BOL learned Sunday night that former Alabama running back Shaud Williams had agreed to terms on a rookie free-agent contract with the Buffalo Bills. BOL spoke with Williams' mother, Wyvonne Williams, who confirmed her son’s decision to sign with the Bills.

After a taxing weekend that saw Williams go undrafted, putting an end to the draft process came as a relief to he and his family, which gathered at its home in Andrews, Texas to take in the draft.

"It's been a roller coaster ride the past few days," Mrs. Williams said. "I wouldn't want anybody to have to go through something like that."

According to Mrs. Williams, Shaud chose the Bills’ two-year deal over a handful of others.

Based on Buffalo’s depth chart and its draft choices over the weekend, Williams looks to have a solid chance to compete for a roster spot.

While Travis Henry and Willis McGahee both return at halfback, the Bills lost Sammy Morris to free agency when he signed with Miami last month. Morris was a capable third down back, which is where Williams will have to initially carve his niche in the NFL. Also aiding Williams’ cause is the fact that the Bills did not take a running back in this year’s draft.

The team did tab multi-purpose prospect Jonathan Smith of Georgia Tech in the sixth round, but he likely projects as a slot receiver in the NFL.

Williams will see his first action as a Bill next weekend, as Buffalo will conduct a mini-camp.

As a senior at Alabama, Williams rushed for 1,367 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2003.

Elsewhere, BOL also confirmed the signing of defensive tackle Ahmad Childress by the Detroit Lions. Like Williams, Childress went undrafted before agreeing to a free-agent contract.

As a part-time starter in 2003, Childress recorded 24 tackles, four tackles for loss and a sack.

Childress left Alabama with a year of eligibility still remaining.