Northmont grad to play for Buffalo Bills

From Dayton Daily News

By Sean McClelland, Staff Writer 10:20 PM Saturday, April 28, 2012

On a conference call with the Buffalo media Saturday, Florida State offensive tackle Zebrie Sanders was asked what he envisions his role to be as a rookie.

It didn’t take long for the Northmont High School graduate to remind the room he has something to prove after not being selected by the Bills until the fifth round of the NFL draft.

“I see the fifth round as an opportunity,” Sanders said. “I feel like it’s going to give me a fair shot. I feel like I have to go up there and earn my respect. I can’t wait to get up there and have a shot.”

The Bills used the first of their two fifth-round picks, No. 144 overall, on the 6-foot-5, 308-pound Sanders. He mainly played right tackle at FSU but also played the left side during his 53-game tenure.

Buffalo drafted another offensive tackle, Georgia’s Cordy Glenn, in the second round.

Early in the draft process, Sanders had been seen as a possible high second-round choice. Some forecasters even said he could slip into the late first round.

Then, after the combine, he was tagged with a third-round grade, and now, after being chosen in the fifth, analysts say he could be a value pick if he improves his run blocking.

Said one scouting report: “There is room for Sanders to add some bulk to his tall frame and he will have to do that as he heads to the next level. That will help him improve his explosion.”

Sanders was a four-year starter in college.

“I’m just glad for the opportunity,” he said. “I’m glad they selected me and gave me a shot. I’m ready to prove myself and start all over again, earn my respect and get on the field.

“I am ready to give it my all.”