April 30, 2005

Bill paying off: Losman impresses in camp

They began getting to know one another early last season, while rehabbing their broken bones at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The more veteran Buffalo Bills safety Lawyer Milloy conversed with rookie quarterback J.P. Losman, the more he felt like he was experiencing deja vu.

Notes: TE Everett Sidelined with Knee Injury

Already thin at the tight end position with starter Mark Campbell and backup Tim Euhus still recovering from reconstructive knee surgeries, the Bills are holding out hope that Kevin Everett's left knee injury isn't serious. Coach Mike Mularkey said after practice Saturday that the team will wait for the swelling to go down, possibly by mid-week, before evaluating it to determine the extent of the injury. Everett, the team's third-round draft pick, was hurt after making a catch during a team drill with 10 minutes left in Friday's afternoon session in Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Bills Daily- Day 2 Minicamp report

Preston Prepared For The Pros: Duke Preston said his challenge right now is to get the playbook down but he is sure it will come. He said he's really excited to learn from Jim McNally since he has so much knowledge and a great personality. He said he's trying to get acclimated to all the terminology but the scheme is very similar to Illinois and his college system has helped him prepare for playing in the pros. He said his job is to be ready to go whenever his number is called.

Bills' Everett misses practice with injury

 Buffalo Bills rookie tight end Kevin Everett missed both minicamp practices Saturday because of swelling in his left knee. Coach Mike Mularkey said the team will wait for the swelling to diminish before conducting further tests. Buffalo's third-round draft pick out of Miami, Everett was hurt during the second of two practices Friday when he made a catch and his foot appeared to stick in the turf when he planted to turn up field. He was briefly spotted watching Saturday morning's practice while walking on crutches and had a wrap on his left leg.

Losman grabs the reins on the first day

Back in January at the Bills’ postseason wrap-up, Drew Bledsoe said the Buffalo Bills were his team. Three months later, J.P. Losman is making it quite clear that he believes the Bills are his team. Losman was happy to finally be on the field with his team as the Bills opened a three-day minicamp at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Friday. “It felt great to be out there,” Losman said after the first of two sessions. “I can't wait to strap it up for real.”

Bills Notebook-Rookie tight end Everett injures knee

The first day of the Buffalo Bills' minicamp ended on a sour note for rookie tight end Kevin Everett, who was taken from the field after suffering what the team believes to be a twisted left knee.

Out of film room and on to field

J.P. Losman emerged from his darkened film room Friday and finally got to play some real football. It felt mighty good. "It was exciting," the Buffalo Bills' new starting quarterback said Friday. "I've been telling everyone, "I've got it, I've got it' in the film room. But you never know until you come out here.

Bills Daily- Day 1 Minicamp report

Mularkey Runs Fast Paced Walkthrough: Coach Mularkey said he doesn't know the extent of the injury to Kevin Everett but it is a twisted knee. The coach was real pleased with the work of J.P. Losman. He saw him make some adjustments on line calls and fixed some things. He threw some good balls but was late on a few. He had good command. They had a blitz drill, which is very rare on the first day of minicamp. The walkthrough was quickly paced as they wanted an up tempo approach. He called these practices very, very important. They will go through every player at every position on Tuesday and see what adjustments need to be made. He felt all the rookies looked like they belong in the league.

Bills: Vincent applauds NFL's policy on steroids

When Congress held a hearing to examine the NFL's anti-steroid policy on Wednesday, no current players were called to testify.
That struck some on the panel as odd. If Congress wanted to know what was going on inside the locker rooms of America's most popular professional sport, shouldn't some players have been present to ask?  Troy Vincent, the Buffalo Bills veteran defensive back and president of the NFL Players Association, said he would've gladly testified "but there was no need."

April 29, 2005

Bills sign two more UDFA's - bring total to 16

The Buffalo Bills continue to add depth to their offseason roster with the addition of two undrafted free agents from the Universiy of California. Linebacker Wendell Hunter and Defensive Tackle Tom Sverchek brings the total of UDFA signed by buffalo since the end of the draft to 16.

Wendell Hunter is a hard-hitting outside linebacker who just needs more experience to become more of an impact player ... perhaps Cal's best athlete in the linebacker corps, given his combination of explosiveness and speed ... has big-play potential as a coverage linebacker. He can cover most backs and tight ends, which will make him a commodity at the next level. He is also a punishing defender who likes to deliver big hits.

Tom Sverchek is a versatile down lineman with experience at both defensive tackle and end. Sverchek is a relative newcomer to the defensive side of the ball, as he played mostly on the offensive line during his prep days and could possibly convert back to offensive guard at the pro level. His strength and work ethic, along with his ability to perform at several positions, will make him a late-round/free-agent project, but there is something about this guy that is worth a further look

Bills to Discipline Henry for Missing Camp

Disgruntled Buffalo Bills running back Travis Henry will be disciplined after missing the start of a mandatory minicamp Friday. Without saying what form of discipline will be applied, coach Mike Mularkey said Henry is under contract and required to be present for the session that runs through Sunday.

Minicamp Begins with Losman at QB

The new Bills era with JP Losman at quarterback officially began on Friday with a double-session workout to kickoff a three-day minicamp at One Bills Drive. Losman was announced as the team's starting quarterback back in February and has been preparing mentally and physically at the team's training facility in Orchard Park, but Friday marked the first time the second-year quarterback was on the field with his teammates in a formal practice setting.

Former Bills QB Doug Flutie to Return to Pats

Doug Flutie, who won a Heisman Trophy at Boston College and played for the Patriots during two well-traveled decades in professional football, has signed a one-year deal to return to New England. "I'm very excited about being back in New England, being home and being a part of a great football team," the 42-year-old Massachusetts native said in a conference call Friday night. "This is a fresh start."

Bills rookie Everett twists left knee

Buffalo Bills rookie tight end Kevin Everett was carted off the field after twisting his left leg in practice Friday. Everett, Buffalo's third-round pick in the NFL draft, was hurt when he made a catch and his foot appeared to stick in the turf as he planted to turn. He sat on the ground in obvious pain, slapping the turf in frustration, before the team's trainers helped lift him into a cart.

Bills Open Mini-Camp

It's the official start of the J.P. Losman era in Buffalo. The second year quarterback steps into the spotlight as the Bills starter this year. Despite limited playing time in mop up duty last season, J.P. feels he's ready.

Bills sign 16 free agents

Defensive end George Gause was among 16 undrafted rookie free agents signed by the Buffalo Bills today. Gause was a three-year starter at South Carolina, where he finished with 15 sacks and six forced fumbles. The Bills formally announced their signings to coincide with the start of a three-day mandatory mini-camp that opened today.

RB Henry absent from Bills' minicamp

As promised, disgruntled running back Travis Henry was a no-show when the Buffalo Bills opened a mandatory three-day minicamp April 29. Henry has one year left on his contract, but has demanded a trade after losing his starting job to Willis McGahee last season. The four-year veteran vowed last month he would not return to practice or play for the Bills.

A-Train makes a stop at The Ralph

He's a two-time 1,000-yard rusher who lost his job to a younger, higher-regarded player and is looking for a fresh start with a new team. We're not talking about Travis Henry. It's Anthony Thomas, who paid the Buffalo Bills a visit Thursday.

RB Thomas visits Bills for possible backup job

The Buffalo Bills continue to research possible backup running backs in the event that Travis Henry is traded. Visiting with the coaching staff and front office on Thursday was unrestricted free agent Anthony Thomas, a four-year veteran who is garnering a lot of interest throughout the NFL after a quick-burning career with the Chicago Bears.

Bills love Everett's talent

If Penn State is Linebacker U., then Miami is Tight End U. At least that applies lately. Green Bay's Bubba Franks (2000), the New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey (2002) and Cleveland's Kellen Winslow Jr. (2004) were Hurricanes taken in the first round of the NFL draft, and Franks and Shockey have been impact players. Now comes Kevin Everett.

April 28, 2005

`The A-Train' visits Bills as Henry's potential replacement

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) If running back Travis Henry doesn't want to play for Buffalo, Anthony Thomas is willing to consider it after visiting with the Bills Thursday. ''They seem like they're eager to have me here, and I'm eager to think about coming here,'' Thomas said.

Travis Henry, top free agents still available

Barring a key injury between now and the regular season, interest in trading for Henry likely will remain where it is today — nonexistent. The Bills never received an offer involving a first-day pick in the draft, according to general manager Tom Donahoe, who decided not to part with Henry for less than market value. There isn’t a better backup running back in football, and Donahoe knows Henry will be with the team when his paychecks start coming in September.

A-Train Visits Bills - Audio - (Real Player)

Free agent running back Anthony “A-Train” Thomas was in for a visit with the Bills on Thursday. Thomas spent the past four seasons with the Chicago Bears, where he gained over 3,000 yards rushing and scored 21 touchdowns. The former second round pick in 2001 also caught 72 passes for 509 yards in 51 career games. Thomas has deceptive speed, good hands, and could be an ideal backup for second-year starter Willis McGahee. “I’m willing to be a player here,” said Thomas.

Bills sign UDFA WR Neimiah Glover-Texas Tech

One of the most prolific receivers in Texas Tech football history has agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills and will attend the first rookie training camp of the spring next week. Nehemiah Glover finished his career with 2,725 receiving yards and 21 touchdown receptions. The former Red Raider standout ranks sixth all-time at Tech in receiving yardage and is tied with two others in second on the all-time touchdown receptions list.

He also ranks seventh in single-season receptions (77; 2003); third in career receptions (223); fourth on the single-season receiving yardage list (1,081; 2003); and third and fourth on the single-season touchdown receptions list (10; 2002 / 9; 2003).

Additionally, Glover helped Texas Tech become the first team in NCAA history to produce three 1,000-yard receivers and five receivers with 70 or more receptions in a season (2003).

Over the course of his 47-game career, Glover posted personal-bests of 12 receptions against Nebraska in 2004; 166 receiving yards against Texas in 2004; and three receiving touchdowns each against Texas A&M in 2003 and Missouri in 2002.

Records
Texas Tech Sophomore Single-Season Receiving Yards - 749 (2002)

NCAA Receiving - Two Players, Same Team, 1,000 Yards (Carlos Francis [1,177 yards]; Wes Welker [1,099 yards]; Nehemiah Glover [1,081 yards]) NOTE: Texas Tech is the first team in NCAA history to produce three 1,000-yard receivers in the same season.

NCAA Receiving - Four Players, Same Team, 60 Receptions (Wes Welker [97]; Mickey Peters [78]; Taurean Henderson [78]; Nehemiah Glover [77]; Carlos Francis [75]) NOTE: Texas Tech is the first team in NCAA history to produce five players with 60 receptions in the same season.

On the charts - Ranks seventh at Tech on the single-season receptions list with 77 in 2003 ... also ranks seventh on the Tech career receptions chart with 161 ... 1,081 yards in 2003 ranks fourth on the Tech single-season list ... has 2,065 career receiving yards, which ranks sixth all-time at Tech ... third on the single-season list with 10 touchdown receptions in 2002 and tied fourth with nine in 2003 ... has 20 career TD receptions and is tied fourth on the Tech career list ... needs three to break the record ... ranks 14th in the Big 12 Conference with 161 career receptions ... teams with Taurean Henderson as the top two returning career receptions leaders in 2004.

2003 - Big 12 Coaches Honorable Mention Team ... Navy - led all receivers with 116 yards on nine receptions ... caught a touchdown pass ... also rushed once for nine yards ... Oklahoma - grabbed seven receptions for 63 yards ... Texas - caught seven passes for 82 yards against the Longhorns ... made diving catch late in the final minute to put Tech in field goal range ... Baylor - averaged 26.4 yards per catch on five catches against the Bears ... had a career-high 132 receiving yards and one touchdown ... Colorado - led the team with 73 yards on six receptions ... Missouri - caught four passes for 64 yards against the Tigers ... also returned a kickoff 12 yards ... Oklahoma State - caught six passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma State ... Iowa State - five catches for 71 yards against Iowa State ... had a nine-yard kickoff return ... Texas A&M - tied career high with three touchdown receptions against Texas A&M ... caught six passes for 97 yards in the win ... Mississippi - three receptions for 53 yards at Mississippi, including a key 17-yard reception on 4th-and-10 on Tech's next to last scoring drive ... returned four kickoffs 85 yards, including a long of 26 ... N.C. State - turned in second-straight 100-yard receiving game with 106 yards at N.C. State on eight receptions ... one of two players to record 100 yards in the game (Mack) ... New Mexico - rolled up 116 receiving yards and a touchdown on eight receptions against New Mexico ... two kick returns for 43 yards ... SMU - solid performance in the opener against SMU ... three receptions for 40 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown pass from B.J. Symons ... eclipsed the career 1,000-yard mark in receiving yardage against the Mustangs ... returned a kickoff 11 yards.

2002 - Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Coaches ... Clemson - grabbed eight receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown against Clemson in the Tangerine Bowl ... Oklahoma - had two catches for 19 yards ... Texas - 62-yard touchdown reception against Texas late in the second quarter tied the game at 21-21 ... finished the game with four receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns ... Oklahoma State - grabbed seven receptions for 63 yards ... Baylor - productive day against the Bears with five catches for 70 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown strike from Kliff Kingsbury ... Colorado - solid game with four receptions for 43 yards ... Missouri - four receptions for 54 yards and three touchdowns against Missouri... Iowa State - two receptions for 25 yards ... Texas A&M - caught game-winning touchdown pass in overtime at A&M ... finished the game with three catches for 21 yards and a score ... New Mexico - averaged 13 yards per catch on three receptions against the Lobos, including a season-long 28 yarder ... N.C. State - logged a catch for nine yards ... Mississippi - caught four passes for 36 yards and a score against the Rebels ... SMU - grabbed two receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown.

2001 - Stephen F. Austin - had two catches for 14 yards ... Oklahoma - returned one punt 18 yards ... also blocked a punt against the Sooners ... Oklahoma State - averaged 19.3 yards per catch at OSU ... caught four passes for 77 yards and a touchdown ... Texas A&M - grabbed two receptions for 17 yards against Texas A&M ... Baylor - caught four passes for 36 yards at Baylor ... also returned three punts for 23 yards ... Kansas State - three catches for 21 yards against the Wildcats ... Kansas - rushed for the first time with two carries for 12 yards ... also caught two passes for six yards and returned a punt 16 yards ... Texas - grabbed four passes for 13 yards ... North Texas - had two catches for 25 yards, including a 17-yard reception against UNT ... New Mexico - led Tech with nine catches and 102 yards in his first collegiate action since redshirting the 2000 season ... had a long catch of 36 yards on a full-body extension.

2000 - Redshirt season.

High School - LaMarque High School in LaMarque, Texas ... had 48 receptions for 801 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior ...averaged 16.7 yards per catch senior season ... unanimous all-district wide receiver ... All-Bay Area ... had 12 punt returns for 172 yards ... ran back seven kickoffs for 204 yards ... in one game he ran for a touchdown, threw for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass, ran a kickoff back 95 yards for a touchdown and had an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown ... had 31 receptions for 532 yards and three touchdowns as a junior ...All-Bay Area choice as a junior ... named District 23-4A special teams player of the year by Houston Chronicle following senior season ... All-District 23-4A selection by Houston Chronicle as a senior ... helped lead LHS to 11-2 finish and Class 4-A playoffs as a senior ... High School Coach: Larry Walker.

Personal - Nehemiah Glover ... son of Mary and John Glover ... born September 28, 1981, in Texas City, Texas ... majoring in communication studies.

Congress pushes for drug testing

They said the NFL's management and players are unified in their commitment to fight performance-enhancing drugs and are doing a good job at it.  "As president of the players' association, Troy Vincent (of the Buffalo Bills) fully supports and understands the policy," Upshaw said. "He's in the locker room with his teammates. He understands what's going on."

Henry knew forecast would stay gloomy

When the Buffalo Bills hold their first mandatory spring minicamp this weekend, running back Travis Henry won't be there. Henry reiterated Wednesday he is still committed to seeking a trade and has no plans to attend the upcoming minicamp or any of the team's offseason workouts.

April 27, 2005

Draft answers Bills’ need for offensive help

If we’re to use the draft as a yardstick, there’s not much question where the Buffalo Bills feel they need retooling. Of the team’s six draft picks taken over the weekend, five — a wide receiver, tight end, running back and two linemen — were on offense. The other selection was a cornerback. And the reason is obvious.

Buffalo Bound! Eric King is Drafted by the Buffalo Bills

Only days ago Woodstock native Eric King was unsure where his football career would take him as he anxiously awaited the NFL draft. Today King, a defensive back, rests assured, knowing he has sealed the deal with the Buffalo Bills. The future, he says, “is looking good.”

Experts Weigh In On Bills Draft

On Tuesday, WGR had a pair of experts on the air that offered up their opinions on how the Bills did in last weekend's NFL Draft.
On the Morning Show, Howard Simon and Jeremy White talked with University of Miami offensive co-ordinator Dan Werner on the selection of wide receiver Roscoe Parrish and tight end Kevin Everett.

NFL beefs up steroid testing

The NFL is tripling the number of offseason steroid tests each player can face, a policy change the league made public on the eve of a hearing today before congressmen who say they are already drafting legislation about drugs in sports.

Bills beef up their defense

The Buffalo Bills selected only one defensive player in last weekend's draft, but they are making up for it in the college free-agent market. At least five defensive players are expected to sign by the team's three-day mini-camp this weekend.

Among them:

Safety Jim Leonhard of Wisconsin, who had a school-record 21 career interceptions.

Defensive end George Gause of South Carolina, who had 156 tackles and 15 career sacks.

Cornerback Therrian Fontenot of Fresno State, one of the fastest corners in the draft.

April 26, 2005

Seahawks and Bills can't find takers for RBs

While all the running back trade news focused on the Bills' attempts to rid themselves of Travis Henry's services, another back was being shopped. Several NFL executives told FOXSports.com they received calls on Friday from the Seahawks, who were trying to trade RB Shaun Alexander. The price tag for the Pro Bowl RB was a first-round draft pick, with the team calling in the middle of the first round. Neither the Seahawks nor the Bills found any takers. The Bills were asking for a third-rounder, but teams decided to wait, feeling Buffalo will eventually dump him as he's insisted he won't show up to camp.

Bills sign UDFA Kicker Joe Rheem of Kansas

Joseph "Joe" Rheem
Position: Placekicker
College: Kansas State

One of the most prolific scorers in Kansas State history, Rheem carried on the family tradition of kicking for the Wildcats. The team's primary placekicker for four seasons, his brother, Jamie, was a two-time All-American kicker at KSU.

At Wichita Collegiate High School, Joe earned All-America honors from Parade. He was a member of Prep Star's "Dream Team" and selected to Wichita Eagle's Top 33 squad. Rheem was a three-time first-team Class 3A All-State kicker and a unanimous selection as the All-MCAA kicker for three seasons.

A three-time all-league punter, Rheem also played quarterback and led the Spartans to the Class 3A state championship as a senior, earning all-league and honorable mention 3A all-state accolades as a quarterback. He made 11-of-13 field goals, including a season-long 55-yarder and converted 76 of 78 extra-point kicks. Rheem threw for more than 1,700 yards and had a 48-yard average as a punter his junior year. He also lettered twice for the state-champion golf team.

Rheem joined tailback Darren Sproles as the only true freshmen to contribute at Kansas State in 2001. Rheem scored 32 points on 4-of-6 field goals and 20-of-22 extra points. He added 80 points in 2002, as he was successful on 9-of-12 field goal attempts. Rheem picked up All-Big 12 Conference third-team honors in 2003, when he totaled a career-high 103 points on 67-of-68 extra point conversions and 12-of-17 field goal attempts.

Rheem was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award (nation's top kicker) in 2004, as he converted 13-of-15 field goals and 37-of-38 PATs for 76 points. He finished his career with 291 points, the third-best overall total in school history behind Darren Sproles (294, 2001-04) and Martin Gramatica (349, 1994-95, 97-98). He connected on 38-of-50 field goals, ranking behind Gramatica (54) and his brother, Jamie (39, 1996-97, 99-2000) on the KSU career-record list. He also made 177-of-187 extra points, 10 short of Gramatica's Wildcat record.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Very accurate field goal specialist inside the 45-yard line … Has an average snap-to-toe time of 1.34 seconds … Gets a good rise out of his kicks, hitting the ball quickly (2½-step kicker) … Shows good leg control in placing his kickoffs … Capable of making pressure kicks and handling the ball in poor weather conditions … Has good balance on his plant foot, showing proper leg extension.

Negatives: Lacks the leg strength to kick long, especially on kickoffs (averaged 55.8 yards per attempt with seven of his 61 kicks sailing out of bounds in 2004) … Gets little height behind his kickoff attempts and his average hang-time of 3.85 seconds prevents the coverage unit from getting downfield quick enough to prevent the long return … Very inconsistent on long-range field goal attempts and rarely do his kickoffs sail into the end zone … Takes a half step -- "cheater's step" -- on his delivery towards the ball, covering more than three yards before connecting with the pigskin.

INJURY REPORT

No injuries reported.

AGILITY

CAMPUS: 5.04 in the 40-yard dash … 30 5/8-inch arm length … 8 3/8-inch hands.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Wichita (Kan.) Collegiate High School, playing football for coach Mike Gehrer … Named to Parade magazine's All-American team … Was only kicker named to 57-player squad … Listed as the top kicking prospect in the nation by Rivals.com … Member of Prep Star magazine's "Dream Team" … Selected to Wichita Eagle's Top 33 squad … Three-time first-team Class 3A All-State kicker … Unanimous selection as All-MCAA kicker for three seasons … Three-time all-league punter … Also played quarterback and led the Spartans to the Class 3A state championship as senior, earning all-league and honorable mention 3A all-state accolades as QB … Made 11-of-13 field goals, including a season-long 55-yarder … Converted 76-of-78 extra-point kicks … Threw for more than 1,700 yards … Had 48-yard average as punter his junior year … Also lettered twice for state-champion golf team.

PERSONAL

Business major … Son of Jim and Liza Rheem … Brother, Jamie, was a two-time All-America kicker at Kansas State … Born July 1, 1982 in Wichita, Kan.

Buffalo Bills Waive TE Joe Donnelly

The Buffalo Bills waived TE Joe Donnelly today. Donnelly was signed January 11th, after being released from the Atlanta Falcons in 2004. The Falcons signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Syracuse. Donnelly became expendable after the Bills drafted Kevin Everett of Miami in the 3rd round of the 2005 draft, and signed UDFA Brad Cieslak of Northern Illinois.

Bills to Conduct Minicamp this Weekend

The Bills will be one of 26 NFL teams to conduct minicamp this weekend, less than a week after adding a handful of talented players via free agency and the NFL Draft. Buffalo will hold a pair of workouts on Friday and Saturday along with a morning session Sunday before the weekend concludes. All practices are closed to the public. In other news, the Bills have waived TE Joe Donnelly.

Preston Making a Name for Himself

Raymond "Duke" Preston III has heard it all before. That same question from scouts and analysts, who wondered if he had enough athletic ability to make it in the NFL. However, Preston never really let it bother him. He knew better.

Bills report: Strategy and personnel

The Bills may have a first-year player at quarterback, but they sure have plenty of experience behind him. Kelly Holcomb, 31, and Shane Matthews, who turns 35 in June, will back up 24-year-old J.P. Losman this fall.

Bills report: Notes, quotes

Had the Bills hung onto their 2004 first-round pick, they would've chosen 20th overall. As it turns out, they would've had the chance the select Cal's Aaron Rodgers, the second-ranked quarterback who went to Green Bay at 24. Rodgers and Utah's Alex Smith, who went to San Francisco with the first overall pick, had similar grades as Losman. The big advantage for Buffalo grabbing its QB of the future in 2004 is that Losman has been in the team's system for a full year. "Losman was rated right in line with Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers," ESPN analyst Kiper said on a national conference call. "He would have been right in that grouping. ... But now you've got a year with him. Now he's your starting quarterback. You've had a whole year to get him ready. So you're ahead of the game if you're the Buffalo Bills."

Bills report: Inside slant

DRAFT REVIEW -- Unable to swing a trade for disgruntled running back Travis Henry to get back into the first round and possessing just six picks overall, the Bills weren't able to add one player with instant potential to start. The team's defense, ranked No. 2 in the NFL two years running but growing older and suffering a hit at defensive tackle with the loss of free agent Pat Williams (Minnesota), was especially neglected.

Gause among Bills' signings

Gause, 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, was a three-year starter at defensive end for South Carolina. He started 31 of his 43 games with the Gamecocks, registering 156 tackles, 15 sacks and six forced fumbles. "My agent talked to a couple of teams, but the Bills made a better offer, and they didn't draft anybody at my position," Gause told the Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Sun News.

Bad answers by Donahoe, Miami guys

Tom Donahoe blamed just about everyone for his inability to trade Travis Henry. The Bills president and general manager said other teams weren't making offers. He said Henry's agent, Hadley Engelhard, hasn't done his part to help make a deal happen. He fingered everyone but the person chiefly responsible: himself.

Did Draft AFC East foes keep up?

Buffalo- The Bills had no first-round choice so they had to scramble to improve, and didn't seem to succeed. The biggest mistake was the stubborn refusal of personnel guru Tom Donahoe to deal unhappy running back Travis Henry if he didn't get at least a third-round choice. The three teams he was talking to -- Arizona, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia -- all drafted backs on the first day, leaving Donahoe with a guy who doesn't want to be in Buffalo and is loud about it. The Bills did, however, succeed in achieving a major objective -- adding speed to bolster the league's 27th-ranked passing game. They got that with two University of Miami players, wide receiver Roscoe Parrish and tight end Kevin Everett. Parrish, their second-round pick, is only 168 pounds but he runs a 4.38 40, has great explosiveness, and is fearless. He'll be expected to challenge slot receiver Josh Reed, who has been a disappointment. Parrish may be small, but he can run as fast as last year's No. 1, Lee Evans.

Bills still hopeful for Henry solution

The Buffalo Bills found it impossible to work a trade for disgruntled Travis Henry even before last weekend's NFL Draft turned into running backs on parade. Some 26 ball carriers were selected and only eight teams failed to draft a back. Even the Bills got into the action, taking Louisville's Lionel Gates in the seventh round.

NU's Ezekiel will sign with Buffalo

The NFL draft ended without Liam Ezekiel's name being called, but the Northeastern linebacker's disappointment didn't last long. About an hour after the draft ended Sunday, the Buffalo Bills called Ezekiel's agent to invite the four-time All-Atlantic 10 Conference player to their minicamp this weekend.

No trade for Henry likely now

The Titans flirted with the Buffalo Bills during the NFL Draft about acquiring running back Travis Henry, but the two sides failed to strike a deal. Titans Coach Jeff Fisher said it's unlikely his team will make another pass at the former University of Tennessee star, who has made it clear he wants out of Buffalo.

April 25, 2005

Bills sign UDFA Marvin Ward-CB/S of Northwestern

Named the Big Ten's "Best Run Support Cornerback" by The Sporting News prior to the 2004 season ... Possessed NFL-type skills ... With his blend of size and speed, he was projected as a safety prospect at the next level ... Turned in one of his career's best efforts vs. Michigan's Braylon Edwards his senior year ...Has great anticipation and body control ... Excellent in man-to-man coverage ... Tremendous football instincts ... 40 career breakups -- second-most on NU's all-time list --and seven career interceptions  ... 253 career tackles

.

2004: Honorable mention All-Big Ten honoree (media) ... Recipient of NU's Carnig Minasian Citizenship Award ... Ranked second in Big Ten and 14th nationally in passes defended with 17 (first in Big Ten in league games only with 13) ... Led NU vs. TCU with 8 tackles (five solos) and a forced fumble ... Surpassed the 200 mark for career tackles with five hits against Arizona State ... Moved into second place on NU's career pass deflection list with his 25th all-time breakup vs. KU ... Registered eight tackles (four solos) and a breakup at Minnesota ... Equaled a season high with eight hits against Ohio State ... Five tackles and four breakups vs. Indiana ... Two tackles to go along with an interception at Wisconsin ... Three tackles, a deflection and a key interception (12-yard return) -- his second in as many games -- vs. Purdue ... Registered three tackles and three pass deflections at Penn State ... Totaled six tackles, including a 2-yard TFL, as well as two pass deflections vs. Michigan ... Held Heisman Trophy candidate Braylon Edwards to 54 receiving yards ... Seven tackles (six solos) vs. Illinois ... Six tackles, an interception and deflection at Hawaii.

2003: Recipient of NU's Marcel Price Award ... Ranked sixth in Big Ten interceptions (0.31 per game) ... Picked up his second Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor for his performance against Illinois: eight tackles (seven solos), one breakup and two interceptions, including one that went 69 yards for a win-clinching touchdown ... Had one of his top career performances versus Air Force -- 17 tackles (11 solos) and a fumble recovery ... For his performance, was named the Big Ten's Co-Defensive Player of the Week ... Was a late replacement for Louis Ayeni in the starting lineup ... Had one tackle and a 22-yard interception return in the opener vs. Kansas ... Replaced Marquice Cole at corner at Duke and had three tackles ... Six tackles (four solos) vs. Miami ... Started again at corner vs. Ohio State and totaled three tackles and a pass breakup ... One assisted tackle and a pass deflection vs. Minnesota ... Seven tackles (six solos) and a pass deflection at Indiana ... Six tackles (five solos) and a pass breakup vs. Wisconsin ... Nine tackles (eight solos) and a forced fumble at Purdue ... Seven tackles and a pass breakup vs. Penn State ... Eight tackles (seven solos) vs. Michigan ... Turned in one of NU's top performances in the Motor City Bowl versus Bowling Green: eight solo tackles, a 12-yard interception return and two pass deflections ... Fourth on NU's tackle chart with 84.

2002: Started first two games and Big Ten opener (MSU) at right cornerback ... Eight tackles, including five solos and a TFL, at Air Force ... Two tackles vs. TCU ... One tackle vs. Duke ... Five tackles and a pass breakup at Navy ... Five solo hits at Michigan State ... Seven tackles (five solos) vs. Ohio State ... Four solo tackles at Minnesota ... Three tackles and a pass breakup at PSU ... Four tackles vs. Purdue ... Three tackles vs. Indiana ... One tackle at Iowa ... Two tackles vs. Illinois.

2001: Started the final seven games ... Ranked fifth on team with 55 stops, equaling fellow defensive backs Mark Roush and Raheem Covington in total tackles ... Led NU with 10 pass breakups ... In first collegiate start, responded with seven tackles (six solos) and four pass deflections against Minnesota ... Named team's Defensive Player of the Game for his effort against the Gophers ... Closed redshirt freshman season with a career-high 13 tackles and two pass deflections at Illinois ... Totaled nine tackles and three pass deflections vs. Penn State ... Two solo tackles at Purdue ... Five tackles and a pass deflection at Indiana ... Eight tackles and a forced fumble vs. Iowa ... Four tackles at Duke.

2000: Redshirted.

High School: His senior season was his first year playing organized football ... SuperPrep Top 25 in area ... Won team's Outstanding First Year Player Award and Most Improved Player Award ... Started seven games for 12-1 squad, and had five INTs ... Helped team win Maryland 4A state title by returning an interception for a 32-yard touchdown ... Also a three-time letterwinner in basketball and track ... Honor roll for four straight years ... Who's Who Among American High School Students ... Who's Who In Sports ... Recipient of 1999 Washington Redskins Incentive Award ... High school coach was Rick Houchens.

Personal: Born Marvin Rafael Ward on 8/7/82 ... Son of Mattie Ward ... Communication studies major and business institutions minor.

Ward's Career Statistics
TACKLES	       G	UA	A	Total	TFL	Yds	PD	FF	FR
2001	      11	43	12	55	0.0	0	10	1	0
2002	      12	30	19	49	1.0	1	2	0	0
2003	      13	64	20	84	0.0	0	11	1	1
2004	      12	43	22	65	2.0	3	17	1	0
TOTALS	      48	180	73	253	3.0	4	40	3	1
INT'S	       G	No.	Yds	TD	Lg	Avg/R	Avg/G
2001	      11	0	0	0	0	0.0	0.0
2002	      12	0	0	0	0	0.0	0.0
2003	      13	4	103	1	69	25.8	7.9
2004	      12	3	17	0	12	5.7	1.4
TOTALS	      48	7	120	1	69	17.1	2.5

Undrafted Northeastern star heads to Buffalo Bills minicamp

The NFL draft ended without Liam Ezekiel's name being called, but the Northeastern University linebacker's disappointment didn't last long. About an hour after the draft ended Sunday, the Buffalo Bills called Ezekiel's agent, Joe Linta, to invite the four-time All-Atlantic 10 Conference player to their minicap this weekend.

Bills’ Draft Falls Well Short of Meeting Pressing Needs

It cannot be any clearer at this point and given the Bills’ offseason strategy over the past several seasons that they simply do not place a high value in having an outstanding offensive line. Well, this season should either validate the Commander Tom era notions that blood can in fact be drawn from a stone or that in fact one does need a solid line in the NFL to achieve offensive success

Buffalo Bills Scout Doug Majeski Gives Evaluation of Newly Drafted Duke Preston

On his background: He's been a three-year starter (center) at Illinois. He has top character and is very smart. We like his athletic ability. We think he's very athletic. He's got good movement, he's got very good size, which gives you some flexibility to try him at guard because of his size and his ability to play versus strength.

Bills sign UDFA CB Therrian Fontenot of Fresno St

The Buffalo Bills continue their post-draft activities signing CB Therrian Fontenot  to a free agent contract. He joins former Fresno State team mate Kevin Thompson in the Buffalo Bills secondary.

Fresno State: Made a full-time switch to cornerback from running back following his sophomore year ... explosively fast player who is a major factor on kickoff and punt coverage ... usually the first person downfield to make a tackle on special teams ... possesses sprinter quality speed

(2003) Played in all 14 games, starting one ... registered 16 tackles and one interception ... his lone INT came against Boise State. It was the first pick of his career ... many of his tackles came on special teams, especially punt coverage, when he would blow past everyone and pick up a solo tackle on the returner ... also had one forced fumble and one pass breakup ... had a season-high four tackles at Hawaii. (2002) Played in 12 games ... carried the ball seven times for 11 yards ... on special teams, made 10 tackles, including seven solos. (2001) Played in all 14 games ... third on the team with 266 rushing yards ... averaged 4.4 yards per carry ... best game of the season came against Utah State, against which he rushed 23 times for 87 yards and a touchdown ... made five tackles on special teams. (2000) Sat out to fulfill NCAA academic requirements

.

High School: Two-sport star at Leuzinger High, excelling in football and track ... helped lead his lead to a 10-3 record his senior year ... was named first-team all-state and the Bay League's MVP ... holds LHS's school record in touchdowns (33) and rushing yards (2,057) ... finished second in the 2000 state track meet in the 200 meters with a time of 21.1 ... fastest time in 100 meters in California as a senior.

Personal: Born June 28, 1981 ... mother's name is Sharon ... has four siblings ... enjoys playing video games ... also recruited by USC, UCLA and Arizona.

Statistics
Rushing

Year	GP-GS	Att	Yds.	Avg.	TD	Long
2000	Redshirted
2001	14-0	60	266	4.4	2	23
2002	4-0	7	11	1.6	0	8
Totals	18-0	67	277	4.1	2	23

Defense

<>

Year	GP-GS	UT	AT	TT	TFL-Yds	Sacks-Yds
2002	12-0	7	3	10	0-0	0-0
2003	14-1	11	5	16	0-0	0-0
Totals	26-1	18	8	26	0-0	0-0

Athletic Everett More than Just a TE

JP Losman may be entering his first year as the starting quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, but he should have plenty of new weapons around him to be successful. The Bills began the 2005 draft with a speedy wide receiver from the University of Miami and continued to dip into the Hurricane's talent pool with their very next pick.

Speedy WR Parrish Expected to Contribute

It's been said that history tends to repeat itself. That's good news for the Bills. More than eight hours into the 2005 NFL Draft, Buffalo made University of Miami wide receiver and return specialist Roscoe Parrish the team's first selection with the 55th overall pick in the second round.

Bills sign UDFA Brad Cieslak- TE from Northern Illinois

Overall: Cieslak redshirted in 2000 and was a reserve tight end in 2001. He has been a starter since his sophomore season in 2002 and finished with 36 career starts. As a senior in 2004, Cieslak had 31 receptions for 384 yards and three TD's. Cieslak continued to improve with experience and had his best season as a senior. He has very good size and strength, and he has developed into an outstanding all-around blocker. Cieslak also has reliable hands and is a big target in the short-to-intermediate passing game. The problem, however, is that Cieslak has marginal speed and athleticism, which considerably limits his upside as an NFL prospect. Cieslak is worth selecting in the last couple of rounds as a potential backup TE that can contribute in short-yardage situations but he has too many athletic limitations to spend an earlier pick on him.

Bills sign DE George Gause as an UDFA

The Buffalo Bills have signd undrafted free agent George Gause, DE- from the University of South Carolina.  Gause was the quiet field general for the Gamecocks' defense. The three-year starter anchored the front wall where he utilized his speed and lateral range to wreak havoc in the backfield. Used mostly as a drop end, he is the type of athlete that gives total effort until the whistle is sounded. Gause was an All-America selection Sports magazine as a senior at Conway High School. Rivals Recruiting Service regarded Gause as the top defensive prospect in the state of South Carolina. He had 79 tackles and nine sacks his senior year and played in the Shrine Bowl.

He was named to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman team in 2001, as he recorded 24 tackles (16 solos) with a sack and two stops for losses. He started 11 games at weakside defensive end in 2002, totaling 55 tackles (36 solos) with four sacks, 7½ stops behind the line of scrimmage and three forced fumbles. The following season, Gause started eight games. He was bothered part of the year by a knee sprain that forced him to miss the Louisiana State contest, finishing with 37 tackles (20 solos), five sacks, nine stops for losses and five pressures.

Gause started every game in his final season. He produced 40 tackles (34 solos) with five sacks, eight stops behind the line of scrimmage and a forced fumble in 2004. In 43 games with the Gamecocks, Gause started 31 times. He recorded 156 tackles (106 solos) with 15 sacks for minus-77 yards, 26½ stops for losses of 103 yards and 11 quarterback pressures. He caused six fumbles, recovered another and deflected seven passes.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Well built with long arms, high-cut frame, big bubble, thick thighs and good muscle development in the upper body … Shows some quickness off the ball and strong hand usage to disengage … Has the ability to shed blocks quickly and clog the rush lanes … Has the speed and range to chase down the line … Strong wrap-up tackler that will give up his body to get to the ball … His hand placement and moves (rip, swim) allow him to create pressure … Plays with a good motor in his pursuit and has enough agility to drop into coverage and make the open-field tackle … If given a free lane, he can close quickly on the quarterback … Has adequate mental ability and ball recognition skills.

Negatives: When he gets high in his stance, he exposes his chest and blockers quickly get into his body, causing him to struggle to shed … Loses leverage at the point of attack when taking on double teams, as he struggles to split … Needs to stay at a lower pad level to prevent blockers from locking on … Accountable player, but will only do what is asked in the weight room … Stays tied up too long and has difficulties making the tackle when the action is directed right at him … Body appears too stiff for him to get proper knee bend … Relies too much on his rip moves as a pass rusher and needs to develop better club and swim moves in order to gain quicker penetration.

INJURY REPORT

2003 -- Missed the Louisiana State game and most of the Kentucky contest with a knee sprain.

AGILITY

4.69 in the 40-yard dash … 4.62 20-yard shuttle … 7.26 three-cone drill … 31½-inch vertical jump … 8-foot-9 broad jump … 33½-inch arm length … 9¼-inch hands.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Conway (S.C.) High School, playing football for coach Chuck Jordan … Rated the 17th best prospect in the nation by Tom Lemming's "Top 100" … Named All-America by Student Sports magazine … Rated the 11th-best defensive end in the country by Rivals Recruiting Service … Generally regarded to be the top defensive prospect in the state of South Carolina … Had 79 tackles and nine sacks his senior year … Played in the Shrine Bowl.

PERSONAL

Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management major … Cousin, Andrea Gause, was a teammate and defensive back at South Carolina … Born June 20, 1982 … Resides in Conway, S.C.

Gause gets cold shoulder-USC star signs with Bills

George Gause somehow got lost in the NFL draft shuffle, so now he's shuffling off to Buffalo. The former Conway High and South Carolina standout defensive end, who was projected to be drafted between the second and fourth round by many NFL scouting services, watched ESPN for 18 hours in vain for his name to be called.

Preston's proud of his NFL bloodlines

"With my father playing, I feel I have a good perspective on the business of the NFL and just the expectations of what playing at that level entails," said the younger Preston, drafted in the fifth round by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Henry trade becomes tougher

The NFL draft ended Sunday with Travis Henry still a member of the Buffalo Bills, who are struggling to find someone willing to trade for the disgruntled running back.

Bills banking on offensive improvement

By Tom Donahoe standards, it was a fairly uneventful draft. He did not trade Travis Henry. He didn't make a trade, period. He didn't have a first-round pick.

Bills add reinforcements for Losman

Nobody could have been happier about the Buffalo Bills' 2005 draft than J.P. Losman. The Bills spent their most important picks over the weekend giving their quarterback a better chance to succeed in his first season as starter.

Bills take speed over blocking to help Losman

When the Buffalo Bills acquired quarterback Drew Bledsoe in a draft weekend trade in 2002, it was a nice coincidence that the club's first round pick that year was giant right tackle Mike Williams. After the Bills named J.P. Losman their new signalcaller in February, it was no coincidence that they used their first two picks this weekend on a shifty wide receiver and an athletic tight end with speed.

Bills add more depth, playmakers for offense

To borrow a baseball term, the Buffalo Bills played small ball in the 70th NFL Draft this weekend.

Thoughts on draft — good and bad

If new Buffalo starting quarterback J.P. Losman winds up having a better NFL career than Alex Smith (the No. 1 overall pick this year) and Aaron Rodgers (No. 24 overall), Bills general manager Tom Donahoe will look like a genius.

Bills sign UDFA FB Jon Goldsberry from Purdue

Fullback Jon Goldsberry signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. His contract included a $20,000 signing bonus to go along with the league minimum salary.

Goldsberry said that he chose Buffalo over Detroit and New England because they offered the highest signing bonus and the situation at Buffalo was the best. "They have a guy playing fullback who’s 33 and gets injured." Goldsberry said. "(I’m) going to Buffalo and raising hell."

Bills sign UDFA WR Tony Brown from Tennessee

WBIR- TV in Knoxville is reporting that the Buffalo Bills have signed undrafted free agent WR Tony Brown from the University of Tennessee. The Bills have had success with WRs from the Volunteers, the last being Peerless Price drafted in 1999. Last season, 3 Volunteers signed as UDFA's with Buffalo and made the team- CB Jabari Greer, FS Rashad Baker, and DE Constantine Ritzman.

Should get a look late due to his measurables...Traditionally the Vols have sent some good receivers to the NFL (Carl Pickens, Peerless Price, etc.) so this is an interesting guy to keep an eye on as a sleeper.

Strengths: Has a nice combination of size and speed...Does a nice job on the short routes...Isn't afraid to go over the middle and do the dirty work...Is a solid athlete...Has been productive...Is a team leader and captain.

Weaknesses: Is not an explosive playmaker who will hurt you downfield...Does not run great routes...Needs to do a better job as a blocker...Upside it probably limited to that of a posession guy at the next level...Doesn't always play up to his physical tools.

Notes: Should get a look late due to his measurables...Traditionally the Vols have sent some good receivers to the NFL (Carl Pickens, Peerless Price, etc.) so this is an interesting guy to keep an eye on as a sleeper.

Bills end long wait for Preston and Sundevils

Mt. Carmel High graduate Duke Preston fretted when the first day of the NFL draft ended without his name being called. So he was both relieved and thrilled when the Buffalo Bills selected him in Sunday morning's fourth round with the 122nd overall pick.

Geisinger comments on being selected by the Bills

Geisinger, a three-year starter at Vanderbilt, watched the draft from his parent's home in Mt. Lebanon. He was projected anywhere from the fourth through the seventh round and pronounced himself "relieved" after being taken with the 197th overall selection. "It was a long day," Geisinger said. "I guess it's better late than never."

"The Bills are a tough, blue-collar team," Geisinger said. "They said that's why they chose me. I'm not real flashy."  Geisinger played left tackle at Vanderbilt, which competes in the Southeastern Conference, but is projected to play guard in the NFL. He said Bills coach Mike Mularkey told him that's where he will start out.

King, WFU cornerback, picked by Bills

Eric King , a cornerback from Wake Forest, was selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills yesterday. King, a two-time All-ACC selection, was the 156th player chosen on the second day of the draft. Buffalo has not drafted a Wake Forest player since Wayne Wolff in 1961.

April 24, 2005

WKOW-TV reports Bills sign Jim Leonhard-S, Wisconsin

WKOW-TV Ch 27 in Madison, WI  is reporting that the Buffalo Bills have signed Safety Jim Leonhard. Leonhard has been a mainstay in the Badgers secondary since his sophomore year. The two-time team captain also established himself as one of the premier punt returners in college football. He has proven doubters wrong -- as a player of his size can be successful in a "big man's" game.

Leonhard was a two-time first-team all-state selection who captained the Flambeau High School team as a junior and senior. He was the team MVP as a senior, as he registered eight interceptions and made 120 tackles that year. He was also named a WIAA scholar-athlete.

Leonhard saw limited action in 12 games as a reserve free safety in 2001 at Wisconsin. He finished his first year with 12 tackles. Leonhard was named an All-American as a sophomore, as he led the nation and tied a Big Ten Conference record with 11 interceptions. He set a school record that year with 25 pass deflections and also gained 434 yards with a touchdown on 36 punt returns (12.1 avg.). Leonhard also totaled 99 tackles (70 solos) with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Leonhard again earned All-America honors in 2003. He picked off seven passes for 98 yards in returns, deflected 12 passes and returned 34 punts for 470 yards (13.8 avg.) and two touchdowns. He also registered 98 tackles (63 solos) with a sack and four stops for losses. He was bothered by a left foot injury in 2004, but Leonhard still posted 72 tackles (44 solos) with three interceptions, 10 pass breakups and 35 punt returns for 443 yards in returns (12.7 avg.).

In 51 games, Leonhard started 39 times. He recorded 281 tackles (182 solos) with an 8-yard sack and five stops for losses of 16 yards. Leonhard recovered three fumbles and caused another. His 21 interceptions (251 yards in returns) tied the school career record, first set by Jamar Fletcher from 1998-2000. His 50 passes defensed (21 interceptions, 29 pass deflections) rank No. 3 in school annals behind Fletcher (57) and Mike Echols (1998-2001).

He returned 105 punts for 1,347 yards (12.8 avg.) and three touchdowns, breaking the school records of 1,007 yards and 12.1-yard average by Nick Davis (1998-2001). Only Ira Matthews (four, 1975-78) had more punts returned for touchdowns in Wisconsin history. His 1,347 yards also set a Big Ten career record.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Short, but has a good body structure with solid chest and arm muscle tone, some thickness in his thighs and calves and a frame that can carry some additional bulk … Durable athlete who never missed a game due to injuries, playing at the end of 2002 with a fractured right thumb and throughout the second half of 2004 with a stress fracture in his left foot … Plays with decent quickness and good agility … Smart and active tackler who anticipates, reads and reacts well to the play … Shows a quick turn coming out of his backpedal … Very effective zone defender who makes a sharp break on the ball and does a good job of reading the receiver's moves … Has the hand/eye coordination to track the ball in flight and above-average leaping ability … Gets a good jump on the ball and makes proper body adjustments working in space … Natural hands catcher who shows patience waiting for blocks to develop as a returner … Stays low in his pads and drives hard with his legs when making the tackle … Shows a good feel to string plays out and gives solid effort in run support … Plays faster than his timed speed … One intangible you can not measure is his heart, but it is a big one … Everyone on the staff and squad loves this kid and he has been a good mentor for the younger players.

Negatives: Can add some more weight to his frame, but it is approaching maximum growth potential … Lacks the top-end speed to be effective in man coverage, as he is mismatched vs. the speedy receivers on deep routes … Has limited range and catch-up speed … Aggressive hitter, but a lack of size will see bigger backs break his arm tackles.

INJURY REPORT

2002 -- Suffered a fractured right thumb vs. Minnesota (Nov. 23), but did not miss any games.

2004 -- Played the second half of the season with a stress fracture in his left foot. The injury was discovered in an MRI after the Outback Bowl and his foot was placed in a boot for three months, preventing him from working out at the Combine.

AGILITY

Campus: 4.58 in the 40-yard dash … 325-pound bench press … 430-pound squat … 265-pound power clean … 36½-inch vertical jump … Left-handed … Wears contacts. Combine: 29¾-inch arm length … 9¼-inch hands … Bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Flambeau (Tony, Wis.) High School, playing football for coach Darrell Gago … Two-time first-team all-state selection who captained the team as a junior and senior … Team MVP as a senior … Registered eight interceptions and made 120 tackles as a senior … Was also a WIAA scholar-athlete.

PERSONAL

Kinesiology major … Son of Don Leonhard … Born Oct. 27, 1982 … Resides in Tony, Wis.

WXXA-TV reports Bills sign OT Gudmundsen

WXXA TV in Albany , NY have reported on their sportscast that  OT Geir Gudmundsen of SUNY Albany has signed on as an undrafted free agent with the Buffalo Bills. Geir checks in at 6'6" - 313lbs. ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli lists Gudmundsen as one of two "sleepers" among offensive tackles. A great run-blocking tackle who has put on over 80 pounds and still getting bigger, Geir has made multiple All-American teams and has only missed one play the past few seasons. Over 15 teams have sent Scouts to check out Geir in action this past season with most coming away pretty impressed.

Bills sign LB Liam Ezekiel as an UDFA

Liam Ezekiel
Inside Linebacker
Northeastern

Ezekiel has been an absolute terror in the middle of the NU defense since he arrived on campus. NU's all-time leading tackler, Ezekiel was named a first team Preseason All-American by Athlon Sports, Street & Smith's, Lindy's and the Sports Network, as well as an Atlantic-10 Preseason All-Conference First Teamer.

Northeastern's Liam Ezekiel of Arlington, a three-time All-American linebacker, went undrafted but was negotiating a free-agent contract with the Buffalo Bills last night.

``We're in the process of working some things out,'' the 6-foot-1, 245-pound Ezekiel said. ``It was tough to watch the draft the last couple of days and not seeing my name up there, but I just want to get an opportunity to get into a camp. They have good linebackers, and hopefully I can make the active roster and learn from those guys.''

>Ezekiel served as NU's long-snapper the past two seasons in an effort to improve his NFL chances.

``Anything that can help me make that team, I'll do whatever,'' Ezekiel said. ``I spoke to the linebacker coach up there and he said I'd have the same opportunity as the other guys trying to compete for the same spot. I just have to prove myself up there once again.''

ANALYSIS

Positives: He is one of the toughest (played the last five weeks of 2002 with a broken thumb) and strongest (400-pound bench) players to ever don the Red and Black.

INJURY REPORT

No injuries reported.

AGILITY

Combine -- 4.81 seconds in 40-yard dash … 36 bench reps at 225 pounds … 34½ vertical jump … 9-foot-10 broad jump … 4.12 shuttle run … 7.29 three-cone drill … 28 Wonderlic score.

HIGH SCHOOL

Lettered in football, basketball and track at Arlington High … made record 21 tackles in a single game and had 115 tackles in one season … finished high school career with a school-record 450 tackles … named Team MVP and a league all-star as a sophomore, junior and senior … named all-state as a junior and senior … named all-scholastic by the Boston Herald and Boston Globe … named to all-state select 22 team as a senior.

PERSONAL

Born Oct. 30, 1982 … Criminal Justice major … grandfather played football at Wyoming … Class of 2006.

ESPN's John Clayton- No Deal

Travis Henry, however, was the one trade that should have happened and didn't. In late February, the Cardinals were ready to make an L.J. Shelton-for-Henry trade. It was a $3 million left tackle for a running back. The Bills wanted more, asking the Cardinals to swap their better position in the second round. Donahoe held firm and thought he would get a trade when the Eagles showed interest. Then came the Bucs.

The best offer was a fourth-rounder from the Eagles. The Bills held to the third. On Friday, the Cardinals didn't return Buffalo's phone calls. Donahoe didn't budge on his demand for more. Like a greedy gambler, Donahoe didn't know how to fold 'em and watched the Bucs, Cardinals and Eagles draft first-day running backs.

Now, he's stuck with Henry, who will probably hold out. Donahoe liked Shelton to a certain degree but Bills coaches didn't. In the end, the Bills didn't get value and have a distraction in Henry, and they might lose him and get nothing in return after the 2005 season, when his contract is up.

Preston Taken by Buffalo Bills in Fourth Round of NFL Draft

With the 122nd pick overall and 21st in the fourth round of the 2005 Amateur National Football League Draft, the Buffalo Bills selected Illinois center Duke Preston. Preston was the second player selected from the Illinois team this year, joining cornerback Kelvin Hayden who was selected by Indianapolis in the second round yesterday.

Draft moves along with glacier-like quickness

ORCHARD PARK — And you thought Drew Bledsoe was slow. Bledsoe moves at a rapid rate as compared to the pace of the first round of the NFL Draft. Saturday’s first round lasted 5 hours, 47 minutes as most teams waited their allotted 15 minutes to make their selection. It’s not as if the teams didn’t have enough time to prepare for the draft. The regular season ended in January, and even the two Super Bowl competitors knew where they would be picking by the middle of February.

Buffalo Bills adding Miami flavor

The Bills offense is beginning to resemble the University of Miami north after selecting receiver Roscoe Parrish and tight end Kevin Everett with their first two picks Saturday. They join another former Hurricanes star, running back Willis McGahee, selected by Buffalo in the first round in 2003.

Buffalo Drafts Eric King In Fifth Round

Wake Forest cornerback Eric King was selected in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft on Sunday afternoon. King was chosen by the Buffalo Bills as the 156th overall pick. "It's just a great feeling to have your named called on Draft Day," King said. "I'm just so blessed to be going to a beautiful city and place like Buffalo."

It's tough to find fun during draft's long, long wait

Midway through the afternoon, the first round of Saturday's NFL draft was on pace to last more than six hours, shattering the previous record of 5:48. At that rate, the Bills wouldn't make their first pick - No. 55 overall - until minicamp. I'm not sure it took that long to pick the Pope. No one, not even the most hopeless draft geek, should be subjected to that much Mel Kiper.

Bills not counting on sudden impact

In the Buffalo Bills' four previous drafts, fingers were always crossed that one or two of the rookies would make some sort of impact on the team's fortunes. It happened once, when wide receiver Lee Evans was last year's No. 1 selection and immediately scared opposing defensive coordinators. There was also a solid bump when Travis Henry was drafted.

McGahee helps Parrish catch wind of pick

Willis McGahee is not only a talented running back, he is a good prognosticator. When University of Miami wide receiver Roscoe Parrish said he spoke with Buffalo Bills receivers coach Tyke Tolbert last week, McGahee told his former college teammate they might be reunited in the NFL.

Bills pick graduate of Tight End U.

The University of Miami is developing into a breeding ground for NFL tight ends. Bubba Franks and Jeremy Shockey found immediate stardom in the pros, while greatness has been predicted for Kellen Winslow Jr. Where does Kevin Everett fit in that group?

Hurricane tracking leads Bills to picks

The Buffalo Bills looked for immediate help for their 27th-ranked passing offense in the NFL draft Saturday. They selected smurf-like speed receiver Roscoe Parrish of Miami with their second-round pick and then took receiving tight end Kevin Everett, another Miami Hurricane, in the third round.

Henry stays put; Bills pick Miami receiver Parrish

At 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, Buffalo Bills general manager Tom Donahoe was asked about the latest trade possibilities concerning running back Travis Henry. "This is an old line from Chuck Noll," Donahoe said. "'The bobber's still in the water.'"

A long, long day, so let's speed it up

It was plodding along at its usual glacial pace. How slow was the first day of the NFL draft? So slow that some of us ink-stained wretches wondered which would come first — the Bills' first pick or the start of the 2005 season.

Bills Re-sign Cornerback Kevin Thomas

 Buffalo- WGR 550 has confirmed that The Buffalo Bills have re-signed cornerback Kevin Thomas. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Thomas was the Bills' 6th round draft pick in 2002. He played in all 16 of teams' games last season, registering 45 tackles, one sack and no interceptions. The Bills are still holding on to the 55th overall pick in the second round of the NFL draft.

April 23, 2005

Bills select WR Parrish with second-round pick

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. Unable to trade Travis Henry to improve their second-round position in the NFL draft, the Buffalo Bills settled on selecting receiver Roscoe Parrish today.

Cardinals take Arrington, Kills the Henry for Shelton deal

The Cardinals filled another need in the second round, drafting California running back J.J. Arrington with the 44th overall pick. By selecting a running back, the Cardinals apparently rejected a trade for Buffalo running back Travis Henry. The Cardinals were offering offensive tackle L.J. Shelton, and the Bills wanted to swap picks in the second round, moving up from 55th to 44th. Running back was a desperate need for the Cardinals. Last year’s starter, Emmitt Smith, retired, and Marcel Shipp missed all of last season with a broken leg.

Clumpy's Three Round Mock Draft

I see the draft for what it truly is: a reflection of future needs. Rarely should a team utilize the draft for short term goals of improving the team. Free agency and/or trades are the best options for those short term needs. Each year, 256 players are drafted and approximately 10% of those picks make substantive contributions for the entire season. Another 15% make contributions for portions of the season. The other 75% end up as developmental types on either the roster or practice squad or are released, cut, and/or waived. Thus, immediate help is rarely found om draft day.

The draft should be used to address concerns a team has in the future. Salary cap, age, future free agency, and draft stregth are all considerations come draft day. It has been expressed that this years draft is weaker than in the recent few years. It's is qualified by draft experts statements of the Bills 2004 1st rd pick (20th overall) QB J.P. Losman would have been in competition for #1 overall this year.

Players that could be traded and affect first day rds: OL L. J. Shelton (AZ), RB Travis Henry (Buf), CB Pat Surtain (Mia) -traded to KC, DE Darren Howard (NO), DT Corey Simon (Phil), CB Ronde Barber (TB), QB Chris Simms (TB), DE Simeon Rice (TB), WR Rod Gardner (Wash), or one of the Vikes RBs

Pre-draft prediction: Bills finalize trade with Bucs for RB Henry with swap of 2nd rd picks on Friday.

While working on this, the Surtain to KC deal was reported and was used in the mock.

Here is my only effort to predict the first three rounds of the upcoming 2005 NFL Annual Selection Meeting. Outside of the actual games, the draft is one of my "vacations". I haven't missed watching the draft since 1985 when I was down in San Antonio at Ft. Sam Houston going through the Army's lab School. I used to come home on leave when I was stationed at Ft. Polk so I could watch the draft. To me, draft weekend is a holiday! I originally planned on included detailed reasoning, but just not enough time in the day

Round 1

1,1 - San Francisco - WR Braylon Edwards (Michigan)

1,2 - Tampa Bay (MIA) - QB Alex Smith (Utah)
Bucs trade #5, #55, 3rd 2006 for #2

1,3 - Minnesota (CLV) - WR Mike Williams (USC)
Vikes trade #7, #49, #80 for #3 and #191

1,4 - Chicago - RB Cedric Benson (Texas)

1,5 - Washington (TB/Mia) - CB Carlos Rogers (Auburn)
Skins trade #9, #25, 7th 2006 for #5 and #104

1,6 - Tennessee - DB Antrel Rolle (Miami, Fla)

1,7 - Cleveland (Oak/Min) LB Derrick Johnson (Texas)

1,8 - Arizona - RB Carnell Williams (Auburn)

1,9 - Miami (WSH) - RB Ronnie Brown (Auburn)

1,10 - Detroit - DE Shawne Merriman (Maryland)

1,11 - New Orleans (DAL) - S/LB Thomas Davis (Georgia)
Saints trade #16 #118, and DE Howard for #11 and #109

1,12 - San Diego (NYG) - WR Mark Clayton (Oklahoma)

1,13 - Houston - OT Alex Barron (Florida St)

1,14 - Jacksonville (CAR) - CB Pacman Jones (West Virginia)
Jags trade #21, #52, 5th 2006 for #14 and #115

1,15 - Kansas City - WR Troy Williamson (South Carolina)

1,16 - Dallas (NO) - OT Jammal Brown (Oklahoma)

1,17 - San Francisco (CIN) - QB Aaron Rodgers (California)
49ers trade #33, #65, 2nd & 5th in 2006 for #17 and #83

1,18 - Minnesota - DE Erasmus James (Wisconsin)

1,19 - St. Louis - WR/TE Matt Jones (Arkansas)

1,20 - Dallas (BUF) - DE/LB Demarcus Ware (Troy St)

1,21 - Carolina (JAC) - DT Shaun Cody (USC)

1,22 - Baltimore - DL Marcus Spears (LSU)

1,23 - Cleveland (SEA) - QB Jason Campbell (Auburn)
Browns trade #34, #80, 5th in 2006 for #23

1,24 - Green Bay - LB Barrett Ruud (Nebraska)

1,25 - Miami (Den/Wsh) - WR Roddy White (UAB)

1,26 - Oakland (NYJ) - DB Marlin Jackson (Michigan)

1,27 - Atlanta - DB Brodney Pool (Oklahoma)

1,28 - San Diego - DE Matt Roth (Iowa)

1,29 - Indianapolis - DT Travis Johnson (Florida St)

1,30 - Pittsburgh - TE Heath Miller (Virginia)

1,31 - Philadelphia - LB Odell Thurman (Georgia)

1,32 - New England - DE David Pollack (Georgia)


Round 2

2,33 - Cincinnati (SF) - DT Luis Castillo (Northwestern)
2,34 - Seattle (CLV) - C/G David Baas (Michigan)
2,35 - Phiadelphia (Mia) - WR Reggie Brown (Georgia)
2,36 - Buffalo (TB) - C Chris Spencer (Mississippi)
2,37 - Tennessee - OT Khalif Barnes (Washington)
2,38 - Oakland - CB Justin Miller (Clemson)
2,39 - Chicago - G Elton Brown (Virginia)
2,40 - New Orleans (WSH) - LB Kevin Burnett (Tennessee)
2,41 - Detroit - TE Alex Smith (Stanford)
2,42 - Dallas - PK Mike Nugent (Ohio St)
2,43 - Green Bay (NYG) - QB Charlie Frye (Akron)
Packers trade #51 and #125 for #43
2,44 - Arizona - CB Fabian Washington (Nebraska)
2,45 - Carolina - RB J. J. Arrington (California)
2,46 - Miami (KC) - CB Corey Webster (LSU)
2,47 - NY Jets (Hou/Oak) - DB Ernest Shazor (Michigan)
2,48 - Cincinnati - DB Donte Nicholson (Oklahoma)
2,49 - New England (MIN/CLV) - WR Vincent Jackson (No. Colorado)
Patriots trade #64, #133, and #145 for #49 and 6th in 2006
2,50 - St. Louis - DE Dan Cody (USC)
2,51 - NY Giants (NO/GB) - DL Chris Canty (Virginia)
2,52 - Carolina (JAC) - OT Adam Terry (Syracuse)
2,53 - Baltimore - OL Marcus Johnson (Mississippi)
2,54 - Seattle - DB Josh Bullocks (Nebraska)
2,55 - Miami (Buf/TB) - LB Darryl Blackstock (Virginia)
2,56 - Denver - DT Mike Patterson (USC)
2,57 - NY Jets - CB Stanford Routt (Houston)
2,58 - Green Bay - DE Justin Tuck (Notre Dame)
2,59 - Atlanta - DT Attiyah Ellison (Missouri)
2,60 - Indianapolis - CB Bryant McFadden (Florida St)
2,61 - San Diego - OT Todd Herremans (Saginaw Valley St)
2,62 - Pittsburgh - LB Matt McCoy (San Diego St)
2,63 - Philadelphia - OT Michael Roos (E. Washington)
2,64 - Cleveland (NE) - DB Sean Considine (Iowa)

Round 3

3,65 - Cincinnati (SF) - WR Fred Gibson (Georgia)
3,66 - St. Louis (MIA) - LB Jordan Beck (Cal Poly SLO)
3,67 - Cleveland - G Chris Kemoeatu (Utah)
3,68 - Tennessee - WR Terrence Murphy (Texas A&M)
3,69 - Oakland - DT Anttaj Hawthorne (Wisconsin)
3,70 - Miami (Chi) - C Ben Wilkerson (LSU)
3,71 - Tampa Bay - LB Channing Crowder (Florida)
3,72 - Detroit - DE/LB David McMillan (Kansas)
3,73 - Houston (DAL) - CB Domonique Foxworth (Maryland)
3,74 - NY Giants - RB Cedric Houston (Tennessee)
3,75 - Arizona - QB Adrian McPherson (Florida St)
3,76 - Denver (WSH) - DT Jonathan Babineaux (Iowa)
3,77 - Phiadelphia (KC) - WR Jerome Mathis (Hampton)
3,78 - Oakland(Hou) - LB Marcus Lawrence (South Carolina)
3,79 - Carolina - QB Kyle Orton (Purdue)
3,80 - Seattle (MIN/CLV) - LB Alfred Fincher (UConn)
3,81 - St. Louis - CB Stanley Wilson (Stanford)
3,82 - New Orleans - WR Roscoe Parrish (Miami, Fla)
3,83 - San Francisco (CIN) - OT Ray Willis (Florida St)
3,84 - Baltimore - CB/KR Antonio Perkins (Oklahoma)
3,85 - Seattle - WR Mark Bradley (Oklahoma)
3,86 - Cleveland (BUF) - NT Sione Pouha (Utah)
Browns trade #103 and #133 for #86
3,87 - Jacksonville - RB Ciatrick Fason (Florida)
3,88 - NY Jets - C/G Jason Brown (North Carolina)
3,89 - Green Bay - CB Ronald Bartell (Howard)
3,90 - Atlanta - OL David Stewart (Mississippi St)
3,91 - Tampa Bay (SD) - OL Logan Mankins (Fresno St)
3,92 - Indianapolis - WR Chris Henry (West Virginia)
3,93 - Pittsburgh - DT Anthony Bryant (Alabama)
3,94 - Philadelphia - RB Marion Barber III (Minnesota)
3,95 - Arizona (NE) - P Dustin Colquitt (Tennessee)
3,96 - Tennessee (NFL) - CB Eric Green (Virginia Tech)
3,97 - Denver (NFL) - OL Joe Berger (Michigan Tech)
3,98 - Seattle (NFL) - RB Eric Shelton (Louisville)
3,99 - Kansas City (NFL) - DB Jerome Carter (Florida St)
3,100 - New England (NFL) - OT Pete McMahon (Iowa)
3,101 - Denver (NFL) - WR Roydell Williams (Tulane)


**Edit**

Bills Mock

2,36 - C Chris Spencer (Mississippi)
4,103 - WR Brandon Jones (Oklahoma)
4,122 - CB Travis Daniels (LSU)
4,133 - DE George Gause (South Carolina)
5,156 - LB Derek Wake (Penn St)
6,197 - DT Derreck Robinson (Iowa)
7,236 - FB Kevin Dudley (Michigan)