Two Bills Drive

‘"Hey man, I’m a Bill," Peterson gushed. "Yeah, man! A Bill! I’m a Buffalo Bill!" It was a bit overwhelming for a kid from Clinton, N.C. who didn’t even play his first season of football until his junior season in high school.’

‘When the last of the 246 picks was called, Peterson found himself in a recruiting war as a free agent between Miami and Buffalo. He said he was leaning toward Miami and the warm weather until talking with his agent, Joe Linta…"Miami had five defensive tackles on the roster and they were only keeping five. Buffalo has only two defensive tackles. So that was our best bet."’

‘No matter how rosy the projections, however, the final grades on this draft will be available sometime around Thanksgiving.’

‘So the education of Leif Larsen continues. How quick a study he is will determine whether he has a future with the Bills.’

‘Donahoe had a long history of success drafting in Pittsburgh, and his first effort for the Bills looks solid…count on Donahoe having brought in some young talent that will play well in this league.’

‘"I’ve been blessed in life," Robertson said. "I took the long road to get here, but I’ve worked hard. I just want to make this team and prove to people I belong."’

‘Antoine Winfield knew Nate Clements could be a good defensive back the first time he saw him at Ohio State three years ago. They’re in similar roles now with the Buffalo Bills. The team drafted both players in the first round — Winfield in 1999, and Clements a week ago.’

‘When it comes to scouting, Buffalo Bills coach Gregg Williams knows his stuff. When asked what attracted him to Boston College quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, Williams answered without hesitation. "His girlfriend," Williams said.’

‘"We just wanted him to come in and visit with the coaches and take a look at what we’re trying to do," team president and General Manager Tom Donahoe said. "And then we’ll see if it makes sense to try and sign him."’

‘Hasselbeck’s fiancee is Elisabeth Filarski, one of the castaways on Survivor who made it to the final four before meeting her demise Thursday night when she was voted off the island, leaving only two men and one woman alive for the $1 million grand prize.’

‘Meanwhile, the Bills have contacted free agent defensive end Mike Mamula, a Lackawanna native cut this week by the Philadelphia Eagles, and may entertain signing him to help their pass rush.’

‘Larry Centers, the NFL’s career leader in receptions by a running back, was at Buffalo’s mandatory minicamp Friday, watching from the sidelines in street clothes.’

‘"I’m glad I have a chance to play for the Buffalo Bills, which are contenders and have a great reputation."’

‘In the offseason where the Bills’ starting lineup and depth were once again ravaged by free agency, Dwight Adams once again held center court in the setting where he is most at home, the annual NFL draft.’

‘There is a neat story about Tim Hasselbeck, the Boston College quarterback. He is the younger brother of Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck, but that’s far from his only claim to fame. Tim’s girlfriend, Elisabeth Filarski, is one of the remaining members on the CBS-TV show Survivor: The Australian Outback.’