With the Buffalo Bills coaching staff almost fully assembled, it’s time for them to begin to evaluate what they have at each position on the roster. There are very few needs on the defensive side of the ball; however, the offense is a completely different story. There is an obvious need at the quarterback and running back position and maybe a veteran receiver would benefit the offense. But the position that may be the most overlooked is the tight end position.
On the current roster, the Bills have three tight ends under contract. Scott Chandler, MarQueis Gray, and Chris Gragg will all be in attendance come the start of training camp. Lee Smith, who has been with the Bills the last four seasons is a free agent, and it’s still unclear whether or not the Bills will re-sign him or let him walk.
Scott Chandler
There is no doubt that Chandler has been the Bills best receiving threat at tight end in quite some time. In four years as the starter, Chandler has compiled 2112 yards and 17 touchdowns. At 6’7” Chandler is a great target in the red zone, and has the ability to get open down the middle of the field. The one aspect where Chandler lacks is speed. When he catches the ball, he struggles avoiding the first defender as he is slow and isn’t very shifty. Chandler is a capable blocker, but he’s not typically relied on to block much.
Lee Smith
Although he is an unrestricted free agent, the Bills should seriously consider bringing Smith back. He doesn’t have overly flashy numbers, as he only has 20 catches for 144 yards and three touchdowns in his four seasons with the Bills. What makes Smith so valuable is his blocking ability, as he is one of the league’s top blocking tight ends. Smith has a blue-collar attitude, and is always in his opponents face. He is the style of player that Rex Ryan loves to have on the team, so don’t be surprised to see Smith back with the Bills.
Chris Gragg
After being drafted in the seventh round in the 2013 NFL draft, Gragg has hauled in 12 catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns during his first two NFL seasons. Although Gragg has speed, he lacks size, which is a big issue at the tight end position. That and the fact that he tends to struggle with blocking. Gragg will be with the Bills at the start of training camp, but chances are he won’t be with the team when it’s time to make the final cuts.
MarQueis Gray
Since joining the Bills midway through the 2014 season, Gray made some big plays and finished with eight catches for 118 yards. Gray has bounced around the NFL, previously playing for Browns and Vikings before finding a home in Buffalo. At 6’4” Gray is an intriguing option for the Bills at the tight end position. With solid speed, Gray can lineup in both the backfield and on the line, and can be a very effective screen option. It’s not a guarantee, but Gray should be with the Bills come the start of the season.
More from Buffalo Bills
- NFL: 5 X-Factor Players gamers can look forward to using in Madden 24
- 3 reasons why the Buffalo Bills could regress in 2023
- 3 most overhyped teams heading into the 2023 NFL season
- 2023 NFL Predictions: Every Divisional Winner for the 2023 Season
- Buffalo Bills: Stefon Diggs, Josh Allen eager to defend divisional crown
With free agency just around the corner, the Bills will have some options if they desire to add a tight end to their roster. Players among the likes of Julius Thomas, Jordan Cameron, Jermaine Gresham, and Owen Daniels will all be available come the start of free agency. The Bills have some key free agents of their own who they will have to consider re-signing, but if they have some money left over, they may be smart to take a shot on one of these players.
With the draft creeping up on us, the Bills will definitely be taking a look at some potential mid-late round picks at tight end. Players like Devin Funchess (Michigan), Clive Walford (Miami), and Tyler Kroft (Rutgers) are all slated to go anywhere from the second to fourth rounds. The Bills would be smart and make a move on a tight end in the third or fourth round, as these three players have the skill set to make an impact in the NFL.
Regardless of what transpires over the course of these next few months, the Bills should be in decent shape at the tight end position come the start of the season. Unless the Bills make a big splash in free agency, the veteran Chandler will most likely be your starter. Hopefully Smith will be brought back to be the blocking tight end, as he is a huge benefit to the running game. Gray will continue to get looks in the screen game, and should continue to develop. With the addition of a young playmaker, the Bills won’t be in too bad of shape when it comes to the tight end position.