Two Bills Drive

‘In 1983, the Bills drafted Jim Kelly in the first round. He showed up in ’86 after the USFL folded and turned around the franchise. Bledsoe will try and do the same. “I’ve talked with Jim a bunch,” Bledsoe said. “He was one of my heroes coming up and then when I first got in the league, he was one of the guys who kind of welcomed me and took me under his arm a little bit.”‘

‘The 6-foot-6, 370-pound Williams was the first offensive lineman taken in the draft after earning All-Big 12 Conference first-team honors last season. He allowed one sack in 2001 and just two sacks in 27 starts over his four seasons at Texas.’

‘Williams has the same size as Davis but could have a bigger upside. He started every game at the University of Texas last season and was a consensus All-America. He played right tackle, which was the blindside for southpaw quarterback Chris Simms.’

Sheldon Jackson: "I'm looking forward to camp and getting on the field to focus on football," Jackson said. "My off-the-field issues have been resolved and now I'm just anxious to get on the practice field and concentrate on football."

‘Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the contract is expected to make Williams the highest-paid rookie in Bills history and the team’s third-highest paid player behind quarterback Drew Bledsoe and receiver Eric Moulds.’

‘The Bills today announced that the team has signed offensive tackle Mike Williams, the team’s first round selection in 2002 and the draft’s fourth pick overall.’

‘”Drew has never had to depend upon movement or athleticism, the stuff Rob Johnson could do, the stuff Mark Brunell could do, or what Kordell (Stewart) could do,” Gilbride said. “He’s won with his arm and he’s won with his brain. He’s seen things and got rid of the ball when he had to. None of that’s diminished. He’s still a bright, insightful young man who looks to have a pretty good feel for what (rival) teams are doing to him. I think he’s anxious to prove that, maybe, the Patriots made a mistake.”‘

‘Flowers’ weight — he’s listed at 274 pounds — has only been part of the problem, and it hasn’t helped that he has trouble maintaining bulk on his lanky 6-foot-4 frame. Flowers has also wound up the odd-man out in the coaching upheaval that hit the Bills.’

‘Not only are the newcomers expected to fill a number of gaping holes on what had been a banged-up and inexperienced Bills team last year, but just as notable is the leadership qualities they bring. That’s important for Centers. Although last year was his first in Buffalo, Centers quickly emerged as one of the team’s leaders. Now that load can be shared.’

The Bills held their final practice for rookies and selected veterans on Saturday morning. The entire team will resume practice on Sunday, as the veterans will be present to take part in practice for the first time since the 2002 Buffalo Bills Bausch & Lomb Training Camp started on Thursday.

The Buffalo Bills began practice this week at St. John Fisher College for rookies and selected veterans. Misc. photos…

‘Driver certainly has taken advantage of a second chance to make a good impression. Over the past 12 months, he has become a favorite of the coaching staff because of his work ethic.’

‘Last summer when Alexander tried out for the Bills, the team’s hierarchy knew he could run, but running alone isn’t good enough to make it in the NFL. You need to run, catch, block and play special teams, a fact Alexander became acutely aware of when he was cut despite leading the Bills’ in pre-season rushing.’

‘Moulds stopped at the Kirkhaven nursing home in Rochester for a 30-minute visit as he prepared to report to St. John Fisher College today with the rest of the Bills veterans.’

‘Denney, Buffalo’s second of two second-round picks (No. 61 overall), is expected to arrive in Rochester sometime today and will participate in the team’s one practice Saturday morning.’