3 undrafted free agents with best chance to make Bills roster

Three undrafted rookie free agents with the best chance to make the Buffalo Bills’ 2020 NFL roster.

The Bills made their seven picks they entered the 2020 NFL Draft with at last month’s event. Despite a respectable haul, things could become even more impressive if the team hits on some of their undrafted rookie free agents.

And just because a guy wasn’t drafted, doesn’t mean they don’t have talent. Just ask Cole Beasley or Mario Addison. Diamonds can be found in the rough in the late rounds of the draft. They can also be found in the thick weeds of undrafted free agency.

The Bills announced the signing of eight such players following the draft. Could some of these guys actually find a way to their final roster?

Here are three of those UDFAs with the best chance to crack the Bills’ final 53-man roster:

North Carolina Tar Heels running back Antonio Williams. Credit: Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

RB Antonio Williams

Vitals: 5-foot-11, 215 pounds

Yes, the Bills did draft Zack Moss in the third-round of the draft to pair him with Devin Singletary in their backfield. But teams do keep several running backs on their roster, and Antonio Williams could find a way there. Moss is viewed as the bigger rushing option… Williams has even more size than him. Both Moss and Williams conducted “virtual” 40-yard dash workouts prior to the draft and even though he’s larger, Williams put up the same time as Moss, 4.52 seconds.

While undrafted, Williams was once a highly-touted Ohio State prospect. He transferred closer to home and played in a loaded backfield so his numbers were never eye-popping enough to get him drafted. In 2018, he managed to average 5.5 yards per carry, while averaging 6.7 in 2019, but on a smaller workload. Williams was also a respected teammate who could mesh well in a depth role with the Bills. The current favorite for the Bills’ No. 3 running back spot is TJ Yeldon, but he could easily be a cap casualty if Williams preforms well this summer.

 

4 things to know about Jets undrafted free agent OT Jared Hilbers

Here are four things to know about Jets undrafted free agent OT Jared Hilbers, a swing tackle from the University of Washington.

The Jets put an emphasis on rebuilding their offensive line this offseason, adding a handful of new starters and considerable depth that last year’s team lacked.

They only added one lineman through undrafted free agency, though: University of Washington tackle Jared Hilbers. Standing at 6-foot-7, 305 pounds, Hilbers has the athleticism to play either tackle position and is a sound run blocker.

With that said, let’s get to know Hilbers a bit better. Here are four things to know about the undrafted free agent out of Washington.

(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Basketball Background

Jared Hilbers is yet another Jets offensive lineman with a basketball background. He was a star high school basketball player in Oregon before deciding to join his school’s football team during his junior year.

Just like New York’s acquisition of George Fant, who played college basketball at Western Kentucky, Hilbers has the type of athleticism and versatility that Joe Douglas is looking for in his offensive linemen.

Bills sign 8 undrafted rookie free agents

Buffalo Bills UDFA signings following the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Buffalo Bills made the signing of eight undrafted rookie free agents on Friday. General manager Brandon Beane said following the draft that it might take a longer while to get signees announced because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Now that the team has finally been able to get players inked to deals, here’s who the Bills have signed:

OL Trey Adams | Washington

S Garrett Taylor | Penn State

CB Ike Brown | FIU

S Josh Thomas | Appalachian State

FB Reggie Gilliam | Toledo

OL Brandon Walton | FAU

OL Marquel Harrell | Auburn

RB Antonio Williams | North Carolina

 

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2020 NFL Draft: Top 30 Undrafted Free Agents. Where Did They Sign?

Who are the best free agent players available after the 2020 NFL Draft and where did they sign? 

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Who are the best free agent players available after the 2020 NFL Draft and where did they sign? 


Contact @PeteFiutak

CFN 2020 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
from the college perspective …
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG & C
DE | DT | LB | CB | Safeties
Greatest NFL Draft Picks From Each School
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac-12 | SEC
32 Greatest Draft Picks of All-Time
Full 2020 NFL Draft

30. WR Juwan Johnson, Oregon

Okay, so he doesn’t have the blazing wheels, and he wasn’t quite as consistent or as devastating as he should’ve been, but he’s a 6-4, 230-pound matchup problem who should’ve been taken as a flier at some point on Saturday. There’s too much upside – and size – to ignore.
Signed By: COMING
Projected Round: Sixth

29. DT Darrion Daniels, Nebraska

A bit overloved by some throughout the offseason draft process, the 6-3, 311-pounder fell out of the draft with his lack of the NFL tools to be an every down starter. He’s a good worker who’ll do what’s needed, but he’s a backup for the interior rotation.
Signed By: COMING
Projected Round: Sixth

28. CB Lamar Jackson, Nebraska

Where do you want to play him? He’s a corner, but he’s 6-2 and 208 pounds with the versatility to work as a safety somewhere. The bulk is in place, and he can hit, but he’s just okay in coverage.
Signed By: New York Jets
Projected Round: Seventh

27. WR Binjimen Victor, Ohio State

With 6-4 size, great hands, and an excellent reel of good moment as a Buckeye, he should’ve gone before the seventh round as a good shot for the stars. He might not have tremendous wheels, but he’s fast enough to find a role.
Signed By: COMING
Projected Round: Sixth

26. DE LaDarius Hamilton, North Texas

The 6-2, 262-pound size was a problem. He’s not tall enough, he doesn’t have the right frame, and he just doesn’t look the part of an NFL end. He’s not bulky enough to work inside, even though he’ll do anything to make the play.
Signed By: Dallas
Projected Round: Seventh

25. DE Malcolm Roach, Texas

Where does he work on the line? The 6-2, 297-pounder is a smallish tackle who doesn’t play like one, and he’s not a normal pass rusher for the outside. There’s enough to like as a possible versatile backup.
Signed By: New Orleans
Projected Round: Seventh

24. CB AJ Green, Oklahoma State

The 6-2, 202-pound size makes up for his lack of next-level speed. There’s a good college resumé to like, but he’s a bit too much of a tweener for the NFL. He’s really a safety, but he’ll try to make a team as a corner.
Signed By: COMING
Projected Round: Sixth

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23. DT Josiah Coatney, Ole Miss

The lack of raw bulk is too much of a problem. He’s just 6-3 and 308 pounds, and he doesn’t have the athleticism to overcome his inability to bring the thump. However, he holds up well for his size against the run.
Signed By: COMING
Projected Round: Sixth

22. WR Austin Mack, Ohio State

This is a bit strange. Yeah, there isn’t any one thing that made him stand out from the pick of receivers, but he’s 6-2 and 208 pounds with good route-running ability, good toughness, and enough to be a No. 3 NFL receiver. He fell through the cracks.
Signed By: COMING
Projected Round: Sixth

21. RB James Robinson, Illinois State

It’s hard being a running back prospect. He’s not all that big, but he’s compact, tough, and he’ll bring the power for his 5-9, 219-pound size. There aren’t a lot of wow parts to his game, but he’s a productive talent who could fit nicely in a rotation.
Signed By: COMING
Projected Round: Sixth

NEXT: Top 20 NFL Draft Undrafted Free Agents

All-Undrafted Team: Potential targets for Cleveland

All-Undrafted Team: Potential targets for Cleveland

The 2020 NFL Draft is in the books and it was very clear that the COVID-19 epidemic took its tole as the amount of small school prospects taken took a huge dive and a huge portion of the draft was relative chalk. The Cleveland Browns did a great job of finding value across the board, but with so much uncertainty and players having their pro days cancelled there is bound to be some potential UDFA talent and below is the best remaining at each position.

QB: Anthony Gordon, Washington St., 6-2, 205 pounds: Few prospects in this class had the college production that Gordon had and he did it in his only season as starting quarterback after taking over for Gardner Minshew. He likely went undrafted due to the gimmicky Air Raid offense that he played in, but still surprising considering we just saw Minshew have a somewhat successful season.

RB: Javon Leake, Maryland, 6-0, 215 pounds: His teammate Anthony McFarland Jr. was selected, but Leake has some moves as well. Leake is a game-breaking big play specialist with seven carries of over 40-plus yards and he averages a touchdown every 8.5 carries, but he only had 145 career carries. He clearly didn’t handle a whole workload in college and likely wont in the NFL, but that’s why he went undrafted.

WR: Quartney Davis, Texas A&M, 6-1, 201 pounds: Checks a lot of boxes you want in a starting caliber receiver including experience against elite competition and the requisite size to pluck the ball from the sky, but he was a tad disappointing in college after missing his first two seasons due to a torn ACL. He only nabbed 99 receptions for 1,201 yards in a pass first offense.

TE: Hunter Bryant, Washington, 6-2, 248 pounds: A big body receiving threat who was finally able to stay healthy in 2019 and dominate to the level everyone expected, but it’s not just his pathetic blocking that landed him undrafted, the medical red-flags must be larger than we realize.

OT: Trey Adams, Washington, 6-8, 318 pounds: This one is a bit heart-breaking as Adams was once viewed as a first round lock before injuries robbed him. Adams started 45 games for Washington and is as technical as they come, but again these medical red-flags are huge. He is just not the same player after a torn ACL and back surgery, but its worth a kick on the tires.

G: Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon, 6-5, 317 pounds: Arguably the most consistent and versatile lineman in the class, its shocking he didn’t get drafted after starting all 52 games of his career with starts at each position on the line. With his versatility and play strength, he has the ability to make an NFL roster. He has likely gone undrafted due to his lack of athleticism that definitely effect him in the NFL.

C: Darryl Williams, Mississippi St., 6-5, 327 pounds: The former Bulldog looks like a starting caliber interior lineman and has experience at both guard and center. He played well against the extremely competitive SEC, but he plays panicky and is a mess technically speaking.

DE: Nick Coe, Auburn, 6-5, 280 pounds: Coe does the dirty work and does it well. He is arguably the strongest end in this class and plays with an elite anchor, which allows backers to clean-up, but this lack of statistical production obviously hurt his stock as he only had 15 tackles with three for loss. He also has disappointing length, but has more than enough strength to make a roster.

DT: Raequan Williams, Michigan St., 6-4, 308 pounds: Players that utilize their hands as well as Williams are usually drafted, especially if you combine that with his explosive burst. Williams likely went undrafted, because he struggles as a pass rusher, but bringing him in could be a steal.

ILB: David Woodward, Utah St., 6-2, 230 pounds: Versatile enough to play both inside and outside backer and had an extremely productive college career with 256 career tackles. He has enough size and enough lateral quickness to play in the NFL, but his lack of block shedding ability is an issue.

OLB: Michael Pinckney, Miami (Fla.), 5-11, 235 pounds: The dude was a four-year starter for the U and was impressive from the first time he saw the field with 61 tackles during his freshman season. He looks like a prototypical backer, but lacks the athleticism most teams covet.

CB: Lamar Jackson, Nebraska, 6-2, 208 pounds:  All-Big-10 with 15 pass deflections and three interceptions, Jackson is the ideal press corner with the requisite long limbs. The problem is Jackson is too scheme specific as an outside corner in a primarily press alignment.

S: J.J. Reed, Georgia, 6-1, 202 pounds: Reed loves to make contact and is the aggressive box safety that can dominate in the run game, but it isn’t surprising that a safety who struggles in coverage wasn’t drafted, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t get a shot at the next level

 

 

2020 NFL draft: Predicting who the Colts will pick on Day 3

Predicting the Day 3 picks for Indy.

The Indianapolis Colts are entering the final day of the 2020 NFL draft as the Day 3 picks will be flying off the board. After adding some explosive talent and upside, the Colts look to cap off their draft with a busy Day 3.

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Though a trade back could certainly happen and change the order of the picks for the Colts, they are slated to have four selections at the start of Round 4. Two of those four picks are from the trade with the Lions during the third round of the draft.

Without further ado, here are my predictions for the Colts’ picks on Day 3:

No. 122 | Khalid Kareem | EDGE | Notre Dame

After adding to the wide receiver room, backfield and secondary, the Colts bring in a powerful edge setter to fill the role of Jabaal Sheard. Kareem checks a lot of boxes for the Colts. He was a senior captain at Notre Dame, he possesses a high football IQ and character and he’s a powerful edge rusher with an active motor. He may be a bit limited athletically, but Kareem is a wonderful pick to begin the fourth round as a player to immediately work into the rotation with Kemoko Turay and Ben Banogu.

No. 149 (from DET) | James Morgan | QB | FIU

While I believe Anthony Gordon to be the better quarterback prospect, the Colts have made it clear they have an eye for Morgan. They’ve closely vetted the FIU transfer during the pre-draft process and given his character, football IQ and arm talent, he seems like the best fit on Day 3. Morgan has a lot to clean up about his game but he’s physical through contact and always keeps his eyes downfield. The Colts won’t force a quarterback pick, but it seems like they like Morgan. Waiting until Round 5 isn’t forcing anything.

No. 182 (from DET) | Reggie Robinson II | CB | Tulsa

It would be wise for the Colts to add some young talent to the cornerback room to develop, and Robinson is one of the best prospects to target there. He meets the size (6’0, 205), speed (4.44) and length (31.5″) eye test while bringing an aggressive mindset to the defense. His 17 passes defended were fifth-most in FBS during the 2019 season. Robinson would fit in perfectly as a complementary piece behind Xavier Rhodes and Rock Ya-Sin while battling it out with Quincy Wilson and Marvell Tell.

No. 193 | Trey Adams | OT | Washington

Finding an offensive tackle might be higher on the priority list for the Colts and if prospects like Ben Bartch (St. John’s) or Hakeem Adeniji (Kansas) are available, earlier I’d prefer them. However, Adams is an interesting fit for the Colts. His medicals are the biggest concern—and they are valid—but Adams brings size (6’8, 318), length (34.38″) and the athleticism to thrive in the Colts’ zone-blocking scheme. He has to improve consistency and timing with his pass sets but he’s a solid pick late on Day 3 and one who has some upside if he can stay healthy. Having played under Colts offensive line coach Chris Strausser in college, the pick becomes more of a possibility.

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2020 NFL Draft: 5 tackles the Jets could target in later rounds

Jets Wire takes a look at five tackles that the Jets could target in the later rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.

It’s likely that the Jets select an offensive tackle with the 11th pick in the 2020 NFL draft, but that will not deter Jets general manager Joe Douglas from continuing to address the position later in the draft.

Douglas told reporters on a conference call earlier this week, that “there is a shortage of quality offensive linemen in the NFL.” He did his best to revamp New York’s line by signing Greg Van Roten, Connor, McGovern and Josh Andrews, as well as re-upping Alex Lewis and retaining Brian Winters. However, the Jets still lack depth at tackle with only George Fant, Chuma Edoga and Connor McDermott on the depth chart.

Douglas has to address Gang Green’s depth problem at tackle. What better way to do it than by stockpiling talent at the position? With that being said, let’s take a look at some offensive tackle prospects the Jets could target in the later rounds of the draft.

Matt Peart, UConn

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Peart is a swing tackle prospect with outstanding size and length at 6-foot-7, 318-pounds. A former basketball player in high school, he made the switch over to the offensive line, just like George Fant did.

Peart spent his first two seasons at UConn on the left side of the offensive line. As a junior, he moved over to the right side, where he started all 24 games in his final two years playing for the Huskies. The transition was a seamless one, as Peart earned a first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection as a senior.

The UConn product is a project with his raw skill set, but he could be worth taking a flier on considering Joe Douglas’ emphasis on finding athletic offensive linemen with positional versatility.

Will the Seahawks select a Washington Husky in 3rd straight year?

After taking Will Dissly in 2018 and Ben Burr-Kirven in 2019, will the Seattle Seahawks select someone from UW again in the 2020 NFL draft?

For a long time, the Seattle Seahawks did not select players from nearby University of Washington in the NFL draft.

Then, a few years into the Chris Petersen era out on Montlake, the Huskies started churning out quality NFL talent – and Pete Carroll and his squad got in on the action.

The Seahawks have been thrilled with the performance of Will Dissly, a 2018 fourth round pick who began his career at UW at defensive end but transitioned to tight end for his final few years.

Dissly was joined by another teammate, linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven, who the Seahawks nabbed in the fifth round in 2019.

While BBK was a reserve linebacker and core special teamer last season, the Seahawks view him as a key piece for the future and have been very happy with their two recent UW draft picks.

The question now is if Seattle will target anyone else from UW for the 2020 draft. While there are plenty of talented players from Washington expected to go in the first few rounds, the two most notable players (tight end Hunter Bryant and quarterback Jacob Eason) don’t play positions of need for the Seahawks, leaving them with fewer options to choose from.

However, there are still three players the Seahawks could pursue, including a pair of offensive linemen and a defensive back that all could be good fits for Carroll and company.

Will the Seahawks take chance on Trey Adams after poor combine?

University of Washington tackle Trey Adams had a poor performance at the NFL combine, but the Seattle Seahawks should still consider him.

The NFL combine is an opportunity for players who may otherwise not get a ton of publicity to show off their length and athleticism. Often times, like in the case of DK Metcalf last year, it helps a player burst onto the national scene – raising their draft stock and their future earnings considerably.

In the case of others, however, it can completely derail a once-promising career, and has been known to do enough damage that someone previously expected to get drafted in the first few rounds falls out of the draft picture entirely.

That is looking like the case for former University of Washington tackle Trey Adams – who was at one point considered among the best young tackles in all of college football. However, a pair of very serious injuries sapped a lot of his athleticism, which was extremely apparent in his sluggish performance at the NFL combine.

Adams ran a 5.6 in the 40-yard dash, along with a 24.5 inch vertical leap and a 7-foot-8 broad jump – all which were the worst marks among offensive linemen.

While Adams remained healthy in 2019, it’s clear his previous injury history is still impacting him, and has likely rendered him damaged goods by most NFL scouts.

However – Adams still possesses good strength and quickness getting into his pass sets, and could still develop into a capable starter at tackle, or at least a high-quality backup.

The Seahawks, like every other team, probably shouldn’t use a draft pick on a player with his checkered injury history and dwindling athleticism.

However, taking a chance on a homegrown kid as an undrafted free agent, at least to see if there’s hope for that athleticism to return with another injury-free season, seems like a worthwhile gamble for a team in need of reinforcements up front.

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6 players whose draft stock fell after combine

Some players tested low athletically when it was not expected.

With the conclusion of the NFL combine, many players helped their stock for the NFL draft. Not all did.

Some hurt their stock at least a little. Who are those players?

Auburn DT Derrick Brown

 Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Brown has great tape but testing very low athletically. His 8.22-second three-cone is in the first percentile of his position group. While mock drafts still have him going in or neat the top ten, unless he tests well at his pro day, he will likely see a slide on draft day.

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