Buffalo Bills 2006 Offseason (1 Viewer)

[ConstruxBoy]

 

[wannabee]

Bills | Nall leading race for No. 2 quarterback spot Published Mon Aug 28 4:34:00 p.m. ET 2006 (KFFL) Mark Gaughan, of the Buffalo News, reports Buffalo Bills QB Craig Nall improved his chances of being the team's No. 2 quarterback after his strong performance Saturday, Aug. 26.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

IMO, the Bills made the right decision. Losman is the only QB on the roster that really has the potential to be a true franchise QB. Now they just need to commit to him for the entire season and not play these games of benching him then playing him again. If he stinks and the Bills stink, then you clean house and move in a totally different direction next season. If he keeps improving then you have your QB for the future. He has been demonstrating a serious desire to be the guy, to be a good teammate and (perhaps for the value of the franchise) most importantly he has shown a real desire to be a Buffalo Bill. If he has a good season I think that the Bills could definitely go to him, get a new deal done and keep him around for the long haul rather easily.

I have to wonder where they'd be if they did that last year, because JP has definitely looked MUCH better with the reps he's got this preseason.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

GO JP!

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Bills | Nall leading race for No. 2 quarterback spot Published Mon Aug 28 4:34:00 p.m. ET 2006 (KFFL) Mark Gaughan, of the Buffalo News, reports Buffalo Bills QB Craig Nall improved his chances of being the team's No. 2 quarterback after his strong performance Saturday, Aug. 26.

 

[Tick]

Aaron, WR2?

 

[OldMilwaukee]

Aaron, WR2?

Not Aaron...... but without all the disclaimers, I'll call it........... PRICE.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Aaron, WR2?

crazy that we've played 3 preseason games and still aren't sure who it will be yet, but I think signs have been pointing to Price all along and he solidified things with a big game against the Browns this past weekend. Josh Reed is the better blocker, but he's a much better fit as the slot WR.So, I think we'll see:1. Evans2. Price3. Reedto start the season. Price's speed and big play ability is a better fit for the new offense AND for JP Losman. But, I won't be too suprised if they give some other WRs a chance in different packages throughout a game as I don't think Price has a stranglehold on the #2 job.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills Trim Roster to Reach Final 53

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 9/2/2006 5:30 PM ET

Bills head coach #### Jauron said going in that there were going to be several difficult decisions, and some of the surprising cuts below show just how hard they were for Jauron and his staff as they released 21 players Saturday and placed Joe Burns on the Reserve/Injured List.

Below we assess why the following players wound up on the outside looking in.

Rashad Baker - Rookie Ko Simpson made more plays in the secondary and appears to be on the fast track. That was enough to make Baker expendable.

Eric Bassey - Gifted physically, but lacking the instincts to make plays. Running as the seventh cornerback he likely knew his chances were slim. The staff may choose to develop him on the practice squad.

Brad Cieslak - The tight end who excelled in the spring camps couldn't put it all together when the pads went on. He got off to a slow start in camp with some drops and couldn't recover in time to turn heads. Look for him to land on the practice squad.

Liam Ezekiel - Middle linebacker lacked the speed and agility needed in Perry Fewell’s pursuit-oriented scheme. This release means that rookie John DiGiorgio is the backup at middle linebacker to London Fletcher.

Lionel Gates - A player who many thought was running neck-a-neck with Anthony Thomas for the backup running back role, but couldn't convince the staff that he could offer something more than the veteran. He also doesn't offer the versatility of Shaud Williams.

Justin Geisinger - His play through training camp was average for the most part. He wasn't outstanding and he wasn't substandard in anything he did either. But with Duke Preston capable of doing everything he can do and better, he became expendable.

Jon Goldsberry - His odds of making the roster got longer with a high ankle sprain that kept him off the field for most of the preseason. It really prevented him from showing what he was capable of at the fullback position.

Jason Hall - Had one good performance in the Cincinnati preseason game, but rarely showed up in any meaningful way beyond that.

Wendell Hunter - An instinctive player that got a lot of snaps the past few weeks with the second team defense, but struggled in coverage. Could find himself on the practice squad again this season.

Fred Jackson - A remarkably tough and resilient running back who kept himself on the field despite some injuries that looked awful when they occurred. A slashing back that just doesn't match up physically to the likes of McGahee and Thomas and not as elusive as Williams.

Jason Jefferson - Simply not athletic enough to be an effective penetrator in Perry Fewell's defensive system which kept him from making plays in the offensive backfield.

Greg Jerman - Didn't perform consistently enough to convince the staff that he could hold down the third tackle role. Now the Bills have to determine who will man that very important role.

Eric King - While he was unsuccessful in winning the nickel corner job his position among the defensive back corps was considered relatively secure. The coaching staff however, saw it differently.

Jim Leonhard - A heady player with good instincts, but he didn't show up enough in the games. With fourth-round pick Ko Simpson seemingly on the fast track it was going to be tough for him to stick. Worse still he's not eligible for the practice squad.

Ryan Neill - Instinctive young player that needs development. His long snapping abilities are also a plus. Figures to be a strong practice squad consideration.

Joe Odom - Picked up on waivers late in the preseason Odom had just two games to make an impression, and he didn't prove he was better than Josh Stamer.

Alan Ricard - Had a good preseason outing against Cincinnati, but was slowed by a quad injury. Not a great special teams player which is an essential quality if you're the backup fullback.

Lauvale Sape - Couldn't outperform either of Buffalo rookies John McCargo and Kyle Williams which would have been necessary to make a roster spot a sure thing.

Jonathan Smith - The talented return man was unable to turn in a big play in the preseason and didn't do much to showcase his ability at the receiver position either. The deepest position on the roster was going to have some casualties.

Jason Thomas - Had some good performances in the last two preseason games, but just didn't offer enough versatility as a reserve lineman.

George Wilson - A player who truly deserves to be on the roster, but keeping seven receivers was not an option. Fortunately he still has practice squad eligibility and should provide valuable insurance provided another team doesn't grab him for their active roster first.

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4091

There are some good players in this list. I'm surprised and disappointed that Eric King didn't make it but Kiwaukee Thomas has more experience. Cieslak went from opening camp as the #2 TE to off the team. George Wilson seems destined for the practice squad. I thought Lionel Gates had a great chance to beat out Shaud Williams but maybe he spends another year on the practice squad. Right now it looks like one of the rookies will take over the #3 offensive tackle job, which is a little surprising but hopefully is a good sign for their progress. Of the 9 OL to make the final roster, 3 are rookies drafted in the 5th round or later.

The Bills kept:

3QB, 3RB, 1FB, 6WR, 3TE, 9OL, 4DE, 4DT, 7LB, 5CB, 5S

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Today Posted By: Chris Brown | Time: 5:49 PM ET | Link

Some shocking cuts: Wow there were some cuts that surprised me big time today. Lionel Gates and Eric King were probably two of the biggest. Usually when a player is given a ton of snaps in a competitive situation it’s an indication that he’s firmly in the hunt for a job. Meanwhile a lack of reps is usually a bad sign.

I got the feeling that such an approach wasn’t necessarily going to be the case with #### Jauron’s staff late in the preseason. This past week I noticed that Josh Stamer got zero reps on defense leading up to the Detroit game, but there was no way that Stamer would get cut. So I started thinking who else might be in that same boat? Shaud Williams and Mario Haggan were other examples.

Still I felt that Gates was getting so much more time than Williams at RB because the staff wanted to see if he was better than Anthony Thomas and whether he could earn the #2 job. In actuality he was probably getting all that time to see if he was good enough to just make the roster as they had apparently made up their mind about Williams. I think Shaud’s versatility saved him.

Greg Jerman was another surprise, not because he’s a great player, but because the rookie tackles they have right now are so green. Like I wrote in Bills Digest, I love what I’ve seen from Brad Butler and wouldn’t be surprised if he’s this team’s first tackle off the bench in the event of an injury… by midseason. But to ask that of him now would be asking a lot. We’ll have to see if Buffalo has other ideas on how to fill that hole.

Lauvale Sape was another example. At best he’s the fifth tackle on the roster, but the staff elected to keep four ends and four tackles instead of three ends and five tackles and he wound up off the roster. If the Bills have one injury at DT, with all the rotation they’re doing they’ll need another DT in short order. That’s why Buffalo will likely need to find a fifth tackle for the practice squad which could be Jason Jefferson who was also released, but has practice squad time.

Buffalo will also need to find a backup fullback with Joe Burns on I-R and Goldsberry and Ricard released. I suppose Goldsberry could be put on the practice squad.

Congrats to John DiGiorgio, the only undrafted rookie free agent to make the roster. He really made the most of the last preseason game. He was all over the field and his family which is from Michigan was in attendance and has to be whooping it up today. #### Jauron really likes DiGiorgio’s pursuit and speed. He’ll be valuable on special teams and as of right now is London Fletcher’s backup at middle linebacker.

Eric Powell won the 4th defensive end role on hustle and grit.

Coy Wire beat the odds as the Bills have 3 strong safeties with Bowen and Whitner also on the roster.

All of Buffalo’s draft picks also made the roster. Keith Ellison really came on strong in that last preseason game.

http://buffalobills.com/blog/index.jsp?blogger_id=1

 

[Tick]

Aaron, would you keep Andre Davis or Roscoe Parrish on a Zealots roster?

 

[There it is]

Aaron, WR2?

crazy that we've played 3 preseason games and still aren't sure who it will be yet, but I think signs have been pointing to Price all along and he solidified things with a big game against the Browns this past weekend. Josh Reed is the better blocker, but he's a much better fit as the slot WR.So, I think we'll see:1. Evans2. Price3. Reedto start the season. Price's speed and big play ability is a better fit for the new offense AND for JP Losman. But, I won't be too suprised if they give some other WRs a chance in different packages throughout a game as I don't think Price has a stranglehold on the #2 job.

I can't believe you didn't draft Peerless Price in the last round in the ANARCHY league, I did.I drafted him in all 5 leagues I'm in, am I crazy?

 

[GOroute]

Aaron, WR2?

crazy that we've played 3 preseason games and still aren't sure who it will be yet, but I think signs have been pointing to Price all along and he solidified things with a big game against the Browns this past weekend. Josh Reed is the better blocker, but he's a much better fit as the slot WR.So, I think we'll see:1. Evans2. Price3. Reedto start the season. Price's speed and big play ability is a better fit for the new offense AND for JP Losman. But, I won't be too suprised if they give some other WRs a chance in different packages throughout a game as I don't think Price has a stranglehold on the #2 job.

I can't believe you didn't draft Peerless Price in the last round in the ANARCHY league, I did.I drafted him in all 5 leagues I'm in, am I crazy?

hope not, cause PP needs to perform for my sake (bills sake), but i do not see a big year for him- not even close. but he will have a couple of games that he does well. just hope you start him those weeks.

 

[There it is]

Aaron, WR2?

crazy that we've played 3 preseason games and still aren't sure who it will be yet, but I think signs have been pointing to Price all along and he solidified things with a big game against the Browns this past weekend. Josh Reed is the better blocker, but he's a much better fit as the slot WR.So, I think we'll see:1. Evans2. Price3. Reedto start the season. Price's speed and big play ability is a better fit for the new offense AND for JP Losman. But, I won't be too suprised if they give some other WRs a chance in different packages throughout a game as I don't think Price has a stranglehold on the #2 job.

I can't believe you didn't draft Peerless Price in the last round in the ANARCHY league, I did.I drafted him in all 5 leagues I'm in, am I crazy?

hope not, cause PP needs to perform for my sake (bills sake), but i do not see a big year for him- not even close. but he will have a couple of games that he does well. just hope you start him those weeks.

I predict a great game and a td in week 1.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Aaron, would you keep Andre Davis or Roscoe Parrish on a Zealots roster?

I don't think Parrish will ever be more than a slot WR, but his return yards make him a little more valuable in zealots. I think he'll be the primary punt returner. Andre Davis may see some time on kickoff returns but McGee should still be the guy there. Davis seems buried on the depth charts right now and is probably only the #5 or #6 WR so he shouldn't see much playing time on offense unless there is an injury to someone. Given all of that, I'd probably keep Parrish. But, neither are very valuable right now. Davis probably has more long term potential if he signs somewhere else next year as he's only on a 1-year contract. But, if he can't beat out Josh Reed and Peerless Price and Sam Aiken, maybe he's not as good as a lot of us think he is.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

Couple surprises there...

Gotta think King will be grabbed by someone with less DB depth.

Hopefully Gates makes it to the practice squad.

Those are two young players, who in my opinion, have shown no signs of bust. I don't think either have what it takes to be stars, but they could develop into descent players.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Willis says he's ready to ramble

By BUCKY GLEASON

News Sports Reporter

9/4/2006

Willis McGahee was intent on putting last season where it belonged, which was as far from One Bills Drive as possible. He figured there was no reason Sunday to revisit a miserable year in which the Buffalo Bills finished 5-11. Instead, he emphasized how this is a new era, complete with a new coach and a new offense.

Quarterback J.P. Losman has newfound confidence after struggling last season. The Bills have 20 new players on the roster from a year ago. They have three new starters along the offensive line.

But for all the changes the Bills made, there appears to be little changing this: They are going nowhere without a strong running game.

And it starts with McGahee.

"I can't be more excited," he said after practice Sunday. "The season is finally getting here, and I'm ready to go out there and rock and roll."

McGahee offers at least a shred of hope for a team looking to turn things around after a terrible season a year ago. He gained 1,247 yards rushing in an offense that had a weak offensive line and limited passing game. The Bills spent much of the year looking for their identity, a search that appears all but over going into this year.

The Bills open their season against the New England Patriots next Sunday with plenty of new faces but very few secrets. All along, the Bills have said they want to get him the ball. He might be their one marquee player on offense, one blessed with the size and strength to break down a defense and the speed to break open a game.

"He could be a superstar if everything falls into place," fullback Daimon Shelton said. "I don't see why he couldn't soar above any running back in the league. He has the talent, and he has the speed. He has the strength and the mental aspect. The sky is the limit with that cat."

The Bills have been hesitant to reveal any concrete goals this season. The emphasis has been on simply getting better, which is bound to happen if McGahee can break out with a big year. He was an alternate for the Pro Bowl last season after finishing 10th among the league's rushers.

Now the Bills want more.

Eight running backs rushed for more than 1,400 yards last season. McGahee could have the opportunity to gain 1,500 yards if the Bills' offensive line, healthy since the first day of training camp, performs well and stays intact. Buffalo hasn't had a back crack 1,500 yards since O.J. Simpson had 1,503 in 1976, playing a 14-game schedule.

"As bad as things were last year, he still had over 1,200 yards," guard Chris Villarrial said. "If we can just do the little things. There aren't any stats for offensive linemen, but when your running back is getting 1,500 or 1,600 yards, you're doing something right. He's a guy that can do it. He's a workhorse, and he can handle that load."

For all the attention paid to the Bills' unstable quarterback situation over the past two years, their success mostly was defined by their running game. The Bills are 9-3 in games when McGahee has rushed for 100 yards or more, including 7-0 two years ago. The three losses were by a combined 17 points.

McGahee gained 1,128 yards rushing in his first season on the roster before improving on that total last season. Opposing teams will focus on McGahee until Losman proves he can hurt them with his arm. McGahee figures to play a more prominent role in the passing game, which is also something new.

"I don't think it's predicated on just Willis," Jauron said. "If it's just him, we're not going to be very good. He had to have 10 other guys with him working together. . . . We're not putting the burden on one guy, but Willis is a playmaker. We're counting on our playmakers to come through on Sundays, for sure."

The top 10 rushing NFL teams last season combined for a 108-52 record. The only team that didn't finish better than .500 was Atlanta, which was 8-8. The Falcons, Kansas City (10-6) and San Diego (9-7) were the only three that didn't make the playoffs. The bottom 10 rushing teams were 57-113. Only one, New England, made playoffs.

"You have to run the football or [pass] protecting in this league is much too difficult," offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild said. "The run game is crucial, and we've got some guys here who I think can run. We're going to do everything we can to be successful at running the ball."

McGahee arrived in camp lighter and quicker than in recent years. He gained 151 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry during the preseason. The highlight was a 61-yard touchdown run against Cincinnati in the second game. The Bills are hoping it was a sign of things to come.

"I'll be a premier back," McGahee said. "I'm not worried about that. It's just the fact that we have to be patient and let everything come."

• • •

Jauron still has not decided whether Kelly Holcomb or Craig Nall will be his backup quarterback for the opener. . . . The Bills signed cornerback Eric Bassey, tight end Brad Cieslak, running back Fred Jackson, defensive tackle Jayson Jefferson, defensive end Ryan Neill and wide receiver George Wilson to the practice squad. Two more are expected to be added later this week. . . . Safety Matt Bowen (bone bruise) returned to practice Sunday. . . . Cornerback Ashton Youboty, who has not returned since his mother died three weeks ago, is expected this week.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060904/1070154.asp

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

September 3, 2006 Posted By: Chris Brown | Time: 5:40 PM ET | Link

BACKUP QB: I asked #### Jauron if he's designated his backup QB and he said he hasn't yet. He's calling Sunday and Monday his bonus practice days and believes he has some time before making those designations. Perhaps he sees some advantage there in not naming them with respect to their Sunday matchup with New England. He also didn't name his starting LDE and his #2 WR. His backup RB is obvious with the release of Lionel Gates. For more on the roster you can click on Bills Focus on the home page Sunday night.

PRACTICE SQUAD: Speaking of Gates I was surprised to see that Fred Jackson was added to the practice squad instead of Gates. Gates does still have practice squad eligibility and I thought for sure he would land there after all the time he got in the preseason, over Jackson no less. Perhaps they see Jackson as a backup for Shaud's change of pace role and felt that was more important than a third string feature back.

I asked coach Jauron when he plans to fill the two remaining spots on the practice squad and he said by Wednesday at the latest. Jauron answered in the affirmative when I asked if they had two people in mind for those final two spots. Oftentimes what holds things up is agents want to see if there's a 53-man roster where they can still squeeze their player on around the league. Once the agent finds out that a chance on an active roster won't happen he relents and accepts the practice squad designation. Cross your fingers one of the remaining two spots is reserved for Martin Nance.

I would anticipate that the other spot is for a linebacker which could be Ezekiel who has practice squad eligibility or Hunter. I know there aren't any offensive linemen on their practice squad, but that's probably because they've got three rookies to develop at that position on their roster already in Butler, Merz and Pennington. Jauron addressed the fact that he's got a lot of inexperience in reserve on the o-line including Duke Preston.

"We know you would like not to have them have to play much early so we're kind of hoping that's the way it goes," said Jauron Sunday. "In the meantime we'll work hard with them. We think they all have a future, and we need to develop them. We need to invest in them and hopefully they'll be a big part of our future. And if they have to play now they'll certainly fight, but there are things they certainly haven't seen a lot of. But we think they're good players."

THOUGHT ON NO BACKUP FULLBACK: While there's no specific backup fullback on the 53-man roster, I remembered that Ryan Neufeld can capably fill the backup fullback role for the team in a pinch. In fact he lined up there a few times in the final preseason game, no doubt so the coaching staff could see if he could handle it. I guess he answered that question for them.

VIKINGS GRAB NANCE: Looks like Martin Nance got away. The rookie free agent receiver was signed to the Vikings practice squad yesterday. Minnesota also signed Rashad Baker to their active roster. I was hoping Buffalo would get him on their practice squad. I suppose if the Bills had some injuries at receiver they could still sign him to their 53-man roster from Minnesota's practice squad.

KING AND GEISINGER: Two other veterans cuts by the Bills found homes in Tennessee. Eric King was put on the Titans active roster and Justin Geisinger was placed on the team's practice squad.

JONATHAN SMITH: And in the case of 'I told you this would happen' Jonathan Smith was signed by the Patriots and no doubt will be returning punts and or kicks against the Bills in the opener. If anyone recalls I mentioned the possibility of Smith getting released on cut down day because of the glut of return talent on Buffalo's roster. I suspected that Smith would get scooped up by Miami or New England who both need return help and the Pats need receiver depth. I'm confident in Buffalo's cover teams, but Smith might be sharing some special teams secrets as well. There wasn't much Buffalo could do, Smith was a luxury here. In New England he's a necessity.

http://buffalobills.com/blog/index.jsp?blogger_id=1

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bills Fill Six Practice Squad Spots

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 9/3/2006 3:24 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills filled the majority of their eight-man practice squad signing back six players they released just 24 hours ago.

Those players are Eric Bassey, Brad Cieslak, Fred Jackson, Jason Jefferson, Ryan Neill and George Wilson.

Bassey, Jackson and Neill are all rookie free agents while Cieslak, Jefferson and Wilson are all former undrafted free agents.

The Bills thus far have split their practice squad players down the middle with three players for the offensive side of the ball and three for the defense.

Wilson had the best preseason of the current members on this year's practice squad, but was playing at the team's most competitive position.

Neill has shown good instincts and has long snapping ability.

Jefferson is a player with some experience and he's familiar with the system after going through the spring and summer. If one defensive tackle goes down with a lengthy injury he will be needed on the active roster.

Cieslak is a capable tight end that needed to be a bit more consistent in the preseason, but is a good reserve nonetheless.

And Bassey is a physically gifted cornerback that just needs more seasoning.

There are still two spots open on the Bills practice squad. Head coach #### Jauron addressed when those remaining two spots would be filled.

“By Wednesday at the latest,” said Jauron. “I don’t know if we’ll have them done by (Monday).”

Jauron said the organization had two people in mind for those remaining spots.

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4093

Bills Add Leak to Practice Squad

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 9/4/2006 12:56 PM ET

Last week he was an administrative assistant for University of Florida football under head coach Urban Meyer. Today C.J. Leak is the latest addition to the practice squad of the Buffalo Bills.

"The opportunity came up here and I worked out for them twice and I obviously showed them some things in terms of what I can do athletically," said Leak. "I still have a long way to go in terms of learning and picking things up. But my job right now is to help them get better as a member of the practice squad. I'm just glad for the opportunity."

"C.J. Leak is a tight end and we worked him out in the early summer and really liked him athletically," said head coach #### Jauron. "We decided we'd give him a look on the practice squad. That leaves us one more spot to fill and we hope to have that filled by Wednesday's practice."

Leak who played his college ball at Tennessee, was a highly recruited quarterback, but had a star-crossed career with the Volunteers. He wound up playing safety with the Vols by the time his college career came to an end. And he most recently landed the job on Meyer's staff where younger brother Chris Leak is the team's starting quarterback. But Leak was only 230 pounds when he accepted the job with the Gators, and had to bulk up to play tight end, which he did successfully as he's between 250 and 260 pounds right now.

"Coaching helped me keep my mind mentally focused on the game," said Leak. "Being around the guys at the facility and working with them kept me in the game. It's something I love and something I plan doing the rest of my life even when I'm done playing."

The fact that Leak hasn't played competitively in a while didn't deter the Bills.

"We decided he was worth the risk because we liked him as an athlete," said Jauron. "In the workout Steve (Fairchild) liked him, Charlie (Coiner) liked him and John Guy liked him. So we've got a practice squad for a reason we'll take an athlete and see how he works the next week or so and go from there."

Being a former quarterback Leak has no concerns about understanding his responsibilities on the field. Where Leak feels he'll need to focus his attention the most is on the blocking requirements of the tight end position.

"I've played linebacker before so hitting somebody is not a problem," said Leak. "I don't expect it to be a big issue at all. It's just the technique with footwork and head alignment and how to use my hands. My job is to go hard and learn as much as I can."

Jauron said he hoped to fill the remaining spot on the practice squad by Wednesday's practice.

http://buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4097

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

DiGiorgio Beats the Odds

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 9/3/2006 5:40 PM ET

He was barely a blip on the radar screen when he was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Division II Saginaw Valley State.

In training camp he was buried on the depth running as the fourth string middle linebacker behind the likes of Liam Ezekiel and Courtney Watson.

But when the final cut came down John DiGiorgio was among the final 53.

"My agent had to call them and see what was going on," said DiGiorgio who did not receive a call from the coaching staff Saturday. "But then I saw a bunch of guys at the hotel that got a call and found out that they didn't make the team, so at that point I knew I had made the team. I guess no news is good news. Hopefully I can do whatever it takes to help these guys win."

DiGiorgio was always around the ball in college with an incomprehensible 462 tackles, the third most in Division II history. The question was would those numbers translate to any degree to the NFL level. Bills head coach #### Jauron, who had always been enamored with DiGiorgio's speed and ability to run, was willing to find out.

"Production," said Jauron when asked what earned DiGiorgio a roster spot. "Whenever he's on the field things happen, he makes tackles. On defense he makes tackles on special teams. Clearly the contact in professional football does not bother this guy. He really likes that."

DiGiorgio's speed should serve him well in Buffalo's pursuit-oriented scheme with the linebackers lining up off the ball and responsible for flowing to the football and filling a gap. But now serving as the backup middle linebacker behind London Fletcher, he knows now more than ever that he has to be ready if called upon.

"I've just got to go out there and learn the defense and get better every day," said DiGiorgio.

"We'll just keep working with him and try to develop him," said Jauron.

DiGiorgio didn't get much playing time in the preseason until the final game in Detroit. But that might have played to his advantage being a Michigan native.

"It was a little bit easier," said DiGiorgio of getting the most playing time while playing in his own backyard. "I had a lot of family and friends there supporting me so I just had to go out there and give it my all."

The rookie linebacker also had some support on cut down day as two of his personal friends traveled to Buffalo to hang with him in his hotel room.

"They came here to support me and they were there to help me take my mind off of things," said DiGiorgio.

A player who rarely shows emotion, DiGiorgio admitted that when he realized he made the 53-man roster he did have an outward reaction.

"I was smiling," he said. "It's always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL so just to get the chance was an experience for me."

http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4096