MIKE MONTLER
Center
No. 53
Colorado
"A third member (Ron Sellers and Carl Garrett were the others) of the Pats' super draft in 1969, Montler was the No. 2 choice. The Patriots gambled on him despite his age. Due to his Marine Corps career, he was already 25 when he got out of Colorado, where he earned All-America honors and was twice All-Big Eight.
Montler was inserted into the line as a guard in 1969 when incumbent Charlie Long got hurt. For the next nine games, the Pats had the best pass-protection record in the game. 'An excellent rookie,' said Clive Rush.
He has been a guard and Jon Morris' backup at center in his first two years, but may be switched to tackle because of his heft.
Montler majored in TV journalism at Colorado and was twice Academic All-America. From Columbus, Ohio, before joining the Marines."
-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)
"Has been a starter all three years with the Patriots. The line has improved every year since. Mike began as a guard but is now set at tackle. He played there last year and the Patriots felt he may have gotten some all-star mention if he'd been with a better team. He also could play center if called upon.
Mike went to college after a Marine Corps stint. He was 25 years old when the Pats made him a second-round draft choice. They were willing to gamble on his age and they haven't regretted it.
He was All-America and twice All-Big Eight. He was a good student who majored in radio journalism and earned Academic All-America honors, too.
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Mike sports a mean-looking monster tattoo on his leg."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)
"A rugged ex-Marine, Mike is developing into one of the Patriots' most promising offensive linemen. He was the club's 2nd draft choice in 1969 after an All-American selection at Colorado. Mike was a two-time All-Big Eight Conference pick and was selected to play in the North-South, Hula Bowl, Senior Bowl, Coaches All-America and College All-Star games. In the Senior Bowl, he played opposite Joe Greene, now with the Steelers.
Mike umpires Little League baseball games."
-1972 Topps No. 324
"Mike became a starter as a rookie with the Patriots in 1969 and has been at his offensive tackle post ever since. He converted from tackle to guard in 1969, then moved back to tackle in 1971 and did a standout job.
Mike was an All-American as a senior at Colorado and named to several other all-star teams."
-1973 Topps No. 409
REMI PRUDHOMME
Center
No. 66
LSU
"Reacquired by the Bills in 1972, Remi was drafted by Buffalo in 1964. He's played in two AFL championship games and one Super Bowl, with the Chiefs. He was an All-American at LSU."
-1973 Topps No. 313
REGGIE MCKENZIE
Guard
Michigan
A starter as a rookie, Reggie was the only Buffalo guard to be a regular for the entire 1972 season. A consensus All-American at Michigan, he was All-Big Ten first team as both a junior and senior. Reggie played in the Rose Bowl, Hula Bowl and College All-Star Game.
JOE DeLAMIELLEURE
Guard
1st Round
Michigan State
Schoolchildren throughout western New York will have to learn how to spell this man's last name. Along with last year's second-round choice Reggie McKenzie, Buffalo's Joe D. forms an impressive young offensive guard tandem leading the chase through opposing defenses for rising star O.J. Simpson, along with providing years of solid pass protection for quarterback Dennis Shaw.
An excellent combination of strength and speed, DeLamielleure was All-Big Ten three times and three times an All-American. He also played in the College All-Star Game.
DONNIE GREEN
Offensive Tackle
No. 74
Purdue
"A pleasant surprise to the Bills coaching staff, Donnie developed more rapidly than expected in his rookie campaign of 1971. Made a starter due to an injury suffered by Paul Costa, he has excellent strength, good speed and mobility for his size (6-8, 272).
Donnie captained the Purdue Boilermakers in his senior year."
-1973 Topps No. 258
DAVE FOLEY
Offensive Tackle
No. 78
Ohio State
"A great utility man along the offensive line for the Jets, Dave was acquired by the Bills for the 1972 season and stepped into a starting spot. He does well at either tackle or center and has come off two knee operations to show steady improvement.
Dave helped lead the Ohio State Buckeyes to victory over USC in the Rose Bowl and the national championship."
-1973 Topps No. 94
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