Inside The Bills

Kent Hull Video

Many of Kent Hull’s former teammates in their remembrances of him have attested to his character as a person as much as his abilities as a player. Here is a testament to that when he visited sick children in a hospital in his native Mississippi. If you want to know more about Kent Hull the man, this provides a good glimpse of the gregarious and respectful Southerner. 

Bills scouts Majeski & Forsyth

Buffalo Bills scouts Brad Forsyth and Doug Majeski address the media at One Bills Drive. 

Full Audio: Bills Scouts Brad Forsyth & Doug Majeski

Bills not shy about plugging rookies in

Dick Jauron and his coaching staff have made a point to insert some of their top rookies into the lineup with the first team offense and first team defense. To this point Eric Wood and Andy Levitre were seeing the most reps with the top units, but Aaron Maybin was sprinkled in with the first team defense Wednesday. Jauron explained the approach.

“No matter where they were drafted or where they came from, if they’re good enough to play we’ve got to find a spot for them to play.The people that were drafted high we definitely think a good deal about them and we want to get them in the mix early, very early. They need to get as many reps as they can get to catch up with the veterans.”

I fully believe that if Jairus Byrd were able to participate in these OTAs that he too would be getting reps with the first team defense at free safety. But because of his school’s late final exam schedule he can’t. It’ll be interesting to see how that shakes out for him at training camp. But Dick Jauron mentioned Byrd specifically when I asked him about this approach.

“The only young player (that won’t benefit) is Jairus and I don’t know how much we’ll be able to get him because of school and the rules in the league,” said Jauron. ”And that’s always an issue. But I believe he’ll catch up quickly or at least as quickly as he can.”

Bills duo set to test their baseball skills

Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards and wide receiver Lee Evans will be guests of the Toronto Blue Jays at their game vs. the New York Yankees on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at Rogers Centre. Edwards and Evans will meet some of the Blue Jays and Yankees players, take batting practice and throw out the first pitch. They will also speak to the media about the Bills Toronto Series and the Bills game vs. the New York Jets in Toronto on Thursday, December 3, 2009.

Will either one of these guys will hit one out in BP. What do you think?

Mack looks like a ‘can’t miss’

The guy has a squeaky clean resume off the field. He’s got academic awards up and down and he’s a darn good football player. Alex Mack appears to be about as close to a ‘can’t miss’ as you can get. But there were some questions prior to his senior year.

Mack did have problems from time to time holding up against the bull rush according to some west coast scouts as a junior.

But re-dedicating himself with a more rigorous offseason weight program prior to his senior year helped him add the strength he needed and he was vastly improved in that area, to the point where NFL talent evaluators feel he’ll be able to handle it.

What I like is this guy is a last off the field, last out of the film room kind of player and he’s got some ‘mean’ to his game. The Bills like players with a little grit to them.

The big question is do the Bills, or any other team for that matter, think he can play guard? 

If so then I think Buffalo could be a possible destination even with Geoff Hangartner on board.

Fan Friday 4-10

Alright the draft is two weeks away, but we’ve got trade talk and draft stuff going strong in this week’s edition. You know where to go with your questions seeing as I have over 500 emails in my inbox. It’s AskChris@bills.nfl.net. Let’s roll.

1. Chris,

I just saw online that Denver has been shopping their 26 yr old TE, Scheffler. Is there any chance Buffalo would be interested in him??

Thanks for your time.

Wayne

CB: I think it makes sense for Buffalo to be interested. He’s certainly established himself as a game-breaking passing option. There were rumors swirling that the Bills were negotiating some kind of deal when it was thought that his agent Bus Cook was in town. Cook wasn’t here however, so nothing came of it.

I like Scheffler as a player, but keep in mind he’s not a blocker by trade, so whether he can help you on the line is a big question mark and Buffalo needs a blocker at tight end as much as a game breaking pass catcher. Still he’d be a good acquisition. The question is at what price?

I’d give up a conditional fourth for him, which could increase to a 3rd depending on his production in 2009. But with a deep class of pass catching tight ends this year in the draft it’s a buyer’s market for Scheffler even as good as he is.  If you can get the upper hand in that deal though an NFL team should jump on it.

2. Hi Chris,

Just wondering if the Bills will be looking to add a safety. I had heard that Donte Whitner might be making the permanent move to FS. Is this true? If so, will the Bills be looking to add a safety through the draft of FA? Are they comfortable with Bryan Scott starting at the SS?

I think adding a guy like Sean Jones or Jermaine Phillips might be a solid addition.

Thanks for keeping us all informed,
Matt in Rochester

CB: I think the coaching staff was pretty happy with what they got out of the combination of Bryan Scott at SS and Whitner at FS, which was largely the tandem for the second half of the year when Donte didn’t have to fill in at nickel corner due to injury.

Unless they make an addition, which I’m not anticipating, I expect that to be the starting tandem in 2009. The reason I don’t see them addressing the safety position in the draft is because they have depth players on the roster already and there are more pressing positional needs.

3. Hey Chris,

I have a couple questions for you.

First, are you surprised to see that J.P. Losman has not visited any teams yet this offseason? He is only in his 5th season and has shown flashes of talent, which should have helped him out this offseason since there are few FA quarterbacks.

Second, do you see any FA o-lineman coming into Buffalo? I’m assuming that Buffalo’s greatest need is not on the line, but they might add some depth in the draft.

Thanks for your time,

Andrew
CB: Losman was to visit with the Broncos before the whole Cutler mess to possibly be signed as a backup, but before he could arrive in Denver for a visit the Broncos signed Chris Simms. Other than that I haven’t heard much.

I wonder if Chicago might now be a possibility since they have a strong-armed QB in Cutler, and might want to add a backup that can make the same throws in the offense in the event of an injury.

At worst I’d expect his phone to start ringing after the draft as teams are waiting to see what prospects they might be able to land. What’s hurting him are his last few performances for Buffalo, which included the dreadful offensive performance against Miami in Toronto and the Jets game that the Bills had won until…

I think he’ll land somewhere, but he’ll be a backup at best.

As for offensive linemen I still think Kendall Simmons is a possibility for depth, but I see the Bills addressing guard in the draft.

4. Hi Chris

Just wondering, why no mention of Marlin Briscoe as one of the Bills’ all time receivers? I realize his career with Buffalo was short before moving on to other NFL teams, but I remember him as incredibly talented, very  effectively using positioning and leaping ability to catch virtually  anything that was thrown near him. I think he is largely the reason Dennis Shaw was offensive rookie of  the year.

Mike DeWald
mdewald@roadrunner.com

CB: Marlin Briscoe did not make the list of nominees for wide receiver because he only spent three seasons in a Bills uniform. The parameters stated that a nominee had to spend at least four seasons in a Buffalo uniform. I didn’t make the rules, just relaying them to you. Hope that clears it up.

5.  Chris,
 
I can’t believe no one has talked much about Connor Barwin. He plays TE/DE and excels at both. The guy is 256 lbs, had 11 sacks last year, ran a 4.55 in the 40, jumped 40″ in the vert and just had an all around GREAT combine. Why isn’t anyone talking about this guy? Do you know if Buffalo has taken a good look at this guy? This one guy can fill the need for either TE or DE. How is this guy flying under the radar?
 
CB: I’m a fan of Barwin. I’ve blogged a few times about him. In fact if the Bills don’t get a top flight pass rusher in round one, I’m hopeful that Barwin is there to snatch up at 42 in the second. I’m not all that confident it will happen after his combine workout.

But I’d be very happy with him as a pass rushing addition. And trust me amongst NFL clubs he’s not flying under the radar. I think he could even crawl into the bottom of the first round.

Offensive changes should be tweaks

I don’t think anyone should expect any kind of major change to Turk Schonert’s offense. I think they’ll simply add some route concepts that Owens excels at most. Beyond that the only other changes could be the frequency with which the personnel groupings are used.

I think there’s a good chance there are more three and four wide sets provided the offensive line is effectively re-tooled and comes together well in training camp.

And you’ve got to believe they’ll be going deep more often with Evans and Owens outside, again provided the staff is confident in the new chemistry of the line and the protection is consistent through the course of the season.

That’s not a knock on the offensive line. It’s just a testament to the fact that it always starts with your front five.

Owens in Buffalo working out

Terrell Owens is in Buffalo and has been working out with his teammates at One Bills Drive.

Pats have most draft flexibility

In a scenario we’re all unfortunately too used to seeing, of the four teams in the AFC East, the Patriots will have the greatest draft flexibility come April 25th.

New England not only has the most total draft picks of the four teams (12), they also have four in the top 60 and six in the top 90. Even if they hit on only half of them, it will be valuable upgrading for a team that already is benefiting from the return of Tom Brady.

The Dolphins are next with nine total picks and three in the top 60, four in the top 90.

Then the Bills with their seven original picks, one in each round, can move around a bit with three picks in the top 75.

New York has the least maneuverability with only six picks and just two in the top 75. The Jets would likely have to include picks from 2010 to make any major moves up the board on draft weekend.

Here are the picks for each team.

Bills
Draft choices: Nos. 11, 42, 75, 110, 147, 183, 220

Miami
Draft choices: Nos. 25, 44, 56, 87, 126, 161, 214, 232, 237

New England
Draft choices: Nos. 23, 34, 47, 58, 89, 97, 124, 159, 170, 199, 207, 234

New York
Draft choices: Nos. 17, 52, 76, 115, 193, 228

Walker was surprised by Dockery release

Langston Walker knows change happens in the NFL. He just didn’t see the release of Derrick Dockery coming at the start of the free agency period.

“I was pretty surprised by that, but to reiterate it is a business,” said Walker. “Football is a game. The NFL is a business. It’s just what happens.”

The shock was likely due to the fact that Dockery had a long term contract, but it was difficult to justify Dockery’s performance with the size of his contract and a difficult decision was made.

Of course filling that left guard spot is an open ended situation though Kirk Chambers and Demetrius Bell will be given an opportunity to fill it.

It wouldn’t surprise me if the Bills used a 2nd or 3rd round pick on an interior offensive lineman to shore that position up even further. Having Terrell Owens and Lee Evans outside won’t mean a whole lot if Trent Edwards doesn’t have time to throw.

Who will the Bills take with their top pick?

The M&T Bank Draft Day Challenge Promotion is back for the third straight year. Here are the details:

Guess which player the Bills select first in the 2009 draft and you’ll be entered for a chance to win…
• A meet and greet with the Bills #1 draft choice
• Autographed jersey signed by the Bills #1 draft pick
• Two tickets to a 2009 Bills regular season home game with pre-game sideline passes
• A private tour of the Bills training facilities

Enter Your Guess

TE Cook has brother in draft pool

South Carolina TE Jared Cook  might not be the only member of his family latching on with an NFL club draft weekend.

His brother is Ole Miss starting fullback Jason Cook. An old school true lead fullback Cook could come off the board late in the draft or sign somewhere as an undrafted rookie free agent.

Too slow? A receiver turned tight end running a 4.49 is too slow, for Ole Miss?

Of course no one is calling the 246-pound tight end slow now, not even his older brother.

“I kind of tease him a little bit about how much faster I am than him,” said Jared.

The younger Cook is hopeful that a missed opportunity to play together in college somehow changes for the better in the NFL.
 
“It’d still be nice to have my brother on the same team as me,” said Jared.

Countdown to Draft Day: Tight Ends

Live gameday blog

Join Buffalobills.com Lead Journalist Chris Brown for a live blog during today’s game at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Click here

Bills-Patriots inactives

Buffalo Bills
11-Roscoe Parrish
23-Marshawn Lynch
33-Jabari Greer
58-Teddy Lehman
71-Jason Peters
77-Demetrius Bell
79-Jonathan Scott
7-J.P. Losman – 3rd QB

New England Patriots
29-Lewis Sanders
41-Ray Ventrone
42-BenJarvus Green-Ellis
54-Tedy Bruschi
65-Wesley Britt
74-Billy Yates
93-Richard Seymour
Lineup changes for the Bills
22-Fred Jackson will start at RB in place of 23-Marshawn Lynch
73-Kirk Chambers will start at LT in place of 71-Jason Peters
28-Leodis McKelvin will start at CB in place of 33-Jabari Greer

Snow shovelers no longer needed

The Bills are grateful for the overwhelming response for snow shovelers during the Holiday season. At this time snow shovelers are no longer needed at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Thank you.

Bills-Broncos inactives

Buffalo Bills
33-Jabari Greer
58-Teddy Lehman
71-Jason Peters
77-Demetrius Bell
81-James Hardy
79-Jonathan Scott
87-Jonathan Stupar
7-J.P. Losman – 3rd QB

Denver Broncos
16-Chad Jackson
20-Marlon McCree
26-Jack Williams
38-Andrew Pinnock
46-Spencer Larsen
53-Niko Koutouvides
72-Pat Murray
96-Tim Crowder

Buffalo Lineup Changes
28-Leodis McKelvin will start at cornerback in place of Jabari Greer.
73-Kirk Chambers will start at left tackle in place of Jason Peters.

Live gameday blog

Join Buffalobills.com Lead Journalist Chris Brown for a live blog during today’s game at Invesco Field at Mile High.

Click Here

Bills-Jets inactives

Buffalo Bills
25-Xavier Omon
33-Jabari Greer
35-Dustin Fox
65-Jason Whittle
77-Demetrius Bell
87-Jonathan Stupar
5-Trent Edwards – 3rd QB

New York Jets
1-Mike Nugent
16-Brad Smith
30-Drew Coleman
32-J.R. Reed
36-David Barrett
56-Vernon Gholston
57-Jason Trusnik
5-Brett Ratliff – 3rd QB

Live gameday blog

Join Buffalobills.com Lead Journalist Chris Brown for a live blog during today’s game at The Meadowlands.

Click here

Bills-Dolphins inactives

Buffalo Bills
17-Justin Jenkins
25-Xavier Omon
33-Jabari Greer
65-Jason Whittle
77-Demetrius Bell
87-Jonathan Stupar
94-Aaron Schobel
5-Trent Edwards – 3rd QB

Miami Dolphins
14-Chris Hannon
41-Joey Thomas
61-Shawn Murphy
71-Lionel Dotson
75-Nate Garner
81-Joey Haynos
90-Rodrique Wright
9-John Beck – 3rd QB

Lineup changes for the Bills
No. 7 J.P. Losman will start at quarterback
No. 92 Ryan Denney will start at defensive end
No. 28 Leodis McKelvin will start at cornerback