Buffalo Bills news, 4/29: analyzing the draft picks

Bills take a chance on Rogers - The Buffalo News

"It’s frustrating, but I did it to myself," Rogers said of his draft stock two months ago at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. "And I realize how hard I have to work now that I’m behind the 8-ball. It’s going to make me work that much harder."

Secrecy helps Bills land E.J. Manuel, perhaps long-awaited return to postseason - Yahoo! Sports

Once the team landed Manuel, the Bills had accomplished a prime objective. "Our goal coming in was to bring in another bell-cow quarterback to compete for the job [with newly signed Kevin Kolb and holdover Tarvaris Jackson], and we did that with E.J.," Brandon said. "Then we added some new tools in the toolbox."

I think it's particularly awesome when Russ Brandon says he didn't even tell his kids where the Bills were leaning.

NFL Network experts debate Manuel pick - VIDEO - BuffaloBills.com
"The Buffalo Bills selected EJ Manuel in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, but did the Bills make a mistake taking the Florida State quarterback at No. 16 overall? NFL Network's experts weigh in on the surprise pick."

Bills less likely to sign Karlos Dansby with Kiko Alonso in fold - Press Coverage | The Buffalo News
"We're still going to keep the dialogue open with him," Nix said, "but we do think it's changed some because Alonso can play both places."

Bills draft picks could be legit Rookie of the Year candidates - Press Coverage | The Buffalo News
With no first-round running backs and only one quarterback, Buffalo's new offensive playmakers will have a chance at the offensive Rookie of the Year award says Tim Graham.

Updating post-draft needs in AFC East - AFC East Blog - ESPN
The Bills have still not addressed the departure of Andy Levitre.

Are Bills taking too many character risks? - AFC East Blog - ESPN
"Rogers is the third player from Buffalo’s 2013 rookie class with major character concerns. Buffalo is a team with a rookie head coach -- Doug Marrone -- who is trying to establish his program. Marrone cannot afford to spend too much time policing off-the-field issues in his first year. "

Mel Kiper Jr.'s AFC East draft grades - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Kiper Jr.’s comment: "The Bills hit needs, I just think they made a major reach with the biggest need of all [at quarterback]. But a year behind Kevin Kolb could be a huge help to [EJ] Manuel." Buffalo received Kiper's lowest grade this year.

Draft review: Buffalo Bills | ProFootballTalk
A complete look at the Bills' draft from PFT. The info is good, if not aimed for the masses.

Hopewell's Turnley signs with Bills - Timesonline.com: Sports
"Turnley chatted with the Bills throughout the day Saturday and the conversations with the Bills were strong enough that it eliminated any drama. He added that several other teams contacted his agent, but Buffalo was always the frontrunner."

Tennessee Tech WR Rogers agrees to sign with Bills - Yahoo! Sports
An NFL pre-draft scouting report praised Rogers for being ''a physical specimen with strong hands, who overpowered defenders.'' But it also noted his ''off-field maturity,'' and knocked him for not being ''a very instinctual receiver.''

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Nix Likes Bills' Draft, I Think, And More
Mike Schopp doesn't care for Buddy Nix and Doug Marrone's post-draft comments.

WGR 550 SportsRadio - Bills Draft Assessment
"I'm good with it. Thats what I've been saying all weekend as neighbors and friends have all asked the same question, 'What do you think of the Bills draft'?"

Scott Pitoniak: Time will tell if Bills finally got the QB position straightenned out with EJ Manuel
"My first impression of Manuel is that he has the charisma and confidence you like to see in such a leadership position. Of course, none of this will matter unless he delivers the ball on-time to the right receiver and finds the end zone often on game day."

Evaluating the rest of Buffalo’s draft class - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow
"My only issue is that they didn’t address the cornerback position. I like Leodis McKelvin and Stephon Gilmore, but Ron Brooks didn’t play much last year and Justin Rogers was awful at times. Maybe a new defense will help them out."

Which rookie QB from the 2013 NFL Draft is in the best situation? - NFL Videos
"Charles Davis breaks down the situations of quarterbacks from the 2013 NFL Draft and determines which ones are in the best spots."