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1996 Season 10-6, 2nd in AFC EAST Lost to Jacksonville in the playoffs 1997 Draft Choices Team Reporter Ken Crippen 102602.1001@compuserve.com Buffalo Bills 1997 Buffalo Bills Draft Review As expected, the Bills drafted a running back in the first round. Antowain (pronounced 'an-twon') Smith of Houston was drafted with the 23rd pick of the 1997 NFL draft. The Bills wanted him, but did not expect him to still be available at 23. He was a unanimous All-Conference pick and Offensive Player of the Year along with teammate Chuck Clements. He has good lower-body strength and power. He is patient and lets the blocking form. He can catch the ball, but usually catches the ball on shorter routes while facing the quarterback. He could use some work on running pass routes and blocking, and has a tendency to drop some passes. He was the oldest running back in the draft at 25. Marcellus Wiley was the Bills second round pick (52 overall). He is a defensive lineman out of Columbia. At the combine, he looked like the most athletic lineman. He moves and runs well, along with a 35 inch vertical and a 10 foot broad jump. He is quick off the mark. On the down-side, he lacks technique and refined skills. He does not play the run well, but has pass rush potential. The Bills selected Jamie Nails out of Florida A&M with their fourth round pick (120 overall). He is an offensive lineman who is absolutely huge. He is very powerful with long, strong arms. He can be a dominating drive blocker. He lacks experience and may struggle against an inside counter move. Overall, he is a development project who needs to lose weight (presently 387 lbs). Sean Woodson was the Bills fifth round pick (153 overall). He is a defensive back out of Jackson State. He has excellent size, can jump, catch the ball in his hands, and is a good hitter and tackler. He seems to have lost some speed (4.4 in college, 4.75 at the combine). Marcus Spriggs was the Bills sixth round pick (185 overall). He is an offensive lineman out of Houston. He has good size, power, and has some ability to pull and block. He has really improved in his senior year and did some good things at the senior bowl. He has a weight gain problem (15 lbs over at the combine). He is also inconsistent. The Bills seventh round pick (226 overall) was Pat Fitzgerald. He is a tight end out of Texas. He is a natural receiver with fine hands. He concentrates well when catching in a crowd and can be effective in the red zone. He lacks the size to be an effective blocker and does not have blazing speed. The Bills addressed their needs in the draft (running back, OL, and tight end), but I do not see the offensive linemen making too much of a contribution. They are there for depth. I would like to see the Bills pick up an offensive lineman through free-agency in order for it to be a successful off-season. That and re-sign Bruce Smith. Draft info provided by Pro Football Weekly Free Agency Unrestricted Free Agents (can sign with any team) QB Jim Kelly (retired) WR Steve Tasker P Chris Mohr resigned by Bills WR Russell Copeland Restricted Free Agents (Bills can match offer) TE Lonnie Johnson G Jerry Ostroski LB Sam Rogers G Corbin Lacina LB David White LB Marlo Perry OT Corey Louchiey TE Robert Coons Exclusive Rights (can't leave if Bills make qualifying offer) RB Tim Tindale Notable Signings OL Dave Hack OL Mike Rockwood RB Rene Ingolia QB Jim Ballard DE Juan Hammonds QB Billy Joe Hobert WR Jimmy Cunningham WR Jerry Reese Visit my Buffalo Bills site for more information. Copyright © 1997 by Ken Crippen Questions, Comments. E-Mail me. Draft Talk | Draft Trivia | Profiles