Two Bills Drive

‘”They both got something out of it,” Hollis’ agent, James Gaetano, said. “It’ll help Mike in the sense that here’s a team that needs somebody in that position. And with the way they played last year, they looked like they could’ve been helped by somebody that could give them a boost in that area.”‘

‘They met the media to map out their draft plans today and GM Tom Donahoe offered little clues as to which way he’s leaning. He did say there’s a lot of speculation and guessing about draft picks this time of year.’

"Everybody is (talking about trading down). Like I said, nobody is going to give me a straight answer. ‘Well, we like you, we might take you or we might trade down or we might pass on you, or we might take you and trade you.’ There are no straight answers."

‘The agent for the Jaguars veteran free agent [Mike Hollis] confirms to WIVB-TV that Hollis has agreed to a one year contract.’

‘What did the Bills tell you that they would want out of your position and you specifically? Basically, just continue to do what I do. Just play hard, play every snap. Run to the ball and just make big plays when you need it.’

‘What did the Bills staff talk to you about? We talked about my agent, me not having an agent and how my trip was going. Just basically how it was going to be after the draft, once you get drafted to whatever city you go to.’

‘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.’