Here's the Bills news of note for May 8th.
**1 - Milano wants to make an immediate impression
**
Rookie linebacker, Matt Milano, drafted in the fifth round of the NFL draft out of Boston College, recently appeared on The John Murphy Show where he addressed the upcoming rookie minicamp that starts this week.
The linebacker has been in contact with former Denver Broncos player Tony Carter in an effort to seek advice about beginning an NFL career. Carter, who played for a handful of NFL clubs, was happy to oblige.
"Whatever you do right now is the impression that will last throughout the season. So make the impression you want to make right now when you come into minicamp" Milano said of the advice he received from Carter.
"The guy that's a hustler, that knows his stuff, playmaker and accountable." Milano says of the impression he plans to make.
"I'm an all-around linebacker. I'm going to come in and make tackles in the run and I can defend the pass as well," Milano notes. "I'll be there wherever they need me, I'm going to be there."
Milano came into Boston College playing safety but quickly changed to linebacker.
"I feel more comfortable playing linebacker and that's where I'll play in Buffalo," he says.
He's expected to be an immediate contributor on the special teams unit, where he played a lot at the collegiate level. Look for him to challenge for a role on the defensive side of the ball as well.
**2 - Charles James: "I'm a feisty player"
**
Recent waiver claim, Charles James, was picked up by the Bills after he was released by the Indianapolis Colts. James made an appearance on The John Murphy show where he talks about what he is all about as a player.
James came into the league as an undrafted free agent where he began his career on the New York Giants and since then has been with multiple different franchises.
"I would say feisty" James said in describing himself. "Feisty plays bigger than the size. I'm five-foot, nine inches. You'll see me stick my head in there with the D-line and O-line down in the box.
"I'm a guy that is going to compete until the end of the whistle. I don't mind doing the dirty work. Which to me, I consider that to be special teams. I love being a gunner," James said
Knowing there are currently nine cornerbacks on the roster doesn't bother James in the least.
"I don't shy away from competition at all," he said. "When there's competition, we will see who won it. I welcome it."
3 - Bleacher report projects rookie impact
Bleacher Report recently broke down the 2017 Bills draft class and gave some opinions as to what they think will happen:
*White is a technician who wins with balance and excellent footwork. He should slide right in and start for the Bills from the first day of training camp. *
The team lost its No. 2 and No. 3 receiver in the offseason, so the selection of Zay Jones in the second round made perfect sense. Jones is a natural fit as a Z-receiver and should be able to start right away.
*Second-round pick Dion Dawkins should be able to compete for a starting role by the end of his rookie season. Linebackers Matt Milano and Tanner Vallejo will be competing with Max Valles for the final linebacker spot on the 53-man roster. *
*In the fifth round, the Bills also selected quarterback Nathan Peterman, who will compete with Cardale Jones for the backup quarterback spot behind Tyrod Taylor. Peterman has a much better feel for the quarterback position than Jones, and his accuracy should allow him to rise up the depth chart. He has Kirk Cousins-type upside. *
*Overall, the Bills need White and Jones to seize jobs early in their rookie seasons, while the rest of their draft picks fill depth.
*
