New Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan addressed the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday and talked about several issues, including the team's lackluster quarterback situation.
Rex Ryan optimistic about Bills’ quarterback situation
Rex Ryan noted that finding a quarterback was a priority, and expressed confidence in the potential of EJ Manuel.
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Ryan naturally expressed optimism about the current state of his signal callers, which is lacking a bona fide starter right now. “I’m excited about EJ Manuel,” he said. “I think he’s a young man who has potential.”
Ryan inherited a roster that currently features just two quarterbacks following the abrupt retirement of Kyle Orton. Only 2013 first-round pick EJ Manuel and former undrafted free agent Jeff Tuel remain on the roster, neither of which have been impressive in their first two NFL seasons.
Manuel, 24, was benched after four games in the 2014 season in favor of Orton after back-to-back losses. In 14 career starts, Manuel has compiled a 6–8 record with 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
The Bills previously met with free agent quarterback Josh McCown, but the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback left Buffalo without a contract and met with the Chicago Bears on Wednesday morning.
When asked by reporters at the press conference about free agent quarterback Mark Sanchez, who played for four seasons (2009–12) under Ryan with the New York Jets, Ryan sidestepped the question, saying that "he's on someone else's team."
The Bills do not have a first-round pick in this year’s draft, but there are some second-tier quarterback prospects that Buffalo might be able to grab in the later rounds. Colorado State’s Garrett Grayson put on an impressive performance at Senior Bowl practices, and UCLA’s Brett Hundley and Baylor’s Bryce Petty are also considered in the mix.
Ryan further noted that finding a quarterback was a high priority for the team, saying “it’s rare that you don’t go to the playoffs with a great QB.” The Bills own the league’s longest active drought without a postseason appearance, and haven’t reached the playoffs since 1999.
Ryan also addressed the signing of offensive lineman Richie Incognito, a move that was considered controversial at the time given Incognito's troubling background and role in the Dolphins bullying scandal nearly a year and a half ago.
“I’ve played against Richie Incognito and I know he’s an outstanding player,” Ryan said. “We felt good about him moving forward ... and conducting himself in a way that’s a good teammate.”
Incognito recently met face-to-face with several members of the Bills organization, including Ryan, Terry and Kim Pegula. He offered candid remarks about how he is a better person now and has learned from his past mistakes.
The former Pro Bowler sat out all of last season following his suspension by the Dolphins in November 2013, but is expected to be a key part of the Bills' offensive line next season. He is under contract with the Bills on a one-year deal for $2.25 million, according to ESPN.
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