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Buffalo Bills: 6 draft prospects that can replace Isaiah McKenzie

By Kendall Mirsky

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 04: Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie #19 of the Buffalo Bills carries the ball against the defense of the Houston Texans during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 04: Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie #19 of the Buffalo Bills carries the ball against the defense of the Houston Texans during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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DENTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 05: Jaelon Darden #1 of the North Texas Mean Green makes a touchdown reception against Coi Miller #5 of the Houston Baptist Huskies in the first quarter during a game at Apogee Stadium on September 05, 2020 in Denton, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
DENTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 05: Jaelon Darden #1 of the North Texas Mean Green makes a touchdown reception against Coi Miller #5 of the Houston Baptist Huskies in the first quarter during a game at Apogee Stadium on September 05, 2020 in Denton, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

At about 5’9 and 175 pounds, Jaelon Darden has been a four year contributor during his collegiate career at North Texas, but this past season he really came into his own. During his collegiate career, Darden racked up 2,782 receiving yards and a whopping 38 touchdowns on 230 receptions. To be considered as an Isaiah McKenzie replacement, you have to have offensive versatility, not just be a speedy pass catcher. Darden didn’t have much production as a rusher with only 7 collegiate attempts, but the talent and tools are there for him to contribute in this area at the next level.

Additionally, Darden provides value as a kick and punt returner at the next level, but when looking at his statistics it seems he will be a better punt returner. In his 35 collegiate punt returns, Darden returned one for a touchdown and earned 310 yards, averaging almost 9 yards per punt return. It may not seem like a lot, but 9 yards per return is pretty solid.

In 2020, Darden had a breakout season really putting himself on the radar for the 2021 NFL Draft. In just 9 games, Darden had 1,190 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns on 74 receptions. Darden’s mix of straight-line speed and elusiveness makes him a threat to take it to the endzone every single time he touches the football. It’s this kind of playmaking ability that the Bills should be looking to add to their offense this offseason. A guy that can make Josh Allen’s life a lot easier by throwing a quick screen down to Darden and watch him gain 20 yards after the catch.

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