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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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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 05: Dazz Newsome #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels scores a touchdown againstA.J. Rogers #4 of the Western Carolina Catamounts during their game at Kenan Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 49-9. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 05: Dazz Newsome #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels scores a touchdown againstA.J. Rogers #4 of the Western Carolina Catamounts during their game at Kenan Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 49-9. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Dazz Newsome is the second prospect on this list that the Bills have already shown interest in as Ryan Talbot reported that the team has already met with him virtually. As a four year contributor as a Tar Heel, Newsome added value in various ways similar to others on this list. Newsome might be the most well-rounded prospect on this list in terms of production because of his added value as a runner and returner on top of his receiving abilities.

Newsome had his best year in 2019 with 1,018 receiving yards and scored 10 touchdowns on 72 receptions. He took a little step back in 2020 but still had production. He finished his collegiate career with 188 receptions for 2.435 yards and 18 touchdowns. Newsome added to that production on the ground with 20 career carries for 178 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. He also provided value as a returner on both punts and kicks but was more productive on his punt return reps. On his 7 kick returns, Newsome earned 144 total yards averaging just over 20 yards per return, but he really added value to the Tar Heels as a punt returner where he had 48 attempts for a total of 535 yards and a return for a touchdown, averaging just over 11 yards per return.

On offense, Newsome almost exclusively operated out of the slot position but also showed the ability to be used on pre-snap motions. Most frequently, Newsome was put in motion to flare out for a designed swing pass screen. He really thrived on this type of play as he is great in open space. Newsome has a special combination of speed and size, but what really sets him apart is his competitive toughness and ability to fight for extra yards.

Although the Buffalo Bills might be looking to replace McKenzie this offseason, they did just release John Brown. Newsome did primarily operate as a slot receiver in college but his size and speed gives him the potential to develop into a deep threat at the next level on top of the gadget guy role he is already equipped to thrive within. There are some questions about how vast Newsome’s route tree is, and for that reason, he isn’t projected as a high pick. The Buffalo Bills could find some value by drafting him on day three.

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