Tag Archives: buffalo bills

NFL

Gaines, E.J.

Card: Panini Contenders 2014
Acquired: 2018, Walmart Autographed Memorabilia

EJ Gaines played college ball for Missou from 2010-2013. After getting playing time at corner as a true Freshman, he’d takeover the position full-time entering 2011. He’d have a pretty solid year, with 69 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions for 54 yards and 16 passes defended.  His best season came as a Senior when EJ had 75 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 5 intereceptions for 17 yards, and 3 passes defended.

EJ was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL draft. He’d go on to be named to numerous rookie teams in his first season recording 2 picks, 14 pass deflections and 70 tackles. Unfortunately for the remainder of his time in St. Louis EJ was hampered by injuries, first by a Lins Franc injury (2015- entire season), then a thigh injury (2016- 5 games).

He’d be traded to the Bills in exchange for WR Sammy Watkins and draft choices in 2017.  Gaines had a pretty decent stop at Buffalo, putting up a pick, 9 pass deflections, 59 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and an interception. A free agent after the season, EJ packed his bags and headed for Cleveland where he finished 2018 with 13 combined tackles, 3 pass deflections, and an interception in 6 games – but after his second concussion in 3 weeks, he ended the season on IR.

NFL

Cockrell, Ross

Card: Sage 2014 (212/250)
Acquired: 2016, Box Breaker

Ross Cockrell played collegially at Duke where he was a starter as a true Freshman. In 49 games playing for the Blue Devils, Ross had 233 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 12 interceptions for 80 yards and a TD.  A solid special teamer, Ross also holds the school record for the longest blocked field goal return for a TD with a 75-yard gallop against FIU in 2012. Ross performed well at the combine, and improved upon his numbers at his pro day.

Cockrell was selected in the 4th round by the Buffalo Bills, but after seeing limited action his rookie year, he’d be cut a year later. The Bills hoped to bring him back to the practice squad, but he’d jump to the Pittsburgh Steelers instead.  He quickly assimilated the defensive game plan and started 7 games in 2015. He posted 2 interceptions, 11 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and 33 tackles.  During 2016, Cockrell started the entire slate of games, and had 47 tackles, 14 pass deflections, and a fumble recovery. He’d be traded to the New York Giants in 2017 after the arrival of Joe Haden in Pittsburgh. Over 9 starts, Ross recorded 3 interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and 37 tackles.

Always flying under the radar, I had hoped the Texans would make a move for Ross, who is a pretty good slot man, however they had their fill of DBs bringing in Aaron Colvin and Honey Badger.

Ross took his talent to another defensive minded franchise instead for 2018- The Carolina Panthers. Ross had a pretty solid camp ongoing, and was expected to start, until he broke his leg. He spent the entire season on IR.

CFL, NFL

Wood, Cierre

Card: Panini Contenders 2013
Acquired: 2017, EBay

Cierre Wood was a solid runningback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2010-2013. In his Sophomore year he led the team with 603 yards on 119 carries, scoring 3 TDs. He also displayed nice hands out of the backfield with 20 receptions for 170 yards and 2 TDs. Cierre put together a solid Junior year, with 1,102 yards and 9 TDs on 217 carries. He returned for his Senior campaign in 2013 and posted 742 yards on 114 carries. Scouts were underwhelmed by Wood’s blocking, questioned his ball security, and were concerned about a suspension for breaking team rules during his Senior season. He went unselected during the 2013 NFL Draft.

Cierre signed with the Houston Texans for 2013. The Texans were in transition at runningback and beginning to seek a future heir for Arian Foster. With Foster oft-injured, Ben Tate locked into the second string job and the departure of Justin Forsett to greener pastures, it was a straight up battle between Dennis Johnson, Cierre Wood, and Ray Graham for the 3rd back spot. In the end Wood won out on the runningback derby.  The Texans kicked off the season 2-0, but then dropped the next 14 games. It was really a snakebitten squad. Injuries abound, quarterback issues, Kubiak having a heart attack during a game- it was just one thing after another. In the midst of the descent Cierre was released with two other players for violating unspecified team rules. He’d finish the season on the practice squad of the New England Patriots.

In 2014, Cierre spent some time on the rosters of both the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks. He joined the Buffalo Bills in 2015 but blew out an ACL, ending his season.  Wood rehabbed and decided to give the CFL a shot, signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2017. In early May he was traded to the Montreal Alouettes but did not make the squad.

Panini’s Contenders set is always pretty solid. I found the split design of this particular card to be both daring and unique as there are very few column grid cards like this one. The photo is touched up well and it’s a solid action shot of Cierre. Even the typography of this card looks good, and there is plenty of space for the autograph.