By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Bills added Cole Beasley to their wide receiver room this offseason and he’s projected to play a big role on the team.
The team has said it, the man himself has said it.
Beasley will likely have routes tailored for him, but he’s going to be the security blanket for second-year quarterback Josh Allen. Could that mean he’s in-line for a lot of grabs?
ESPN predicts a lot and then some.
The world-wide leader released their “bold predictions” for all 32 NFL teams. The one relating to the Bills says Beasley will surpass the 100-catch plateau this season.
Here’s how ESPN explains their prediction:
The former Dallas Cowboy has averaged 3.1 receptions per game in his career while playing in a run-heavy offense with elite receiving options around him. But he’ll be one of, if not the focal point of Buffalo’s passing attack in 2019. He might not lead the league in receiving yards, but he can average the 6.3 receptions per game he needs to reach the 100-catch mark.
Beasley, 30, signed a pretty big four-year deal worth $29 million in Buffalo this offseason. But a 100-catch season in 2019 could be enough to make him live up to that deal in one season.
Beasley’s previous career best season came in 2016 when he had 75 grabs for 833 yards. With 100 catches, he’d also likely surpass 1,000 yards receiving for the first time in his career, too.
The slot expert has proven plenty of times in his career that he knows how to shake a defender, but in order for him to reach such high numbers, Allen must get on the same page with the rest of the team, too. If Allen relies too much on Beasley and doesn’t keep defenses on their toes, opponents will sit on routes and make it much tough for Beasley to get going. If Beasley has such a successful season, the Bills will likely be knocking on the door of the postseason as well.