting ILB position next to LB Keith Brooking. He played in a 3-4 scheme in Buffalo for Wade Phillips, now the Falcons defensive coordinator.’

‘John Holecek isn’t a superstar, but his lunch-pail work ethic made an impression on Falcons DC Phillips, who coached Holecek with the Bills. Holecek missed a handful of games with injuries last season in San Diego and played a minimal role in his first season away from Phillips watch. Buchsbaum: Phillips coached Holecek in Buffalo and is very high on him because of his intangibles and instincts. Granted, he gets hurt quite a bit and is neither big nor tall nor athletic, but he plays as hard as any player in the game and is a very smart player.’

‘The Bills are looking at Packers unrestricted free agent strong safety Billy Jenkins. Jenkins was an undrafted rookie free agent out of Howard who signed with the Rams in 1997. He was the team’s starting strong safety in 1999, when they won the Super Bowl.’

‘The teams have left for Europe, and all seven players the Bills assigned to the league have made NFLEL rosters. The season begins Saturday, April 13, and concludes with World Bowl X Saturday, June 22.’

‘The additional selections give the Bills a total of 11 picks, including the fourth overall. The compensatory picks are awarded under a formula comparing the number and quality of free agents a team loses and signs the previous year.’

‘A glance at the training camp roster of the Amsterdam Admirals might be slightly misleading. The NFL Europe League has David Dinkins (Buffalo Bills) listed as a QB. While that is true, there is not enough space on the roster to list all that Dinkins does for the Admirals. During training camp, Dinkins has thrown TD passes, caught TD passes, covered punts and returned kickoffs and punts.’

‘The Bills received a league-high four compensatory picks in the 2002 NFL Draft, the NFL announced today. The picks will come at the end of the third round (97th overall) and three in the seventh round (picks number 250, 252 and 260 overall). Combined with their own picks in each of the seven rounds and the Bills now have a total of 11 selections in the 2002 NFL Draft.’

‘The big question, however, remains the same: What will Buffalo do with its fourth round pick? Judging from e-mails I’ve been receiving, picking a quarterback (Joey Harrington) is the popular choice amongst fans.’

‘Full league preseason schedule linked.

08/09 Fri Cincinnati at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

08/16 Fri Minnesota at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

08/24 Sat Buffalo at Indianapolis, 7:00 p.m.

08/29 Thu Buffalo at Detroit, 8:00 p.m.

‘Amsterdam Admirals: WR Reggie Allen scored on a TD from 17 yards out. David Dinkins also saw extensive action at QB for the Admirals, completing 7 of 12 passes for 60 yards. Allen added 3 receptions for 33 yards. Frankfurt Galaxy: Curtis Alexander had 20 yards on 5 attempts. Cut list for NFLE was released after scrimmages. No Bills players were on it although a former Bill (Kwame Cavil) was placed on Admirals practice squad.’