Buffalo Bills 5 strongest positions heading into 2019

5. Tight end

Only one tight end from last year’s group returns for 2019 — Jason Croom — and that’s a good thing. Instead of trotting out an oft-injured Charles Clay, and a hodgepodge group behind him led by Croom and former quarterback Logan Thomas, the Bills upgraded the position in a big way in the off-season.

The lead role of the position goes to Tyler Kroft. A former Bengal, Kroft was the highlight of this year’s crop of free agent tight ends. Though he acted as a backup to Tyler Eifert for the majority of his time in Cincinnati, there is legitimate cause for the three year, $18.75 million contract given to him by the Bills. He’s an athletic player that fits the mold of a modern “move” tight end, and should provide Josh Allen a consistent threat in the midfield.

Kroft isn’t what makes this position group a strong one; the depth behind him does. Third-round pick Dawson Knox fits the same receiving tight end role as the starter, with awe-inspiring athleticism to boot. Though Knox is raw, he impressed during spring practices as a starter; as his ever-improving route-running and absurd catch radius turned heads.

Behind Kroft and Knox is Croom — a receiver turned tight end — and Lee Smith. The latter started his career with the Bills, then played with the Raiders for three seasons. Smith isn’t a particularly great receiving threat, but he’s one of the best blockers in the NFL at his position and will be utilized heavily due to that.

There aren’t any elite tight ends currently on the Bills’ roster, but it’s one of the most improved positions of the off-season. Allen will surely benefit from passing to both Kroft and Knox, while the run-game will do the same via Smith’s blocking. It’s a well-rounded group with the upside to be exceptional.