BU54

Big Addition to Buffalo's Offensive Line

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 3/2/2007

The Bills look to finally have a permanent answer for their left guard position as they signed Washington free agent guard Derrick Dockery to a multi-year deal on the first full day of free agency Friday.

"This is a beautiful thing," said Dockery. "I've had a great time on my visit here in Buffalo. It's a top notch organization, owner, coach, the players, the fans, the city… they love their Bills and I'm really excited to be a part of it."

The Bills made no secret about their intentions to improve their offensive line and took a big first step with the addition of the mammoth left guard.

The former Washington Redskin was at the top of the Bills' free agent wish list, and booked a flight to Buffalo Friday morning after initial contract negotiations were headed in the right direction. Dockery signed on the dotted line upon completing his visit at One Bills Drive.

Teamed with emerging Pro Bowl talent Jason Peters at tackle, the left side of Buffalo's offensive front could prove to be one of the most physically imposing in the league.

"That was the thinking behind our pursuit of Dockery," said offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild. "We wanted as good a left side as we could possibly get both for the run and the pass. He was very, very impressive to our entire offensive staff as we evaluated the offensive linemen available."

"That left side has certainly been upgraded with Dockery over there," said McNally. "He and Peters are two guys we'd like to have first off the bus for us."

"He's a great player," said Dockery of Peters. "He's a young guy that's coming up. I've heard nothing but great things about him. I'm excited about this opportunity to play with Jason and grow together. We're going to work hard to get this organization back where it needs to be."

Dockery figures to help Buffalo's moribund running game which has ranked 20th and 27th in the league the past two seasons.

FULL STORY
Big Addition to Buffalo's Offensive Line - Buffalo Bills

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Bears always have and always will need a quarterback!! But not a MLB.


10-7-07 Bears 27,Packers 20
12-23-07 Bears 35, Packers 7
Then Brett Favre Retired...

BU54

Bills Bolster O-line Further With Walker and Whittle

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 3/2/2007 6:26 PM ET

The Bills were far from done in addressing their offensive line Friday after inking Derrick Dockery to a multi-year contract. Buffalo also finalized terms with Oakland free agent right tackle Langston Walker and signed Minnesota free agent guard/center Jason Whittle.

"It's really a terrific day for us," said head coach **** Jauron. "It was just an outstanding day."

Walker (6'8" 345) has been a two-year starter for the Raiders. Last season he was Oakland's starting right tackle for all 16 games. In 2005, Walker started the first six games at left guard before missing the rest of the season with a stomach injury.

"He's a good athlete," said McNally of Walker. "For a big man he can move his feet. He's a huge man with experience that can play guard or tackle."

"Once I got here I knew this was a good organization to work for so I'm happy to be here," said Walker.

The 6'8" 345 pound lineman was a former second-round pick of the Raiders in 2002. Walker also has playoff experience having played in three postseason games including Super Bowl XXXVII.

He also offers some special teams abilities as he's considered one of the best in the league at blocking kicks with five in his career.

Walker will be 28-years old when the 2007 season begins.

Minnesota free agent lineman Jason Whittle completed the trio of signings Friday. The 10-year veteran has experience playing at both guard positions as well as the pivot and has served as a long snapper. The versatile lineman has appeared in 125 games in his career with 42 starts.

"To see the caliber of guys they're bringing in here for the offensive line, there's no doubt that this team is putting a proper importance on it," said Whittle. "I'm just excited to be a part of it."

Whittle (6'4", 305) spent seven of his previous nine NFL seasons with the Giants (1998-2002, 2004-2005) and was part of the club's Super Bowl team in 2000 that faced Baltimore in Super Bowl XXXV. He was originally a rookie free agent signing of the Giants in 1998.

FULL STORY
Bills Bolster O-line Further With Walker and Whittle - Buffalo Bills

__________________
Bears always have and always will need a quarterback!! But not a MLB.


10-7-07 Bears 27,Packers 20
12-23-07 Bears 35, Packers 7
Then Brett Favre Retired...

Professor

They WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY overpaid for dockery, are you kidding me? that is hilarious.

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ball in the baskett

ive been thinking maybe its a good thing the eagles arent so eager to sign these fre agents becuase they are getting way to much money

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Professor

read that article I posted yesterday written by les bowen, it explains it perfectly.

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gruntbygod

I didnt see any figures. What did he get.

What you also gotta remeber, with the new CBA, players $$$$$$ is gonna go way up. And this is the year the new standered starts. I bet by the 2009 offseason, he wont even be Top 10 at G

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