Buffalo Bills position room preview: Quarterback
By Avery Duncan
The hometown hero: Tyree Jackson
University of Buffalo fans, alumni, and students are all too aware of Tyree Jackson. In three seasons of play for the Bulls, Jackson compiled 6,692 passing yards, 49 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions on a 55.7% completion rate. Yet, it wasn’t enough to get drafted, as he signed with the Bills as a free agent post-draft.
Jackson landing with the Bills may be a perfect fit, and it’s not just because it’s a 20 drive from UB Stadium to New Era. He’s stunningly similar to Allen.
Like Allen, Jackson checks the size box off thoroughly; he measured in at 6-foot-7 and 249-pounds at the combine. The Buffalo product’s athleticism (4.59 second 40-yard-dash), strong-arm, and need for progression via professional coaching continues to appear eerily similar to Allen. Jackson’s high-ceiling stemming from his build, arm, and athleticism earned him looks as a third-round pick, but his equally low floor and lack of efficiency in college seized his once skyrocketing draft stock.
The Bills earned praise for picking up a hometown hero and promising quarterback in Jackson after the draft. But, with Allen and Barkley in-fold, he’s no guarantee to make the roster.
The UB product isn’t pro-ready yet, meaning the Bills could place him on the practice squad if they roll with two quarterbacks. But considering his promise and similarities to their current starter, Brandon Beane would be wise to find a way to develop and keep the former Bull.