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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.

hunter_1.jpgWendell 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.

sverchek_1.jpgTom 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

gloverb4tech_vs_texas__1.jpgOne 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.

glover123_1.jpgRecords
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

    rheam.jpg._1.jpgJoseph "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

    10.09.04.s.rheem.ch.jpgPositives: 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

    ward_1.jpgNamed 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.

    ward001_1.jpg2003: 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

    fontenot_1.jpgThe 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

    YearGP-GSAttYds.Avg.TDLong
    2000Redshirted
    200114-0602664.4223
    20024-07111.608
    Totals18-0672774.1223

    Defense

    <>
    YearGP-GSUTATTTTFL-YdsSacks-Yds
    200212-073100-00-0
    200314-1115160-00-0
    Totals26-1188260-00-0

    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

    1101s_dawid_fball_89_2.jpgOverall: 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

    george_gause_1.jpgThe 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

    george_gause111.jpgPositives: 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

    1231goldsbury_1.jpgFullback 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

    a_brown_3196_1.jpgWBIR- 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

    leonhard.jpgWKOW-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

    jim1116_1.jpgPositives: 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

    geir_gudmundsen_sfu_2004_1.jpgWXXA 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

    Ezekiel2.jpgLiam 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)

    Bills Sign DT LaWaylon Brown

    brownforweb_1.jpgORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Free agent defensive tackle LaWaylon Brown signed with the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Brown spent part of last year on Minnesota's practice squad after being cut by Seattle before the season. He signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State in 2003.

    Most recently, Brown was waived by Colorado of the Arena Football League in January. Brown also played in NFLE last year for the Berlin Thunder.

    LaWaylon Brown-Oklahoma State

    p0338_1.jpg(6-5, 305, estimated 5.15 40 time)

    2002 Season Stats: 13 games, 31 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 pass broken up

    2001 Season Stats: 11 games, 47 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 passes broken up

    Positives: Possesses good natural size. A consistent player who will give a solid effort week in and week out. Has some upside potential.

    Negatives: Is not a great athlete. Will sometimes have trouble holding the point of attack when double- teamed. Somewhat of a tweener, lacks the bulk of a nose guard and doesn’t appear to have enough athletic ability to emerge as a top defensive tackle or power end. 

    Overall analysis: Brown started his Oklahoma State career by redshirting in 1998 and then being a reserve in each of the following two seasons. Brown was Oklahoma State’s starting nose guard in both his junior and senior seasons. Brown has good natural size and some strength, but he doesn’t have the great bulk and can be moved off the point of attack. He doesn’t appear to have the explosive ability to ever become a top pass-rusher. At his current size Brown could possibly serve as a backup all along the defensive line, and perhaps could emerge as an NFL nose guard if he were to add some weight. Right now Brown appears to have a less than 50/50 chance of being drafted, but he is good enough where he will get an opportunity in an NFL training camp.

    SUCCESS: An inside job

    The Buffalo Bills are getting closer to the league's elite in terms of building through the draft. But the numbers suggest the Bills still need to increase their percentages of draftees on the roster. The Bills had 25 drafted players on the roster last year, and nine of those were starters.

    Bills Get Jump On First Pick

    The draft board may say otherwise, but Buffalo Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe believes his team has a first-round pick. It just happened to have been used a year ago.

    For top picks, it's parity time

    The 2005 NFL draft has a little bit of everything, or almost everything. The missing ingredient: a consensus top player.

    Bills will keep an eye on the big picture

    The Buffalo Bills are expected to look for the best big man available today when they get around to making a choice in the NFL draft.

    Offensive line is the Bills' biggest area of need, followed by defensive line. A distant third on their list arguably is cornerback, where they are very deep but where Pro Bowler Nate Clements is entering the final year of his contract.

    Bills play the waiting game

    Barring a trade to move up from the 55th overall position, the Buffalo Bills won't make a pick in today's 70th annual college draft until approximately 7p.m., the result of trading this year's first-round choice (20th overall) to the Dallas Cowboys last April in order to take quarterback J.P. Losman.

    Henry rumors are heating up

    Rumors were flying last night that the Eagles will, indeed, trade today for Buffalo Bills running back Travis Henry. At least one NFL source close to the situation said he believed there was substance to them.

    RB Henry is the Bills wild card today

    When the Buffalo Bills say they have no idea who they’re going to pick with their initial selection in today’s National Football League draft, this time they’re really telling the truth.
    Due to last year’s trade with Dallas, in which the Bills used the Cowboys’ first-rounder to take quarterback J.P. Losman, Buffalo has no first round choice today ... at least as of now.

    Donahoe on why the draft is so interesting

    Tom Donahoe is a football man at heart, but he also understands marketing. That’s why the Buffalo Bills’ President/General Manager spent a half hour text-messaging answers to fans’ questions about the draft, a mere four days before the NFL’s annual lottery.

    April 22, 2005

    Inside the Herd: QB JP Losman

    Matt Parish (Port Jefferson Station): What was the most important thing you learned about yourself while sitting out last season?
    JP Losman: For the first time in a long time I was able to look at the game from the sidelines as a fan and see that when someone makes a mistake, especially from the quarterback position, it looks really bad. That makes me work that much harder from a mental standpoint because I don't ever want to look that bad.

    Bills won't try to catch a receiver early

    The Buffalo Bills are poised to bolster themselves in the trenches on the eve of the NFL draft. A big lineman on offense or defense figures to be in the cards on the first day of selections.

    Bills seek post-draft treasure

    When the NFL Draft concludes late Sunday afternoon, 255 college players will have been selected over two days.

    But for general managers, coaches, scouts and a web of support staff, the fun will just be starting.

    Welcome to the NFL's annual post draft, a frenetic period following the regular seven-round selection process where teams scramble to sign undrafted players to pad their rosters and, with any luck, find an unclaimed gem or two.

    April 21, 2005

    Big Business for Spikes & Vincent

    When it comes to big business you always want to be prepared. There are few places to better prepare yourself for the business world than the Harvard Business School and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. Through a cooperative effort by the National Football League and the NFL Players Association, 66 NFL players were able to enroll in a three-day workshop from April 6-8 with about half attending a program at Wharton and the other half at the Harvard Business School.

    Kiper supports Bills picking Losman

    Before deciding to mortgage their future and go after quarterback J.P. Losman in the NFL Draft a year ago, the Buffalo Bills did their homework. The senior-to-be quarterbacks who would be available in 2005 — the likes of Akron's Charlie Frye, Auburn's Jason Campbell and Purdue's Kyle Orton — did not have the type of grades worth waiting for, said BLESTO, a national scouting service.

    April 20, 2005

    Bills No. 3 Quarterback Matthews Re-Signs

    Quarterback Shane Matthews re-signed with the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday, accepting the role to be the team's third-stringer. Matthews, a 12-year veteran, returns for his second season with Buffalo to work behind new starter J.P. Losman and recently signed backup Kelly Holcomb.

    Bills GM ready to make deal during draft

    Tom Donahoe’s top priority is making a trade to improve the Buffalo Bills’ position in the NFL draft this weekend. If a move doesn’t materialize, particularly one involving disgruntled running back Travis Henry, the Bills president is prepared to settle on a different kind of deal — the kind in which he acquires patience.

    Productive Weekend for NFL Europe Bills

    Week 3 in the NFLEL and the Bills Backers Germany had a very exiting Saturday evening! It looked a lot like it was Buffalo Day in Cologne! The Cologne Centurions welcomed the Frankfurt Galaxy and it was a breeze of Buffalo in the air!

    Steroid probe turns to NFL

    The congressional committee that investigated steroid use in baseball will turn its investigation to the same problem in football. The panel said Tuesday it will ask NFL officials and union representatives to testify at a hearing next week.

    Matthews will return as No. 3 QB

    The Buffalo Bills are close to a deal on a contract to bring back Shane Matthews as a backup quarterback this season. Matthews has reached a verbal agreement, according to a source close to the quarterback, to return to the Bills as No. 3 behind starter J.P. Losman and new No. 2 Kelly Holcomb.

    April 19, 2005

    Looking to Move Up

    Travis Henry may be the key to the Buffalo Bills getting back into the first round of this weekend’s NFL draft. After losing his starting job to Willis McGahee last year, Henry has made clear he wants out of Buffalo.

    Bills to Host Flag Football Tournament

    Flag Football will return to Ralph Wilson Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, when the Bills will host the sixth annual Buffalo Bills Youth Foundation Flag Football Tournament, presented by Gatorade. Also sponsoring the event are: 103.3 The Edge, Digicon Imaging, and SSC Custom Apparel

    Hunter's Hope Ball Is July 29

    The 3rd Annual Hunter's Hope Candlelight Ball will happen in late July. It's named for Hunter Kelly, son of former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly.

    It may be time to shut door on NFL draft

    The NFL draft begins Saturday, and this year it presents a prime opportunity to clean out the garage, put up the screens, sit back and watch the grass grow. Anything will beat a day spent tethered to the television as the league divvies up a rather unheralded rookie crop lacking any semblance of a sure-fire No. 1 selection, never mind a consensus top 10.

    NFL alters television lineup

    The pregame sketch featuring "Desperate Housewives" star Nicollette Sheridan and Philadelphia Eagles star Terrell Owens rocked Monday Night Football last season. Now the hit ABC series has rocked the entire television industry. The 2006 move of Monday Night Football from ABC to ESPN, as well as NBC's decision to get back in the game with Sunday Night Football, are indirect results of the popularity of Sheridan's series.

    Bills' Tom and Tom Show a success

    Tom Donahoe claims to have offered — perhaps tongue in cheek, but then again, perhaps not — the Buffalo Bills' general manager position to his right-hand man, Tom Modrak. "I've tried to give him the GM job, but he's too smart to take it," Donahoe said with a grin. Whether that conversation has actually ever taken place between the two longtime friends, no one outside the confines of One Bills Drive really knows.

    April 18, 2005

    NFL announces new prime-time TV packages

    The NFL has completed long-term agreements with NBC and ESPN for its Sunday night and Monday night packages that will enable the NFL to reach a broader audience on prime-time broadcast television and add other fan-friendly elements to its prime-time packages, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue announced.

    Mock Drafts: Who will the Buffalo Bills select?

    Check out BillsZone's compilation of Mock Drafts.  We've put together all the best mocks so you can see who they predict the Bills will draft on Saturday. Click HERE to view.

    The X-factor: Jones' athleticism has Bills, other NFL teams intrigued

    At 6-feet-5, 239 pounds with 4.37 speed in the 40-yard dash, he has the best size-to-speed ratio in this weekend's NFL draft. He can play quarterback, tight end or wide receiver. Heck, he can long snap, return punts and even play free safety against the Hail Mary. Introducing Matt Jones, who has been called the salary cap bargain of 2005, a player many experts believe would be an intriguing fit for the Buffalo Bills with the 55th overall pick.

    Losman can win Game 1

    The Buffalo Bills are expected to begin the 2005 NFL season with a new starting quarterback, and the oddsmakers must have some confidence in J.P. Losman. According to PinnacleSports.com, the Bills are a 6½-point favorite over the visiting Houston Texans Sept. 11 in Week 1 of the season.

    April 17, 2005

    NFL Draft day could be moving day for some running backs

    Henry at least has found a few suitors. Supplanted by Willis McGahee last season, Henry told the Associated Press late last month that he was "definitely not going back to Buffalo. No minicamps. No training camp. No nothing." A month ago, he seemed close to being dealt to Arizona, but that never materialized. Last week, Tampa Bay general manager Bruce Allen said he called the Bills on Wednesday about Henry, and on Friday a report surfaced that the Eagles were interested in Henry. Still, the running backs wait.

    "You've got a couple guys out in the market that have been very, very productive, very good running backs," Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said last month at the NFL owners' meeting. "I think that probably affected the market a little."  The draft should affect it even more.

    Bills report: Inside slant

    The crop of blue-chip quarterbacks available in the NFL draft April 23-24 is piano wire thin, with only Utah's Alex Smith, Cal's Aaron Rodgers and maybe, Akron's Charlie Frye, deserving of selection in the first round. That makes the Buffalo Bills feel good. A year ago, they shook up the first round by trading their second- and fifth-round picks, plus their 2005 first-round pick, to Dallas in order to jump back into round one after taking Wisconsin receiver Lee Evans 13th overall. Nine spots later, they used that pick from the Cowboys to take Tulane quarterback J.P. Losman.

    Bills report: Strategy and personnel

    Bills report: Notes, quotes

    GM Tom Donahoe on RB Travis Henry, who has been on the trading block for more than two months: "We think Travis is a staring running back in the league and he's proven what he can do, and he's been to a Pro bowl and he's had production and he's been consistent. We just feel that to make a trade, we want something that's equal value. We may get it, we may not." Donahoe didn't mention Henry's fumbling and injury problems.

    McGahee makes run at elite status

    Yes, I believe he can be, based on what he showed last year in terms of ability and durability, coupled with the probability that he will improve in his second full season. His longest run last year was 41 yards, and I'll be surprised if he doesn't have several longer TD jaunts this season. I rate the following eight backs a notch above McGahee, based on their past production and projections for this season: Shaun Alexander, Ahman Green, Priest Holmes, Edgerrin James, Jamal Lewis, Curtis Martin, Fred Taylor and LaDainian Tomlinson.

    April 16, 2005

    Eagles eye RB Henry

    FOXSports.com has learned that the Eagles have held talks with the Bills regarding a potential trade for RB Travis Henry. The Bills have phoned the Birds on more than one occasion and Philly appears to be interested. One of the obstacles for any team trying to trade for Henry, however, is his desire for a lucrative contract.  It's no secret the team wants to add a RB to go along with last year's stud Brian Westbrook, and Henry would be a great fit for any team looking for a solid workhorse and locker room guy. Buffalo asked for a second rounder but would probably take a third-rounder or even a fourth that would move up to a third if Henry met certain incentives.

    Bills QB Thompson leads undefeated Cologne

    img8391846_1.jpgThe Galaxy exploded out of the blocks to the delight of their travelling fans as Lamont Brightful took Jimmy Kibble’s game-opening kickoff 85 yards to the end zone for a 7-0 lead with just 14 seconds having ticked off the clock.

    Cologne responded on their first possession of the game as Kory Chapman produced runs of 5 and 13 yards before Buffalo Bills-allocated quarterback Thompson hit wide receiver C.J. Jones for a 10-yard gain and drew a roughing the passer penalty out of Galaxy defensive tackle Louis Gachelin.

    Thompson then fired a 23-yard bullet of a pass to wide receiver Jamin Elliott to move to Frankfurt’s 15-yard line. Following a holding call against Galaxy linebacker Howard Hodges, Cologne had a first and goal at the 10. Chapman gained 5 and 4 yards either side of a Thompson incompletion and the Centurions settled for a 19-yard field goal by Kibble.

    Thompson finished the game with 9 completions off of 24 attempts, 118 yards , one TD, and no interceptions for a 69.9 QB Rating.

    Plenty of tall cornerbacks at top of prospect list

    NFL defensive coordinators have spent many sleepless nights worrying about how to deal with the rising number of NBA-size wide receivers. Fortunately for them, help is on the way. This year's draft is well stocked with big cornerbacks, guys with the size, speed and coverage skills to match up against the likes of Randy Moss (6-foot-4), Terrell Owens (6-3) and Plaxico Burress (6-5).

    Bills absent from MNF once again

    For the last three or four years, Monday Night Football play-by-play man Al Michaels and I have played the same game during news conferences in Los Angeles.

    I ask if he thinks there is any deserving NFL team that is missing from the Monday night schedule and he assumes I'm referring to the Buffalo Bills.

    After the Bills finished 2003 with a 6-10 record, I wasn't about to ask the question in 2004. But Michaels assumed I would and began answering before I could ask a different question.

    Bucs, Eagles join list of teams in pursuit of Bills' Henry

    With the NFL draft a week from today, action is heating up involving trade talks for disgruntled Bills running back Travis Henry. Tampa Bay and Philadelphia have joined the list of serious suitors for the unhappy Henry, who lost his starting job to Willis McGahee last season. Arizona also is still strongly in the mix.

    Buffalo's Henry on Eagles' wish list

    The Eagles have talked to the Buffalo Bills about a deal that could bring running back Travis Henry to Philadelphia, a team source confirmed last night.

    With Willis McGahee taking over as Buffalo's featured back last season, the Bills have been trying to move Henry this off-season, with Arizona and Tampa Bay among the teams interested.

    April 15, 2005

    Offensive line a complicated need

    This offseason, just one left tackle was available, Jonas Jennings of Buffalo, and he was quickly signed for big money by the 49ers. It didn't matter to San Francisco that he will be the shortest starting left tackle in the league. He has experience and he can line up on Day 1. That may not be the case for more than one or two tackles in this whole draft. For that reason, it doesn't appear that more than two tackles will be drafted in the first round, and probably no more than eight tackles will get selected on the first day of the selection process. Simply stated, it's a bad year for tackles.

    A Quick Glance at Buffalo’s 2005 Schedule

    In 2004 Buffalo's schedule began with a gauntlet of top run defenses. This season the Bills first four games appear a bit tamer when it comes to running the football which will be important as J.P. Losman steps under center in 2005. Last year Buffalo faced four of the top six run defenses from the previous year in their first six games.

    "Kids Day" Highlights Preseason Schedule

    The Bills today announced the dates for the team’s four 2005 preseason games. Additionally, the very popular “Kids Day” promotion will return for a fifth straight year.

    Saturday, August 13 at Indianapolis - 8:00 PM
    Saturday, August 20 GREEN BAY - 6:00 PM
    Friday, August 26 at Chicago - 8:00 PM
    Friday, September 2 DETROIT - 7:00 PM

    Buffalo Bills 2005 Regular Season Schedule

    Sun., Sept. 11 HOUSTON TEXANS CBS 1:00 PM
    Sun., Sept. 18 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers CBS 1:00 PM
    Sun., Sept. 25 ATLANTA FALCONS FOX 1:00 PM
    Sun. Oct. 2 at New Orleans Saints CBS 1:00 PM
    Sun., Oct. 9 MIAMI DOLPHINS CBS 1:00 PM
    Sun., Oct 16 NEW YORK JETS CBS 4:15 PM
    Sun., Oct. 23 at Oakland Raiders CBS 4:15 PM
    Sun., Oct. 30 at New England Patriots ESPN 8:30 PM
    Sun., Nov. 6 BYE WEEK
    Sun., Nov. 13 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS CBS 1:00 PM
    Sun., Nov. 20 at San Diego Chargers CBS 4:15 PM
    Sun., Nov. 27 CAROLINA PANTHERS FOX 1:00 PM
    Sun., Dec. 4 at Miami Dolphins CBS 1:00 PM
    Sun., Dec. 11 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS CBS 1:00 PM
    Sat., Dec. 17 DENVER BRONCOS ESPN 8:30 PM
    Sat., Dec. 24 at Cincinnati Bengals CBS 1:00 PM
    Sun., Jan. 1 at New York Jets CBS 1:00 PM

    Bills back in prime time ... and on the road for the holidays

    Yo, Buffalo Bills’ fans, get ready for the return of prime-time football to “The Ralph” and some messed up holidays. And, oh yeah, for the fifth straight season they don’t have a Monday night game.

    Rise of 3-4 defenses is redefining the linebacker position

    Tweener is not usually a term of endearment for prospects entering the NFL draft. This year, however, being a player caught between positions might not be such a bad thing. Six of the top 13 teams picking in the first round will be using the 3-4 defense in 2005. So undersized edge rushers who would be too small to play defensive end in a 4-3 alignment could see their value increase.

    Bucs interested in Henry

    Add the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the mix of serious suitors for Buffalo Bills running back Travis Henry.

    The Bucs always have been considered a potential landing spot for Henry because they are without a starting running back.

    Sweet smell of success is on schedule

    There's a great scene in the new movie, "Fever Pitch," where the character played by Jimmy Fallon gets together with his friends for an annual spring ritual - opening the package of new Red Sox tickets and deciding who gets to attend which game.

    Fallon rips opens the envelope and passes the sheets around to his pals, who take turns admiring the tickets and smelling them. Finally, one of them sniffs the tickets, smiles and says, "This is the year."

    That's how Bills fans must feel when the NFL schedule comes out.

    Bucs eye unhappy Bills RB

    Looking at a draft board with at least three top-level running backs, the Bucs could take one with the fifth overall pick. Then again, they may get one via trade. General manager Bruce Allen said he contacted the Bills on Wednesday about the possibility of acquiring running back Travis Henry, who has one year left on his contract but wants out of Buffalo.

    Eagles eye RB Henry

    FOXSports.com has learned that the Eagles have held talks with the Bills regarding a potential trade for RB Travis Henry. The Bills have phoned the Birds on more than one occasion and Philly appears to be interested. One of the obstacles for any team trying to trade for Henry, however, is his desire for a lucrative contract. It's no secret the team wants to add a RB to go along with last year's stud Brian Westbrook, and Henry would be a great fit for any team looking for a solid workhorse and locker room guy. Buffalo asked for a second rounder but would probably take a third-rounder or even a fourth that would move up to a third if Henry met certain incentives.

    April 14, 2005

    Versatility is top trait, hands down

    With Pat Williams' free agent departure and Justin Bannan's move to offensive guard, the Bills are expected to select a defensive tackle on the first day. Southern Cal's Mike Patterson (5-111/2, 290) lacks ideal size, but his strength and disruptive quickness would be a good fit in the Bills' aggressive defensive packages. Iowa's Jonathan Babineaux would give Buffalo an athletic interior pass rusher.

    Texans a good opponent for QB Losman

    Kicking off with thoughts on the Buffalo Bills 2005 schedule: The Houston Texans at Ralph Wilson Stadium Sept. 11 is a relatively soft spot for second-year Bills quarterback J.P. Losman's first NFL start. The Texans were 4-12 in their inaugural 2002 season, 5-11 in 2003 (including a 12-10 win in Buffalo) and 7-9 in 2004. They're getting better but still rate a notch below Buffalo.

    NFL Draft: Stacking the Board

    It's the security blanket that every team weaves in the final days leading up to the NFL Draft. It's the all-inclusive player value board. Teams spend anywhere from ten days to two weeks putting final grades on college prospects in the final weeks leading up to the draft. The Bills are polishing up their board as well.

    Around the league

    The full NFL schedule was released Wednesday, containing a rare full slate of Saturday afternoon games on Christmas Eve, the first full Saturday since 1995.

    Bills home in on a fast start

    The NFL schedule might be favorably aligned to help the Buffalo Bills get off to a faster start in 2005. The Bills open the season at home - against the Houston Texans - and play four of their first six games in the friendly confines of Ralph Wilson Stadium.

    April 13, 2005

    Bills will open at home against Houston

    Michael Vick's first visit to Orchard Park and the team's first prime-time home game in five years highlight the Buffalo Bills 2005 schedule.

    For the sixth consecutive year, the Bills will open at home, hosting the Houston Texans at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11.

    Tougher testosterone tests

    The NFL and its players have agreed to follow stricter standards for testosterone levels for the start of next season. The upgrade, which required the approval of the NFL Players Association, had been expected to be adopted, but not until next month, when the NFL and the union hold their annual discussions about revising the drug program.

    League to take wraps off schedule

    The National Football League will announce its 2005 regular season schedule at 2 p.m. today. The NFL Network will air a "Total Access Schedule Show" from 2-4, and the schedule will be posted on
    Buffalobills.com and NFL.com.

    Bills need to make move with Henry

    "We will decide what's a fair offer," Donahoe said. "Not Travis and not his agent. We will listen. We will see what happens over the next couple of weeks. If it happens, great. If not, Travis has a contract to play for the Buffalo Bills."

    Bills Schedule to be Announced Wednesday

    The Buffalo Bills 2005 regular season schedule will be announced Wednesday, along with the complete schedules of all other 31 NFL teams, the league announced Tuesday.

    April 12, 2005

    Losman working hard this offseason as he assumes starter's role

    Now that the Bills have the made the tough — but correct, in my opinion — call to move forward with J.P. Losman as their starting quarterback in 2005, one big question is still to be answered. Will Losman step right in and assume the starter’s role ably enough to help the Bills pick up where they left off — having won six of their last seven games in ’04 — or will he struggle and saddle an emerging team with a setback?

    Top Bills Selection Acquired a Year Early

    With less than two weeks left before the 2005 NFL Draft (April 23-24), the Bills have begun to finalize their draft board. But for the first time since 1998 when Buffalo sent its top pick to Jacksonville for quarterback Rob Johnson, the Bills won't have a first-round choice.

    Bill's Kevin Thompson leads Cologne to NFLE win

    With solid defensive play and another stellar performance on offense, the Centurions were able to get maintain the victory after a slow start. Kicker Jimmy Kibble scored the first nine points of the game on field goals before the offense started clicking in the third quarter. Quarterback Kevin Thompson (Buffalo Bills) ran for a 3-yard touchdown and added his second touchdown of the game late in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard run. Thompson for the season has completed 25 of 46 passes for 292 yards and 2 TDs for a passer rating of 88.3. Has already thrown as many TD passes as he did during entire 2001 season with Frankfurt. He also has rushed 11 times for 39 yards and 2 TDs.

    Pats extend Dillon's contract

    Patriots running back Corey Dillon signed a contract extension that could keep him with New England for the rest of his career.

    Donahoe doesn't regret trading No. 1 pick

    Tom Donahoe has no second thoughts about giving up the Buffalo Bills' No. 1 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. The Buffalo Bills' president and general manager looks at the quarterbacks available in this year's draft and thinks he was fortunate to select J.P. Losman in the draft a year ago.

    April 11, 2005

    Tom Donahoe and Tom Modrak Discuss Draft

    Buffalo Bills general manager Tom Donahoe and his assistant Tom Modrak are keeping an open mind heading into this year's NFL draft. Buffalo doesn't have a first round pick as the Bills gave it to Dallas a year ago for the right to select quarterback J.P. Losman.

    Bills report: Inside slant

    A new downtown stadium for the Bills? Some politicians, eager to find ways to stimulate a stagnant economy in Buffalo, have kicked off a dialogue to explore such a possibility.

    Bills report: Notes, quotes

    --As they work to reshuffle their offensive line, the Bills have determined that moving former first-round pick Mike Williams from right tackle to left tackle to replace Jonas Jennings (49ers) isn't a good option. The massive Williams, who has started 42 games at right tackle, will remain the mainstay of the Bills right-handed running game. Mularkey said Williams made good progress last year playing right tackle and doesn't want to disrupt that by making him learn a new position.

    Losman deal forces Buffalo to find a way back into first round

    It's no secret that Buffalo Bills president and general manager Tom Donahoe likes the action of the first round of the NFL draft. Last year, he doubled his pleasure by dealing away several picks to the Dallas Cowboys in order to jump back into round one, using that pick to take quarterback J.P. Losman after picking wide receiver Lee Evans.

    April 10, 2005

    Inside the Herd: LB Josh Stamer

    Mike Blouin (Charleston, SC): How do you think the Special Teams can improve from last year's best season in Bills history?
    Josh Stamer: We're going to work on the looks that we got late in the year. Every team comes in knowing that we were the best last year. What we have to do is step it up a notch because they are going to bring in their best game and best game plan and their strategy is totally going to change.

    Bills should get kick out of this year's draft

    The Bills are less than two weeks away from the 2005 draft, they don't possess a first-round selection and it doesn't seem clear exactly into which direction they will strike.

    Obviously, they need my help again.

    Don't laugh. Remember last year's draft? If you don't I'll remind you. Long before selection day I identified their No. 1 pick - wide receiver Lee Evans, University of Wisconsin. You could look it up. I nailed it. Right on the old schnozzola.

    Henry anxiously waits for deal

    Travis Henry met Corey Dillon a couple of weeks ago in Orlando, Fla. If anybody can appreciate how the estranged Buffalo Bills running back feels, it's New England's star rusher. "I ran into Corey, and he encouraged me," Henry said earlier this week from his Orlando home. "He told me he was in the same situation last year. It was tough. He wanted out of Cincinnati and wasn't going back. He told me I have to be patient."

    Bills to get line on tackle spot at draft

    This is the first in a seven-part series
    previewing the NFL draft. Today's
    installment looks at the offensive line.

    The Buffalo Bills' offensive line picture should come into focus in two weeks when the NFL holds its annual college draft.

    By then we will find out the likely solution to the biggest hole in the Bills' starting lineup - left tackle.

    April 09, 2005

    Football star diversifies himself away from the field

     Inside a converted auto repair shop, Sam Adams is preparing for life after his career as a Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills.

    In this city of almost 96,000, 30 miles north of Seattle, Adams spends many days working 9 to 5, attempting to get his latest venture away from the field off to a successful start.

    NFL Draft: Priorities Lie Up Front

    For the Bills, gone are the days of possessing 12 picks and needing all of them to fill out a roster. That was the case in 2001 when Buffalo had major holes to fill and struggled through a season with about half a roster of legitimate NFL players. In 2005, the Bills' roster is far more talented and stable and player turnover has decreased each year.

    Hearst headlines Bills' visitors

    In a move that could be a precursor to a Travis Henry trade, the Buffalo Bills welcomed free agent running back Garrison Hearst to Ralph Wilson Stadium.

    Hearst visited the Bills along with two other free agents Thursday, Arizona defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and Washington tight end Fred Baxter.

    Downtown stadium for Bills is a bad idea

    Hopefully, the idea to build a new stadium for the Bills in downtown Buffalo is a Hail Mary pass by a politician who wanted to get his name in the news and will be batted down before it has a chance to be completed. After a $100 million renovation in 1999, Ralph Wilson Stadium is a fine NFL facility. It isn't a football Taj Mahal but it doesn't need to be. It is as functional and comfortable as an open-air stadium could be.

    April 08, 2005

    Len Pasquarelli- Henry for Shelton Deal Off Again?

    Travis Henry
    Running Back
    Buffalo Bills
    Profile
    2004 SEASON STATISTICS
    RushYdsTDRecYdsTD
    94326010450
    • Don't you just hate flip-floppers? Yeah, us, too, except when we are forced to reverse positions on an issue. Like the much discussed trade of Buffalo Bills disgruntled tailback Travis Henry to the Arizona Cardinals for left offensive tackle L.J.Shelton, who clearly has fallen out of favor with coach Dennis Green and his staff. We reported in this space two weeks ago that the swap would almost certainly occur before the draft.

    And now? We're not so sure. For one thing, upon further inspection, the Buffalo staff isn't nearly as enamored of Shelton as it once appeared to be. There are some Bills coaches who feel that Shelton would not be a starter in Buffalo, and that he probably would serve only as the team's No. 6 offensive lineman. That means, barring an unexpected event, the Bills plan to move starting center Trey Teague to left tackle, the position he played early in his career, with the Denver Broncos. It also probably means there will not be a straight player-for-player swap between the Bills and the Cardinals. The Bills still feel they need to get something more in return for Henry, a two-time 1,000-yard rusher, who lost his starting job ably would serve only as the team's No. 6 offensive lineman.

    Downtown stadium idea only that, at least now

    The Common Council went on record this week to begin discussions about a new downtown football stadium, but so far the idea seems more like a pipe dream and fodder for radio talk-show hosts.

    Villager recalls career as Buffalo Bills radio play-by-play announcer

    As a child growing up in Dunkirk, N.Y., Van Miller began working as a play-by-play announcer calling Notre Dame football games on the radio. It mattered not that Miller was more than 400 miles from the famed campus in South Bend, Ind., because the games he called did not take place on any field.

    Losman Opening Pitch on Hold

    Buffaloians will have to wait a bit longer to assess J.P. Losman's pitching arm. The Bills quarterback was scheduled to throw out the first pitch at Thursday's Buffalo Bisons home opener but the game was postponed due to rain.

    April 07, 2005

    Stamer Picks NFL Europe Fantasy Lineup

    Josh Stamer's road to the NFL included a stop in NFL Europe, where he was the starting linebacker for the Amsterdam Admirals during the 2002 season. Now a special teams standout with the Bills, Stamer hasn't forgot his roots.

    Kelly keeps fighting for Hunter’s Hope

    How would you like to be driving around this summer in a brand new SSR Chevy Truck ... price tag: $45,000 ... for just $20? And how would you like to have former Buffalo Bills and Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly come to speak at a sporting event or other function at your school?

    April 06, 2005

    Proposal Calls For New Downtown Stadium For Bills

    Antoine M. Thompson, Masten District Council Member sponsored a resolution with the Common Council that will call for the construction of a new football stadium in downtown Buffalo for the Buffalo Bills. The resolution also asks for support in keeping the Bills here in Buffalo. Thompson is hoping that a new stadium will help the economic situation as well as tourism in the City of Buffalo, especially with Bass Pro and the proposed Waterfront Development Project.

    April 05, 2005

    Bills Quarterback J.P. Losman to Throw First Pitch at Bisons Home Opener

    Buffalo Bills starting quarterback, J.P. Losman, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Buffalo Bisons 2005 Home Opener: Thursday, April 7 at 4:05 p.m. against the Richmond Braves.

    April 04, 2005

    QB Thompson Shines in NFL Europe Opener

    Q: Congratulations Kevin. First game, first win. How tough was it?

    A: You know, it was a tough week, everybody was so anxious about getting on the field to play. We were so sick of each other from training camp, all the weeks down on Tampa and than we came down here and practiced for another two weeks. We were so ready to play somebody else and we showed a lot of heart out there. Offensively and defensively we had some mistakes early in the game but we overcame them and came out with a victory.

    April 03, 2005

    J.P. Losman

    The Buffalo Bills traded a little excitement on draft day this month for what they hope will be a whole lot of whooping and hollering starting in September.

    The Bills will not be making a pick in the first-round of the April 23 NFL draft because they gave it away last year to acquire quarterback J.P. Losman.

    Bills, Sabres still waiting on big prize

    Will sports fans in western New York ever realize their Impossible Dream — the Bills winning a Super Bowl or the Sabres winning a Stanley Cup? The Bills and Sabres have played a total of 73 Super Bowl and Stanley Cup seasons with no championships to show for it.

    April 02, 2005

    Bills report: Notes, quotes

    "I think everything we went through last year is going to make us a better team. We overcame adversity. We went through a lot of things. (Starting 0-4) that would have been the perfect time for a team to tear apart because of all the hard work they put into it and not have success. But with our guys, there was never a time where I said, 'We're losing them.' They hung in there. They stayed the course. They almost pulled off an unbelievable feat to be where they were at 3-6 and have a chance to be in the playoffs. It's definitely something we can build on." - Bills coach Mike Mularkey, speaking at the recent owners meeting in Hawaii.

    Bills report: Strategy and personnel

    NEEDS/DRAFT PRIORITIES: Center. The Bills have to start getting serious about upgrading their line; it's just not in the league of Pittsburgh's, Indianapolis', or New England's, the teams to beat in the AFC. Landing a veteran or good rookie would allow Trey Teague to be shifted to left tackle.

    Bills report: Inside slant

    "I have heard every threat that there is," Donahoe said in a league radio interview. "It is just that time of year where people posture and people say a lot of things. But you know a player is going into the last year of his contract, to take the year off and not play football, that is professional suicide."

    Tribute to the 1965 AFL Champion Buffalo Bills

    jackkemp0002_1.jpgNineteen sixty-three was the first of a string of four consecutive years in which the Buffalo Bills participated in post-season play, the only American Football League team to accomplish that feat. They lost the 1963 AFL Eastern Division playoff to their arch-rivals, the Boston Patriots. But that taste of post-season action served them well, and they came back to make 1964 their first championship year, defeating the favored San Diego Chargers 20-7.

    In 1965, the same two teams met for the championship, this time on the Chargers' home field. The Bills' 1964 victory was discounted by some as a fluke, or as the result of the loss of the Chargers' Keith Lincoln early in the game. In the 1965 Championship game the Bills, now without Cookie Gilchrist, were again the underdog. But the 1965 Bills showed that they were as formidable a team as the previous year's squad. This page is a tribute to that 1965 team.

    1965 AFL Championship Page

    Henry could be dealt if Bills drop demand

    It appears that the ball is back in Buffalo's court regarding a potential trade of running back Travis Henry to the Arizona Cardinals for tackle L.J. Shelton. Cardinals coach Dennis Green told the Arizona East Valley Tribune that Henry is still very much on his radar screen, and sources indicated that Arizona no longer wants additional compensation, just the player-for-player swap.

    April 01, 2005

    Cards notebook: Green won’t trade picks for Henry

    Cardinals coach Dennis Green said Thursday that "we’re not going to mess around with trading draft picks" when it comes to trying to pry Buffalo running back Travis Henry or any other player away in a deal. Green acknowledged Henry remains on Arizona’s radar screen. The Cards are interested in swapping tackle L.J. Shelton for Henry, while the Bills are holding out for more compensation.

    Gomez Snaps Up NFL Europe Opportunity

    With Jon Dorenbos battling back from a late-season knee injury and Bradford Banta returning to retirement, the Buffalo Bills could be in need of a long snapper. Enter Mike Gomez, a 6-6, 240-pound long snapper and tight end who played two seasons for Illinois after transferring from the College the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California.

    Questions for Tagliabue

    The same Congressional committee that conducted hearings into steroids in baseball has asked NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue for information about how football regulates the performance-enhancing substances.

    Agency backs plan for new Jets stadium

    The New York Jets' plan for a $1.9 billion Manhattan stadium that could also serve as the centerpiece of the 2012 Olympics cleared a major hurdle Thursday when its bid was approved by the state agency that owns the proposed site.

    Think before criticizing steroid users

    So you want to rewrite the record books for the sake of integrity, which in this case means adding asterisks to and erasing names of players who cheated. That's what we're talking about, right? We want to eliminate steroid users and restore honesty, making sure we have an accurate account of history.

    Bills make big addition with Anderson

    Bennie Anderson has a soft-spoken personality, but his appearance speaks volumes for what he brings to the Buffalo Bills. The hulking 6-foot-5, 345-pound free agent became newest addition to the Bills' offensive line Thursday after signing a three-year, $5.1 million contract.

    Bills Sign Offensive Lineman

    The Buffalo Bills signed offensive lineman Bennie Anderson. The Tennessee State product started a total of 46 games for the Baltimore Ravens during the past four seasons, including 12 starts at right guard in 2004. Anderson was originally signed by the Ravens as a free agent in 2001.