Two Bills Drive

‘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.’

@ Reviews of top quarterback and offense line prospects in this year’s draft.

@ The more I think about what the Bills might do with their first pick, the more confused I get. I think. It probably helped the Bills that they signed Trey Teague. But it sure as hell didn’t help those of us trying to figure out what Tom Donahoe and Gregg Williams might do when it comes time to pick.

@ I LIKE THE Trey Teague signing a lot. He’s a guy who has already started in the NFL as a 16-game starter and he has been in the league four years. He’s a solid left tackle for a team that, up until recently, had designs on going to the Super Bowl and winning it. Teague’s a very good player. He can come in to Buffalo and be the starter, instead of another guy who will compete for a starting job.

‘Defensive tackle is the obvious new direction the Bills should head in the draft now that they have signed offensive left tackle Trey Teague from Denver. Teague’s arrival eliminates the need to draft one of the top two offensive tackles, Mike Williams of Texas and Bryant McKinnie of Miami, in the No. 4 spot.’

‘Wilson thought he was reassuring the customers when he said, "I don’t want the fans to worry. I want to get them to get a good night’s sleep." Nice thought, but they’ll still toss and turn, counting moving vans in their heads. This is Buffalo, remember.’

‘As for Drew Bledsoe scuttlebutt, it’s looking more and more as if the Bills are earnestly after Bledsoe.’

The Chargers retained UFA kicker Christie, signing the 12-year veteran to a one-year contract Friday night. Christie was initially signed to a one-year deal late last year after he was released by Buffalo on the eve of the regular-season opener. He spent much of the season rehabilitating a groin injury and then joined the Chargers when incumbent Wade Richey struggled. The one-year contract includes a base salary of $750,000.

The Atlanta Falcons have reached a contract agreement in principle with unrestricted free agent linebacker John Holecek, a six-year veteran who should aid the team’s transition to a 3-4 defensive front. Holecek, 29, played for Wade Phillips when the Falcons’ new defensive coordinator was the head coach in Buffalo and becomes the second former Bills starter to move to Atlanta in free agency. The team earlier signed safety Keion Carpenter, a three-year veteran.

@ Jones has been with the Bills his entire career and is entering his 18th season with the team. He is recognized around the league as one of the finest, strength, conditioning and nutrition experts in the business. He gained league-wide notoriety for getting the Bills players in top physical condition when Buffalo enjoyed the tremendous success with the "no-huddle" offense in the early 1990’s.

‘Kurt Schulz, who played eight seasons for Buffalo (1992-99) before joining the Detroit Lions as a free agent, could rejoin the Bills soon if the sides can cut through some contract language, his agent said. "We’re trying to work something out," Keith Schulefand said. "Assuming the terms and conditions are right, Kurt would love to come back and play. We’re just trying to break through a logjam."’

‘Only four of the NFL’s 32 teams have been judged not worthy of prime-time exposure: Buffalo, Carolina, Kansas City and San Diego.’