Sep 23, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver T.J. Graham (11) celebrates his touchdown during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
This upcoming season will have more questions than usually as fans hope we have begun to turn around this franchise for the better. Coaches and players will be watched and judged with everything they do as this new regime implements their new schemes. One player that may benefit is TJ Graham.
Graham was a player this organization targeted and drafted the in third round of the 2012 draft. The Bills parted with their seventh round selection in order to move up two spots in a trade with Washington to get their guy. TJ was viewed as a speedster and was sure to help this team going downfield. The problem was that this team last year couldn’t get the ball downfield. Because of that I think it was the biggest reason the production was down.
Last year Graham played in 15 games but really didn’t contribute much in any category. When drafted I can remember people saying this kid could really get our offense moving in the receiving part of our game. I mean Stevie Johnson is the guy that this team looks to make the plays but having a guy like this puts a different threat on the field. Although that didn’t happen I think the experience helped him and also was held back by coach Gailey and Ryan Fitzpatrick with the inability to use him correctly.
Looking forward to this season Graham was reportedly named the Bills best receiver in their OTA’s. He will definitely compete for a receiver spot and mostly likely get the 3rd or 4th spot. Another thing I have been hearing is it’s possible that he could return kicks? We will soon find out what the coaching staff has in store for TJ.
So as we wait for training camp TJ is one guy that may have fans wondering about how much he could do for this team. The new up-tempo offense that seems to be taking shape could have a speedster with a year of experience to help the new guys coming in. I really thought Graham had some moments where he looked out of place and simply lost last season. Soon we will see if that is something he has worked on or looking back could the blame be placed on the old coaching staff?