Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills News, 5/3

NT Jasper brings gigantic intrigue - BuffaloBills.com
Here's the story of scouting and ultimately drafting DT Mike Jasper. It's a pretty entertaining read.

97 Rock Audio Vault
Buddy Nix recaps the draft.

Kiper says OT Hairston key - The Buffalo News
"ESPN analyst Mel Kiper liked the Bills' draft. He gave it a grade of B. Only nine teams got a higher grade. He says fourth-round pick Chris Hairston is the one guy who could make the Bills' draft an A-plus."

2011 NFL Draft
What they're saying... 2011 NFL Draft - BuffaloBills.com
"Below is a compilation of draft grades on the Buffalo Bills from national and local media outlets as of Monday May, 2 at 2:15 pm." Most are good.

Bills Draft Party engages fans and partners - BuffaloBills.com
"Fans were able to visit with and obtain complimentary autographs from Bills Alumni and the Buffalo Jills Cheerleaders, receive complimentary "2011 Lead the Charge" Draft Day photos, participate in interactive games on the field, tour the Bills locker room, try on official Bills game day equipment and uniforms and tour the Bills weight room."

Inside The Bills | Kiper: Hairston key to class
"With the offensive line you can only do so much," said Kiper. "With the offensive line there was a big drop off after the top group. That’s why I think the key guy is going to be Chris Hairston. Chris Hairston has a lot of ability and potential. I think he’s not yet where he needs to be. Any time you get a kid that’s 6’6 ¼" and 326 pounds and is very, very strong in the upper body, he’s got incredibly long arms. The kid is a talent."

Draft earns plaudits for Bills - The Buffalo News
Allen Wilson takes a look around the draft grades.

‘Monster’ lineman slims down for Bills - thestar.com
"At 448 pounds, Michael Jasper was considered too big for the NFL. But at 375, Buffalo thinks he’s a good fit."

2011 NFL Draft: Syracuse Cheers And Jeers - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
"JEERS to the Giants, Jets & Bills for not drafting any Syracuse players. Way to keep it in the family, you guys."

Focus On Defense | wgrz.com | Buffalo, NY
Stu Barnes gives his take on the Bills draft.

More Bills Links
Fit For Bills? QB Tarvaris Jackson - WGR 550 SportsRadio
"Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I'll be examining the quarterbacks available on the unrestricted free agent market and how they may fit Buffalo. First up, former Minnesota Vikings quarterback and unrestricted free agent Tarvaris Jackson."

Nix says Bills will try to keep Florence, not Whitner | ProFootballTalk
"It’s refreshing to hear that kind of candor. And, when it comes to the NFL, it’s rare."

This Day in Buffalo Sports History: Good idea at the time - The Buffalo News
"After plenty of research, the Bills decided to draft linebacker Tom Cousineau of Ohio State. Cousineau was picked on this date. But the Bills couldn't sign him, as he jumped to Montreal of the Canadian Football League. Reportedly Montreal doubled the Bills' initial contract offer."

Source: Whitner’s Career In Buffalo Over : Buffalo Sports Daily
"Sources I’ve spoke to say there’s no chance Whitner returns to Buffalo regardless of what his free agent status ends up being. I’m told unequivocally the organization has no interest in players that don’t want to be here. It’s likely Nix will work some kind of sign-and-trade with another team and if that doesn’t happen, I wouldn’t be surprised to see his tender revoked and be outright released as a final alternative."