1977 Rookie Profile: Nate Jackson

Running Back
11th Round
Tennessee State
"Jackson was a four-year regular at Tennessee State where he accumulated over 1,600 yards rushing and scored 12 touchdowns. His best season was 1976 when he rushed for 794 yards on 188 carries and scored four touchdowns.
Jackson is a hard runner with a style similar to Jim Braxton's."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide

1977 Free Agent Profile: Willie Houston

Wide Receiver
Free Agent
Jackson State
"Houston was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys in 1974 and had a tryout with the Seattle Seahawks last year.
He transferred to Jackson State from North West."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Yearbook

1977 Free Agent Profile: Thom Gossoms

Wide Receiver
Free Agent
Auburn
"Gossoms played with Birmingham of the World Football League. He was a mass communications major at Auburn."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Phil Dokes

Defensive End
1st Round
Oklahoma State
"From Oklahoma State, he was a first round draft pick of the Bills. He is rated better than ex-teammate Jim White, who was a first round choice last year."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977

"A two-time All-Big Eight defensive lineman, as a sophomore and a senior, Dokes totalled 214 tackles in three years (87 solo and 127 assists). He had 11 quarterback sacks in 1975 alone and nine career fumble recoveries.
His honors include: Outstanding Defensive Player in the 1974 Fiesta Bowl, Big Eight Academic Team (1975), Football News Third Team All-America, NEA Second Team and UPI Honorable Mention.
Phil was High School Athlete of the Year in Arkansas."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Yearbook

1977 Rookie Profile: Jimmy Dean

Defensive Tackle
4th Round
Texas A&M
"From Texas A&M, he could win a spot on a team desperate for stronger defense. He is 6-3, 250 and ranked from sixth to tenth when scouts made up lists of top defensive tackles."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977

"An All-Southwest Conference tackle in 1975, Jimmy earned honorable All-American honors from United Press International, the Associated Press and Football News in 1976. He was a four-time letter winner with the Aggies. Engineering technology was his college major."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Curtis Brown

Running Back
3rd Round
Missouri
"Brown was the leading rusher for Missouri in 1976 when he earned Football News Honorable Mention All-American honors. He rushed for 876 yards and a 5.0 average in 1976, and in 1975 backed up Tony Galbreath and gained 636 yards for a 5.6 average. A tri-captain, Brown's best game was 153 yards (20 carries) against Oklahoma in 1975. He returned five kickoffs last year for a 35.0 average and had a 95-yard kickoff return.
He transferred to Missouri from Ft. Scott JC where he once rushed for 375 yards in one game. A parks and recreation major, Brown's idol is O.J. Simpson."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide

1977 Rookie Profile: Fred Besana

Quarterback
5th Round
California
"Besana was a backup quarterback to Joe Roth at California for two years. Despite working in the background, he's considered a top pro prospect, needing experience. He completed 54 percent of his passes in two years, completing 92 of 168 attempts. Fred transferred to California from Sierra Junior College.
His college major was physical education. His hobbies include fishing, golf and basketball."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide