The Buffalo Bills checked a few players off their draft list in terms of signings as they reached agreements with sixth-round pick Cary Harris and seventh-round pick Ellis Lankster on Tuesday. Contract terms were not disclosed in accordance with team policy.
Harris (5'11" 187) was a three-year starter for USC at cornerback, but was slowed in the spring OTAs by a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for more than two weeks.
He did return for the mandatory minicamp and made some plays here and there. The former Trojan saw most of his action at left cornerback with the second and third team defenses.
Meanwhile Lankster (5'9" 190) could be a major sleeper for the Bills in training camp later this month. The West Virginia product was one of the most impressive rookies this spring making several plays on the ball during team work and 7-on-7.
"I'm just committed to working hard every day and doing what I can to help this team," Lankster said during OTAs this spring.
Lankster got reps with the second and third team defensive units throughout the spring practices, and was even sprinkled in with the starters when injuries left the coaching staff short-handed at cornerback.
He showed a good ability to break on the ball and anticipate. Unofficially he had three interceptions and four pass breakups during the spring practice sessions.
The two cornerbacks will enter training camp trying to earn a spot in a deep cornerback corps, which includes veterans Terrence McGee, Leodis McKelvin, Drayton Florence, Ashton Youboty and Reggie Corner.
Harris and Lankster are the first two draft picks to sign with the club. Buffalo still has six draft choices left to sign prior to the opening of training camp on July 25th including top picks Aaron Maybin and Eric Wood.
