NFL Notes: Bills, Buccaneers & 49ers

Bills

The Buffalo Bills are giving seventh-round pick OT Seantrel Henderson “one shot” to prove he’s worthy of a shot in the NFL.

“We’ve talked to Seantrel and he knows that he’s got one shot,” Bills GM Doug Whaley said, via ESPN.com. “We’re saying we’ll give you this one shot. It has nothing to do with us saying this guy is a talented football player; he’s been dealing with some demons. Hopefully those demons are out of his life and why not give somebody — this is America — give somebody a chance.”

Henderson is clearly a talented individual and was even the No. 1 offensive line recruit coming out of high school. However, he suspended three times for marijuana during his time at Miami and followed that up with another failed a drug test at this year’s Scouting Combine.

It’s wouldn’t be a huge loss for Buffalo if they were to part ways with a seventh-round pick, but Henderson’s upside is probably worth the gamble.

Buccaneers

Buccaneers HC Lovie Smith offere RB Doug Martin a vote of confidence last week after they made the decision to draft West Virgina RB Charles Sims in the third round.

 “He’s an All-Pro running back. There is nothing to dislike about Doug Martin. At the same time, we want Doug around here for many years. You need to have some other guys. He can’t carry it every second,” Smith said, via the Tampa Bay Times.

Martin is coming off a disappointing second year in the NFL that was cut short by a season-ending labrum tear in his shoulder.

The Buccaneers can’t rely on Martin alone, so it makes plenty of sense for them to bring in another running back who can help shoulder the load in the coming years.

49ers

Jerry Rice Jr. completed his tryout for the Ravens and didn’t receive a contract offer. Rice Jr. announced via his Twitter account that he’ll be working out for the 49ers this weekend.

Rice Jr. was initially a walk on at UCLA, but later transferred to UNLV. He wound up going undrafted and wasn’t immediately signed to a contract.

Last year, Rice Jr. caught 11 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown last season for the Rebels.