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2021 NFL Draft: Buffalo Bills reportedly met with RB Shane Simpson

By Brandon Croce

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 21: Shane Simpson #31 of the Virginia Cavaliers warms up before the start of a game against the Abilene Christian Wildcats at Scott Stadium on November 21, 2020 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 21: Shane Simpson #31 of the Virginia Cavaliers warms up before the start of a game against the Abilene Christian Wildcats at Scott Stadium on November 21, 2020 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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The running back seems to be a priority early on in the NFL Draft process for the Buffalo Bills. Earlier this week, it was reported that the Bills had a virtual meeting with the University of Buffalo Jaret Patterson and now Justin Melo of The Draft Network listed the Bills as one of the teams to meet with the University of Virginia running back Shane Simpson at the Gridiron Showcase earlier this year.

Simpson this past season played in 10 games for the Cavaliers and had 54 rushing attempts, 278 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns. He also had 13 receptions for 133 yards and one receiving touchdown.

Prior to playing for the University of Virginia, he played at Towson University and was a first-team FCS All-American in 2018 by the Associated Press. He averaged 171.5 yards from scrimmage per game.

However, he missed most of the 2019 season due to injury. This was one of the reasons why he went to the University of Virginia. He was coming off knee surgery to fix his ACL and MCL and he said he wanted to prove to scouts that he was fully healthy, which he feels he did this past year.

"I was coming off major knee surgery with my ACL and MCL. Scouts wanted to see if I was back to myself. They wanted to know if I was going to be hindered, both physically and mentally. It was big for me to go out there and play care-free football. I wasn’t worried about getting hurt. I was productive. I averaged more than five yards per carry. I didn’t let the injury mess with me mentally. It was a big year for me."

The question for the Buffalo Bills is where he would fit if they were to select him. Fortunately, Simpson answers that later in his interview with Justin Melo and says he can do it all:

"I’m not just a traditional running back. I can catch passes coming out of the backfield as well. You can motion me out to the slot. I can be your bell cow if that’s what you need me to be. I also add value on special teams as a kick and punt returner."

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When seeing something like this, Simpson may not so much be another running back but could be a possible replacement for Isaiah McKenzie, who is a free agent. A player like Shane Simpson could be that gadget player for this offense but also contribute on special teams and be a replacement for Andre Roberts, who is also a free agent this offseason.

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