Commentary
What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?
NICHOLAS PRIMERANO Ken- Ton Editor
In a move we all knew was coming because of the media hype surrounding it, former Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee was traded last week to the Baltimore Ravens for a third-round pick and seventh-round pick in this year's draft, and a seventh round pick next year.

Ever since McGahee expressed interest in a new contract before the start of the 2007 season, one year before his contract was set to expire, the Bills made it well aware that the fourth-year tailback was available - for the right price. It was the talk of the NFLcombine and several teams seemed interested, including the always running back lucky Denver Broncos.

Both the Bills and I feel like the team got itself a rather good deal in dishing the back to the Ravens. Despite what you feel about McGahee's promise as a runner, we failed to see that potential this year.

Struggling with injury, McGahee never even made it to the 1,000-yard rushing mark this season, which in today's NFLis a must for consideration as a top rusher. For Pete's sake, even former Bill Travis Henry rushed for more than a dime on the ground.

McGahee only had a pair of 100-yard rushing games this past season, both coming against the New York Jets, a team the back excelled against mainly because he was playing against former college teammate, linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Take those two games out of the mix and McGahee only rushed for 58 yards per game, on average.

In 2003, former General Manager Tom Donahoe took a chance drafting McGahee with the promise of bringing along a running back who could be the future of the organization. They took their time bringing him back from a knee injury, nursing the surprise first-round pick, often telling him that they didn't think he was ready to work out, despite the fact that he felt he was.

Very much like a California vintner cultivates his grapes, the Bills cultivated Mc- Gahee and when January rolled around, McGahee was mentally already checked out and, for a running back - a crucial position in the offensive structure - that's never a good spot to be in.

But what does McGahee's willingness to leave say to the people of Western New York? To me, I say, thanks for the slap in the face, Willis. Thanks for turning your back on the people who looked forward to the day you would start. Thanks for walking away from the end zone fans who hugged you when you dove into their seats after scoring a touchdown.

I'll be blunt about it all; I'm glad to see him go. I'm not really into players who just want to fill a roster spot. If you're not about the team, then shove off, mate. We gave a broken player a chance and he walked away. We showed him the kindness that Western New Yorkers are known for and he took it for granted.

Besides, now that the Bills re-signed veteran Anthony Thomas, and got themselves some much-needed salary cap room, they have some versatility during the draft.

Look for a running back to be taken by the Bills, if not in the first round, in the first three rounds. The Bills are searching right now for a more versatile back who can run, catch and be used in third down situations - like Marshawn Lynch. Even Louisville's Michael Bush would be a wise pick, though he is not good enough to go in the first round.

e-mail: nprimerano@beenews.com