ORCHARD PARK, N. Custom Vegas Golden Knights Jerseys .Y. -- Doug Whaley was willing to risk future draft picks for the opportunity to land receiver Sammy Watkins and put the Buffalo Bills in a position to make the playoffs this season. In his first NFL draft as the Bills general manager, Whaley struck a deal with the Cleveland Browns to move up five spots to select the Clemson receiver with the fourth pick on Thursday night. To get Watkins, Buffalo gave up its No. 9 pick this year, plus a first- and a fourth-round pick in next years draft. "We thought it was a calculated risk, and a risk we were willing to take," said Whaley, who took over after Buddy Nix stepped down a year ago. "The high cost of not making the playoffs is something we weighed, and we thought this guy was going to get us to the playoffs." The Bills are coming off their third consecutive six-win season. Theyve also gone 14 seasons without a playoff berth -- the NFLs longest active drought. Watkins has the potential of providing the Bills sputtering offence a dynamic threat. And he addresses the objective Whaley outlined in the weeks leading up to the draft: add talent to spur the development of quarterback EJ Manuel, who is coming off an inconsistent and injury-shortened rookie season. "Hes automatically going to make our quarterback better and us better as a team," Whaley said. Manuel expressed his excitement by posting 16 exclamation marks on his Twitter account after Watkins was picked. Buffalo finished last year 19th in total yards gained, and 29th in yards passing. Manuel had his development stunted by three separate knee injuries that led to him missing six regular season and two preseason games. He finished with a 4-6 record with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Watkins, listed at just over 6-feet and 211 pounds, put up eye-popping numbers during his three-year college career. He finished with 240 catches for 3,391 yards and 27 touchdowns in 29 starts, and set 23 school records. Watkins joined Rod Gardner as the only Clemson players to have multiple seasons topping 1,000 yards receiving. And hes the only Tigers player to score more than 10 touchdowns receiving in more than one season. Last year, Watkins had 101 catches for 1,464 yards and 12 touchdowns. Watkins was so excited to be drafted that he took a picture of himself and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at the draft podium at Radio City Music Hall. And Watkins can fully appreciate the burden of expectation placed on his shoulders in knowing what the Bills traded away to draft him. "That is a lot, but for me, I think I am prepared," he said. "I need to be 100 per cent when I get there. I need to be starting off on the right foot." Watkins is friends with former Clemson running back C.J. Spiller, who was Buffalos first-round pick in the 2010 draft. Now he gets to join Spiller on a team that has been stocking up on young offensive talent, particularly at the receiver position. Buffalo selected Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin with second- and third-round picks last year. The Bills also made a trade with Tampa Bay last month to acquire Mike Williams. Watkins addition raises questions about returning starter Stevie Johnsons future with the team. Whaley declined to address Johnsons status, saying the days focus was about Watkins. The trade with the Browns began developing immediately after Jacksonville selected UCF quarterback Blake Bortles with the No. 3 pick. "We went into this draft saying we were going to be bold, and we made a bold move," Bills President Russ Brandon said. "Were sitting up here very pleased right now." The Bills only have five picks left. Buffalo is next scheduled to pick 41st overall, in the second round set for Friday. Its the first Bills draft since Ralph Wilson -- the teams owner and founder -- died in March. The Bills will be put up for sale, raising concerns the franchise could eventually relocate. Goodell continued to express optimism the Bills will remain in Buffalo in an interview with ESPN about an hour before the draft began. "We want to keep our teams in their current markets," Goodell said. "But in particular, I think the Bills fans have demonstrated their passion and their support for the team." Goodell then reiterated what he said a day earlier, noting a new stadium would help secure the teams long-term future. Fake Golden Knights Jerseys . -- Jerel Worthy and his Michigan State teammates charged across the field, holding four fingers in the air while celebrating another sweet victory over their biggest rival. Golden Knights Jerseys 2021 .C. -- The RBC Cups semifinal participants were decided by a pair of overtime games.WASHINGTON -- The doubts raised about the Indiana Pacers were more than justified. The way they dispatched the Washington Wizards shows that perhaps the Pacers have dismissed any and all dysfunction. Roy Hibbert revived himself in Game 2. Team defence smothered the way to a win in Game 3. Paul George went off for 39 points in Game 4. And, after an ugly Game 5, David West came up big in the clincher. West scored 29 points Thursday night, the Pacers blew a 16-point second-half lead but pulled away late in a 93-80 win that ousted the Wizards in six games. "With all the adversity, we kept pulling together," West said. "Guys just showed unbelievable grit, unbelievable toughness." So, for all their mysterious slumps and chemistry curiosities, the Pacers are back where they were last season -- playing the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals. Game 1 against the two-time defending NBA champions is Sunday in Indianapolis. "We just keep a bubble," said Hibbert, whose off-and-on disappearing act was one of the more baffling late-season developments. "We dont try to let our emotions show too much. Sometimes it does. But we stuck together." Indiana took Miami to seven games a year ago. If the Pacers spread the wealth the way they did against the Wizards, LeBron James and the Heat could be in for a tough series. On Thursday, it was Wests turn. He went 13 for 26 from the field -- a career playoff-high in shot attempts. His pair of jumpers, including a tough fade-away, started a game-ending 20-6 run after Bradley Beals 3-pointer gave the Wizards a one-point lead with 8 1/2 minutes to play. "When David West has that look, when hes assertive and he demands the ball, I know were in good hands," said George, who was just 4 for 11 and scored 12 points. "Hes never failed us when hes given us that look and hes told us in the huddles, Get me the ball." Marcin Gortat scored 19 points, and John Wall had 12 points and nine assists for the Wizards, who ended their best playoff run in decades. Washington won a playoff series for the first time since 2005 and a second-round game for the first time since 1982. The Wizards were ultimately undone by an inability to win at home, going just 1-4 aat the Verizon Center and 5-1 on the road in the playoffs. Golden Knights Jerseys China. The future looks bright, however, with youngsters Wall and Beal manning the backcourt. "Nobody expected us to be here," Wall said. "I think a lot of teams respect us now. We definitely made Indiana earn it." They appeared to have a fix on the home-court demons when Beal stole a rebound from Hibbert, then hit the 3-pointer that put the Wizards up 74-73. But that was Washingtons only lead of the second half. The Wizards went five minutes without a point, including a span of three turnovers in four possessions, and scored only two field goals the rest of the way. "We spent so much energy trying to just make that comeback," Beal said, "we just ended up being dead at the end." The Pacers were 33-7 on Jan. 20 before limping to the finish, barely holding on to the conferences No. 1 seed. Things didnt look much better when they were pushed to seven games in the first round by eighth-seeded Atlanta, or when they lost Game 1 at home to the Wizards. Then after winning three in a row, there was the embarrassing Game 5, when Indy lost by 23 and was outrebound 62-23. "Nobody was happy about it," Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. "And they came out and played angry." The Wizards had to reschedule a Lady Gaga concert to host the game, upsetting the singers fans and prompting an apology from team owner Ted Leonsis. Instead of Little Monsters in the arena, there were big ones -- such as a 56-40 deficit early in the third quarter. But the Wizards answered with an 11-2 run capped by Walls 1-on-3 transition layup, Washingtons first fast-break basket. Wall was particularly assertive at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Pacers defence held firm when it mattered, with nary a sign of adversity. "Weve been through it all this season," said Lance Stephenson, who added 17 points. "And I feel like everything that we went through made us stronger." Notes: Wall expressed his support for coach Randy Wittman, whose contract is expiring. ... Gortat on the Wizards home woes: "Maybe we have to be locked before the game in the hotel and have a team breakfast in the morning, have two buses from the hotel to the game." ' ' '
ORCHARD PARK, N. Custom Vegas Golden Knights Jerseys .Y. -- Doug Whaley was willing to risk future draft picks for the opportunity to land receiver Sammy Watkins and put the Buffalo Bills in a position to make the playoffs this season. In his first NFL draft as the Bills general manager, Whaley struck a deal with the Cleveland Browns to move up five spots to select the Clemson receiver with the fourth pick on Thursday night. To get Watkins, Buffalo gave up its No. 9 pick this year, plus a first- and a fourth-round pick in next years draft. "We thought it was a calculated risk, and a risk we were willing to take," said Whaley, who took over after Buddy Nix stepped down a year ago. "The high cost of not making the playoffs is something we weighed, and we thought this guy was going to get us to the playoffs." The Bills are coming off their third consecutive six-win season. Theyve also gone 14 seasons without a playoff berth -- the NFLs longest active drought. Watkins has the potential of providing the Bills sputtering offence a dynamic threat. And he addresses the objective Whaley outlined in the weeks leading up to the draft: add talent to spur the development of quarterback EJ Manuel, who is coming off an inconsistent and injury-shortened rookie season. "Hes automatically going to make our quarterback better and us better as a team," Whaley said. Manuel expressed his excitement by posting 16 exclamation marks on his Twitter account after Watkins was picked. Buffalo finished last year 19th in total yards gained, and 29th in yards passing. Manuel had his development stunted by three separate knee injuries that led to him missing six regular season and two preseason games. He finished with a 4-6 record with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Watkins, listed at just over 6-feet and 211 pounds, put up eye-popping numbers during his three-year college career. He finished with 240 catches for 3,391 yards and 27 touchdowns in 29 starts, and set 23 school records. Watkins joined Rod Gardner as the only Clemson players to have multiple seasons topping 1,000 yards receiving. And hes the only Tigers player to score more than 10 touchdowns receiving in more than one season. Last year, Watkins had 101 catches for 1,464 yards and 12 touchdowns. Watkins was so excited to be drafted that he took a picture of himself and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at the draft podium at Radio City Music Hall. And Watkins can fully appreciate the burden of expectation placed on his shoulders in knowing what the Bills traded away to draft him. "That is a lot, but for me, I think I am prepared," he said. "I need to be 100 per cent when I get there. I need to be starting off on the right foot." Watkins is friends with former Clemson running back C.J. Spiller, who was Buffalos first-round pick in the 2010 draft. Now he gets to join Spiller on a team that has been stocking up on young offensive talent, particularly at the receiver position. Buffalo selected Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin with second- and third-round picks last year. The Bills also made a trade with Tampa Bay last month to acquire Mike Williams. Watkins addition raises questions about returning starter Stevie Johnsons future with the team. Whaley declined to address Johnsons status, saying the days focus was about Watkins. The trade with the Browns began developing immediately after Jacksonville selected UCF quarterback Blake Bortles with the No. 3 pick. "We went into this draft saying we were going to be bold, and we made a bold move," Bills President Russ Brandon said. "Were sitting up here very pleased right now." The Bills only have five picks left. Buffalo is next scheduled to pick 41st overall, in the second round set for Friday. Its the first Bills draft since Ralph Wilson -- the teams owner and founder -- died in March. The Bills will be put up for sale, raising concerns the franchise could eventually relocate. Goodell continued to express optimism the Bills will remain in Buffalo in an interview with ESPN about an hour before the draft began. "We want to keep our teams in their current markets," Goodell said. "But in particular, I think the Bills fans have demonstrated their passion and their support for the team." Goodell then reiterated what he said a day earlier, noting a new stadium would help secure the teams long-term future. Fake Golden Knights Jerseys . -- Jerel Worthy and his Michigan State teammates charged across the field, holding four fingers in the air while celebrating another sweet victory over their biggest rival. Golden Knights Jerseys 2021 .C. -- The RBC Cups semifinal participants were decided by a pair of overtime games.WASHINGTON -- The doubts raised about the Indiana Pacers were more than justified. The way they dispatched the Washington Wizards shows that perhaps the Pacers have dismissed any and all dysfunction. Roy Hibbert revived himself in Game 2. Team defence smothered the way to a win in Game 3. Paul George went off for 39 points in Game 4. And, after an ugly Game 5, David West came up big in the clincher. West scored 29 points Thursday night, the Pacers blew a 16-point second-half lead but pulled away late in a 93-80 win that ousted the Wizards in six games. "With all the adversity, we kept pulling together," West said. "Guys just showed unbelievable grit, unbelievable toughness." So, for all their mysterious slumps and chemistry curiosities, the Pacers are back where they were last season -- playing the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals. Game 1 against the two-time defending NBA champions is Sunday in Indianapolis. "We just keep a bubble," said Hibbert, whose off-and-on disappearing act was one of the more baffling late-season developments. "We dont try to let our emotions show too much. Sometimes it does. But we stuck together." Indiana took Miami to seven games a year ago. If the Pacers spread the wealth the way they did against the Wizards, LeBron James and the Heat could be in for a tough series. On Thursday, it was Wests turn. He went 13 for 26 from the field -- a career playoff-high in shot attempts. His pair of jumpers, including a tough fade-away, started a game-ending 20-6 run after Bradley Beals 3-pointer gave the Wizards a one-point lead with 8 1/2 minutes to play. "When David West has that look, when hes assertive and he demands the ball, I know were in good hands," said George, who was just 4 for 11 and scored 12 points. "Hes never failed us when hes given us that look and hes told us in the huddles, Get me the ball." Marcin Gortat scored 19 points, and John Wall had 12 points and nine assists for the Wizards, who ended their best playoff run in decades. Washington won a playoff series for the first time since 2005 and a second-round game for the first time since 1982. The Wizards were ultimately undone by an inability to win at home, going just 1-4 aat the Verizon Center and 5-1 on the road in the playoffs. Golden Knights Jerseys China. The future looks bright, however, with youngsters Wall and Beal manning the backcourt. "Nobody expected us to be here," Wall said. "I think a lot of teams respect us now. We definitely made Indiana earn it." They appeared to have a fix on the home-court demons when Beal stole a rebound from Hibbert, then hit the 3-pointer that put the Wizards up 74-73. But that was Washingtons only lead of the second half. The Wizards went five minutes without a point, including a span of three turnovers in four possessions, and scored only two field goals the rest of the way. "We spent so much energy trying to just make that comeback," Beal said, "we just ended up being dead at the end." The Pacers were 33-7 on Jan. 20 before limping to the finish, barely holding on to the conferences No. 1 seed. Things didnt look much better when they were pushed to seven games in the first round by eighth-seeded Atlanta, or when they lost Game 1 at home to the Wizards. Then after winning three in a row, there was the embarrassing Game 5, when Indy lost by 23 and was outrebound 62-23. "Nobody was happy about it," Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. "And they came out and played angry." The Wizards had to reschedule a Lady Gaga concert to host the game, upsetting the singers fans and prompting an apology from team owner Ted Leonsis. Instead of Little Monsters in the arena, there were big ones -- such as a 56-40 deficit early in the third quarter. But the Wizards answered with an 11-2 run capped by Walls 1-on-3 transition layup, Washingtons first fast-break basket. Wall was particularly assertive at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Pacers defence held firm when it mattered, with nary a sign of adversity. "Weve been through it all this season," said Lance Stephenson, who added 17 points. "And I feel like everything that we went through made us stronger." Notes: Wall expressed his support for coach Randy Wittman, whose contract is expiring. ... Gortat on the Wizards home woes: "Maybe we have to be locked before the game in the hotel and have a team breakfast in the morning, have two buses from the hotel to the game." ' ' '
