Bills signed second-round WR Robert Woods to a four-year contract.
Not dissimilar in play style from Stevie Johnson, Woods is an incredibly quick-footed possession type receiver who should be able to move all around the formation, playing both outside positions and in the slot. Considered NFL-ready after playing in USC's pro-style scheme, Woods shouldn't struggle to win a starting job as a rookie. He's more likely to struggle for consistent fantasy value, projecting as no more than a WR4/5 amid suspect quarterback play.
Bills DL Alex Carrington averaged a pressure every 10 pass rushes last season.
Carrington was an underrated force as a rotational lineman behind Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus in the Bills' 4-3 defense, but his role in new DC Mike Pettine's system remains unclear with the addition of Alan Branch. He previously played both defensive end and outside linebacker in 3-4 packages.
Bills DL Alex Carrington averaged a pressure every 10 pass rushes last season.
Carrington benefitted from the Bills' transition to a 4-3 scheme last season, and he was highly effective as a rotational defensive tackle behind Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus. His role in new DC Mike Pettine's system remains unclear with the addition of Alan Branch. Carrington is set to make $630,00 in 2013, the final year of his rookie contract.
New Bills GM Doug Whaley said he's keeping an open mind about starting No. 16 overall pick E.J. Manuel as a rookie.
"Time will tell," said Whaley. "He does have the work ethic and the leadership qualities that he'll have a chance. But we believe competition brings out the best in everybody. Between him, Kevin Kolb, Tarvaris Jackson, even Jeff Tuel, we're excited to see who comes out on top of that position battle." In all likelihood, Manuel would have to fall flat on his face to not start Week 1.
New Bills GM Doug Whaley was an "integral" part of drafting E.J. Manuel.
"I was the person that handled the draft process and setting up the board," Whaley said. "We think that we did enough due diligence and the information pointed us all to this point that E.J. would be the guy we feel will take the Buffalo Bills into the future." Buddy Nix's successor is setting himself up to take the credit ' or blame ' for Manuel's career. A major project compared to most recent first-round quarterbacks, there's no guarantee Manuel will make a positive impact as a rookie. It's entirely possible Whaley's reign as GM in Buffalo will be defined by Manuel's success or lack thereof.
Bills named Doug Whaley their new general manager.
40-year-old Whaley was groomed for the job for the past three years, working as 73-year-old Buddy Nix's right hand man. A safety and linebacker at the University of Pittsburgh, Whaley broke into the league as a Steelers scout in 1995 and came to Buffalo highly recommended by Kevin Colbert. With the Bills, Whaley is credited with acquiring RG Kraig Urbik and TE Scott Chandler off waivers, in addition to wielding a "heavy hand" in drafting Stephon Gilmore last year, and E.J. Manuel this year. He also played a leading role in the search committee that wound up hiring Doug Marrone. With a fresh-faced coaching staff, new GM, and franchise quarterback hopeful, things appear to be looking up in Buffalo.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora confirms Bills assistant GM Doug Whaley is expected to replace outgoing GM Buddy Nix, and that an announcement is likely to come Thursday.
The Bills have been grooming the former Steelers executive for the job since the end of last season. Nix says he's stepping away because he "(feels) it's the right time," but USA Today's Mike Garafolo has characterized the situation as Nix being forced out in favor of Whaley, who is over 30 years Nix's junior. The Bills are remaking their organization at warp speed.