Predicting the Buffalo Bills 2020 Depth Chart: Tight End
By Daniel Bruce
Primary Backup: Tyler Kroft
The oft-injured Kroft, will hope to find some stability heading into his second year in Buffalo, where he could cement his role as the second tight end on the roster.
In what was an underwhelming first season with the Buffalo Bills, appearing in 10 games and only six catches for 71 yards and one touchdown, he still offers great value at the position.
Signed to a three year contract worth upwards of $18 million, the Buffalo Bills took a liking to Kroft and despite last season they should still feel good about him. They did restructure his deal in March, as he is now only signed for the 2020 season and Kroft will be looking to prove he belongs.
In 2017, before Kroft got into injury trouble he had his best season yet, starting all 16 games, where he registered 42 receptions for 404 yards and an impressive 7 touchdowns. At just 27 years old, and being a year removed from his nagging foot injury he is setup to bounce back, and provide a nice second option to Knox.
Third-String (Blocking): Lee Smith
The great blocking and leadership that Smith brings to the team is underrated by many, while he is basically non-existent as a pass catcher, whether the blocking tight end can catch or not isn’t significant to the offense.
Josh Allen has cited Lee Smith being a great leader on multiple occasions and mentioned it on Mark Sanchez‘s podcast “4th & forever.”
Josh Allen on his favorite veteran mentor, Lee Smith ! pic.twitter.com/oOz4WOBu2X
— Buffalo Sports Chatter (@ChatterBuffalo) July 20, 2020
His character can’t be overstated, while at times he can be frustrating to watch especially with his penalty trouble, but McDermott and company won’t be quick to cut ties with the veteran.
Fourth-String: Tommy Sweeney
Sweeney’s spot on the 53-man roster depends on if the Buffalo Bills decides to keep four tight ends. While Sweeney is plenty capable of taking over for Lee Smith, I can’t see the Bills parting ways with him, so the second year tight end will have to try and grab one of the last roster spots.
If Buffalo does keep four, the former Boston College tight end will be a regular inactive on game day but if injury happens he could step in and produce. If McDermott only wants to keep three, Sweeney will be a practice squad member if not claimed by another team.