The NFL lockout has prevented the Bills nine rookie draft picks from signing contracts or start working with their new coaches.
However three of the Bills rookies, top pick Marcell Dareus, linebacker Kelvin Sheppard and safety Da'Norris Searcy decided to join about 30 of their new Bills teammates in Western New York for workouts this past week.
The Bills held four days of player-organized workouts in Elma in an effort to stay sharp during the lockout. The rookies took a risk by showing up without contracts and without insurance.
Dareus said it was worth the risk to show up, "I'm the first pick, they kind of like we want him out here, I'm not going to turn them down, because I got to show some kind of support because I do want to be out here."
The three defensive players took advantage of the week getting a jump start on learning the Bills defense. "Everybody want's to help each other and help each other get better and that's what you need because it's a family, it's a brotherhood," said Searcy. "Us rookies coming in they can take us under their wings and bring us along."
Sheppard a linebacker out of LSU was excited to take advantage of the opportunity. "I have guys coming from LSU that was drafted that haven't spoke to some of their teammates or haven't seen their team. Overall it was a good opportunity for me, Marcell and Da'Norris just to get up here and get into the system and kind of get into the groove."
The Bills veteran players were happy to help the rookies start to adjust to life in the NFL. Linebacker Reggie Torbor was one of several players that started to teach the rookies the Bills defense. "We're trying to talk about scheme and they say well why can't I do this, because you're not in college."
After wrapping up the workouts the Bills players were impressed with their new teammates. "They want to help this team win," said safety Jairus Byrd. "We're all on the same page, we're trying to get this thing turned around and they're on board."
WGRZ