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

1977 Profile: Ben Williams

Defensive End
No. 77
Mississippi
"One of the promising rookies of 1976 for the Bills, Ben played in 13 games, seven in a starting role at left end. He had 30 unassisted tackles and 12 assists and was credited with four quarterback sacks, a pass defensed and a fumble recovery. He used his quickness to his advantage and showed vast improvement over the season. His experience will be an asset in his bid for a starting berth in 1977.
A first team All-Southeastern Conference selection of both UPI and AP, Williams also made the UPI and AP honorable mention All-America lists and played in the Senior Bowl. He was the preseason favorite of the Birmingham News as the outstanding defensive lineman in the SEC. Ben was a lightning quick nose guard in college."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide

1977 Profile: Sherman White

Defensive End
No. 83
California
"He's living proof you don't bad-mouth Paul Brown and get to smile about it. White complained about his lack of recognition in Cincinnati and blamed Brown's star-less system. He demanded a trade last year, so Brown exiled him to the cellar, where Buffalo roams.
The Bills surrendered a first round draft choice, one of the earliest picks in the entire draft, to get him. They paid too much. White had the fewest tackles of any starting Buffalo defensive lineman last year.
White has excellent quickness and could give the Bills the pass rush they need if he played up to his potential. An intelligent player, he has the knack for flashy plays.
Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, White didn't play high school football but was a unanimous All-American at the University of California. He was the second player taken in the 1972 draft."

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

"White came to the Bills from Cincinnati in exchange for a number one draft pick in July of 1976. He started and played in 13 games with the Bills last year at defensive right end; he missed the San Diego game with a back injury. White was credited with 23 unassisted tackles along with 11 assists and four quarterback sacks.
A four-year starter with the Bengals, Sherman was the second player picked in the 1972 college draft when Cincinnati made him their opening choice, following Buffalo's selection of Walt Patulski.
White was a consensus All-American at the University of California and lettered three years for the Golden Bears. Co-captain and MVP of the Bears, he would switch sides [on the line] to meet an opponent's strength. White played in the Hula Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game.
A business administration major at California, he had participated in just two games of organized football prior to entering college. He was primarily a basketball player in high school.
Sherman has worked with Bay Area disadvantaged youth through his 'Pros of Oakland' organization, which he formed with several other professional athletes from the San Francisco vicinity."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-TV-Radio Yearbook

1977 Profile: Marty Smith

Defensive Tackle
No. 79
Louisville
"Smith was signed prior to the season as a free agent and won a starting berth in the Bills' defensive line. He appeared in all 14 games, starting 12 times, and was the second leading tackler among the defensive linemen with 45 unassisted tackles and 29 assists. Smith was also number two in sacks with four and a half and was credited with a fumble recovery.
Drafted in the 15th round by Pittsburgh in 1975, Smith was released by the Steelers that preseason. He played with the Charlotte Hornets in the World Football League in 1975 and was signed as a free agent by Dallas, but was released.
Smith was a three-year regular at Louisville where he earned second team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in 1974. He was the team leader in tackles his senior year and played in the All-America Bowl.
A business major, Smith now lives in Cleveland."

-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Yearbook