By Justin DiLoro / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Buffalo Bills signed several undrafted free agents to get the team closer to its maximum allotment of 90 rostered players during training camp this offseason. These players are intriguing, as they have the talent to compete for a roster spot, yet there was something that kept these players from hearing their names called during the 2019 NFL draft.
Even so, these players have a decent chance at making a final roster. Approximately one-third of players in the league entered as undrafted free agents, via Curt Popejoy of SteelersWire.
The Bills struck gold last year with wide receiver Robert Foster and cornerback Levi Wallace, both of whom made a mark on Buffalo’s 2018 campaign even though they were not drafted by the team. They could do so again in 2019.
While these players are far from a lock, there will be an opportunity for them this offseason to show their skills. Here are three players from this year’s crop of undrafted free agents who could make the final 53-man roster:
WR David Sills V
Sills’ story is well-known by now. As a middle school student, he verbally committed to play for USC. Injuries took him off the track to Southern California, and with a position change, he ended up starting at West Virginia.
All Sills did was catch touchdowns for the Mountaineers, reeling in 33 touchdowns during his final two years in Morgantown. The 6-foot-5 wideout proved to be a reliable target for the West Virginia air attack.
Sills caught 125 passes for 1,966 receiving yards in his two full seasons at wide receiver.
He has the best shot at following in Robert Foster’s footsteps. The Bills did not add a player at the wide receiver position during draft. While Buffalo did sign Cole Beasley and John Brown in free agency, the spots at the bottom end of the Bills depth chart may be up for grabs. Could he push Zay Jones or Robert Foster for a position? Is not completely out of the question as Buffalo is in need of a big-bodied wide receiving room.
QB Tyree Jackson
Those in western New York know his name well. Jackson, the 6-foot-7 standout from MAC runner-up Buffalo Bulls, has some work ahead of him if he can crack the final roster. Although his deep ball is something at which to awe, his accuracy in the short-to-intermediate game needs refinement.
Depending on how quickly he can remedy this issue, Jackson has the ability to push for a third-string spot on the roster. Derek Anderson, after being thrashed against the Patriots, may consider a different path if his body is not interested in the rigors of another training camp. Anderson can mentor Josh Allen as a coach, instead of suiting up for the team.
This would also be contingent on Jackson showing that he can handle an NFL playbook. His arm strength is NFL-caliber.
Jackson won’t push starter Josh Allen, but if he becomes his capable backup, the two mirror each other athletically. Buffalo offensive coordinator Brian Daboll might not need to change much of anything if Jackson can get up to speed quickly.
LB Tyrel Dodson
The competition beyond the starters at linebacker will be strong, as Sean McDermott is looking for players who can be contributors on special teams in addition to stopgaps on defense.
Dodson shows solid athleticism at the scouting combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds, producing a 118-inch long jump, and putting up 24 reps on the bench press portions of the event.
The Bills did draft Vosean Joesph in the fifth round. However, Dodson could compete
with the remaining incumbents for a spot. He played against the big-time competition in the SEC, which helps with the transition to the pro game. NFL.com also highlights that he is a prospect at both inside linebacker and strong-side linebacker, and that versatility could bode well moving forward.