Buffalo Bills reportedly met virtually with WR Dazz Newsome
The list of players that the Buffalo Bills have met with during the pre-draft process grows larger as North Carolina WR Dazz Newsome joins that list. It was recently reported by Ryan Talbot and others that the Bills have met with Newsome via Zoom.
Newsome is currently projected as a solid day three pick by most draft sites. Many draft sites, including The Draft Network, have Newsome lower on their rankings than his former Tar Heel teammate Dyami Brown. However, the Bills are likely more interested in Newsome because of his diverse skillset.
At 5’11 and 190 pounds, Newsome is slightly undersized for a prototypical wide receiver. With that being said, Newsome primarily operated out of the slot during his four years at North Carolina and has ideal size for a slot receiver.
During his four-year Tar Heel career, Newsome accumulated 2,435 receiving yards and 18 receiving touchdowns on 188 receptions. Additionally, Newsome is more than just a receiving threat from the slot, he is also an effective ball carrier and return specialist. Newsome actually had 178 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns on 20 carriers during his collegiate career.
In regards to his return statistics, Newsome did most of his work as a punt returner. On his 48 punt returns, Newsome earned a total of 535 yards and brought one punt back for a touchdown, averaging about 11 yards per punt return as a Tar Heel. With only 7 collegiate kick returns, Newsome earned a total of 144 yards in this category averaging over 20 yards per kick return.
Newsome’s game tape and statistics exemplify the kind of player he can be at the NFL level. He may not be an elite outside threat like some other receivers in this draft class, but Newsome can certainly contribute in a variety of other ways.
Specifically for how he could apply to the Bills, Isaiah McKenzie and Andre Roberts are both pending free agents this offseason. Newsome has the skillset to replace both McKenzie and Roberts on one cheap rookie contract with his playmaking ability on offense and in the return game.
Next. Buffalo Bills extend Micah Hyde through 2023. dark
Furthermore, with his experience operating out of the slot position, Newsome could learn a lot from Cole Beasley and could be a potential succession plan to Beasley once his time is up in Buffalo.