|
Published: May 10, 2008 07:00 pm
BILLS: Team hopes for a Fine find
By Jay Skurski
E-mail Jay
ORCHARD PARK — Bigger names at the position came off the board before Buffalo took Kansas tight end Derek Fine in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, but the Bills think they may have gotten the most complete prospect.
“We feel really good about Derek Fine,” Bills Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon said after the draft. “He’s a heck of a football player. He’s a guy that’s going to come in and contribute. He’s a pass-catching tight end that’s very good with the run after the catch.”
With incumbent starter Robert Royal and second-year pro Derek Schouman the only returning players at the position, the Bills entered the offseason with a big need. Free agents Courtney Anderson and Teyo Johnson were both signed, but many felt the Bills would still make tight end a priority in the draft, possibly as early as the second round.
The team, though, waited until the end of the fourth round, taking Fine with the 132nd overall pick. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. called the pick a reach, but Bills coaches were impressed with his route running and pass-catching ability during the team’s recent rookie minicamp. At 6-foot-3 and 251 pounds, Fine has decent size for the position. He also has above-average strength, evidenced by his 24 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press at the NFL Scouting Combine, tied for third among tight ends. His lateral movement is also strong, as he had the best three-cone drill (6.8 seconds) and second-best 20-yard shuttle (4.19 seconds).
As the only tight end at the rookie minicamp, Fine got plenty of one-on-one coaching experience. The three days of workouts were a whirlwind of new information.
“This is a whole different level,” he said of the pro game. “I’m just trying to keep my mouth shut and do what I can.”
As part of an offense that loved to throw the ball last season, Fine recorded a school-record 46 receptions for KU, the third-most on the team. For his career, he registered 98 catches for 1,009 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He was also the Jayhawks’ special teams MVP, which undoubtedly added value in the eyes of the Bills, a team that puts a high priority on the third phase of the game.
Contact reporter Jay Skurski at 693-1000, ext. 117.
|
|
|
Photos
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Nurse Practitioner
NURSE Practitioner, PT including one evening, resume 533 Meadow Dr, Suite 2, N. Tona, NY 14120 or fax 693-4807...>MORE
Nursing
NURSING. RN's. Up to $7500 Sign on Bonus. Thinking of a change? Consider Mount St. Mary's Hospital. Various positions av...>MORE
Auditor/Accountant
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS
EXAM DATE: 1/9/10
FILING PERIOD:
11/9/09 -11/25/09
Applicants for both exams mu...>MORE
FLOOR ASSISTANT
Floor asst. needed for approx. 30-35 hrs/wk in a podiatry office, no exp. nec., will train, call between 12-2:30 pm for ...>MORE
Packers
Packers, General
Production & Assembly
1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts
Sanborn, Tonawanda
& Amherst.
Re...>MORE
Customer Service
Customer
Service
Immed. F/T position.
Includes weekends. Must be customer
oriented, computer
...>MORE
Inventory Control
Inventory Control
Carousel Pickers
Order Pickers
Receivers/Shippers
Packers
Pay: $10/hr
Sh...>MORE
Nursing
NURSING. ElderWood Senior Care, "Care Without Compromise". We invite you to stop by and learn how you can become part of...>MORE
Insulation Installer
Insulation Installers. Exp. preferred but will train the right candidates. Start $8-$10/hr. Earn $15. in less than 30 da...>MORE
Facilities Director
Facilities
Director
Strategically manage commercial and residential portfolios onsite in US and Canada. Exe...>MORE
See all ads |
Buick 2005 LeSabre
BUICK 2005 Lesabre Custom, excellent condition, fully loaded, $6700 or best offer, 754-4540...>MORE
1995 Plymouth Neon
Plymouth ‘95 Neon, 4 cyl, auto, 4 dr, exc in & out, 1 owner, only 56k orig. mi, no rust. $2195. 523-7102 ...>MORE
Chevy 2007 Impala LT
CHEVY 2007 Impala LT
25,800 mi, ext. warranty
Exc. Cond, $16,500
297-2199...>MORE
VW 2001 Beetle
VW 2001 Beetle, loaded, GLX turbo, exc. cond, all service records, fun to drive, blue bk $5600, take best offer, 990-06...>MORE
Dodge 2001 Neon
Dodge 2001 Neon 4 dr, auto, a/c, new tires, c/d no rust, inspected, $3900. white 860-2854...>MORE
1991 Dodge Caravan
DODGE 1991 Caravan, exc body, runs great, full power, needs TLC. $1200 or BO. Call 754-4608....>MORE
Ford Windstar 1998
FORD 1998 Windstar $1000 or best offer.
298-5220...>MORE
2000 Dodge Caravan
DODGE 2000 Caravan, V6, power everything, excellent body, runs great, $2195. Call 754-4608....>MORE
Pontiac 1999 Montana
PONTIAC 1999 Montana 57,000 original miles, full options, like new, $3300, 694-0441...>MORE
Ford 1999 Ranger
FORD 1999 Ranger, 5 speed, 130K, fair condition, $2000 or best offer, 716-310-0531...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|
Print this story
E-mail this story
