Published: May 10, 2008 07:01 pm            

BILLS: Team hopes for a Fine find

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.

        

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