Buffalo Bills reportedly meet with Asante Samuel Jr. for a second time
The Buffalo Bills continue to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft and meeting with draft prospects. One player they appear to be sending a little more time with is Florida State University cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. who they have met with a second time, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.
The fact that the Bills have met with him twice, combined with general manager Brandon Beane being in attendance last month at the FSU Pro Day, should be an indication that the cornerback is high on their draft board.
This past season Asante Samuel Jr. had an excellent season for Florida State University with 30 total tackles, three interceptions, six passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble in eight games.
The question is how does he fit with the Buffalo Bills defense. At FSU, Asante Samuel Jr. played primarily man defense but the Bills run more of a zone defense. In addition, there is a question about his size at 5’10” and 184 pounds and how he might match up to some of the bigger wide receivers on the outside.
Asante Samuel Jr. was asked this question about being viewed as undersized in an interview with Justin Melo and said:
"I honestly feel disrespected when I hear people associate me with that term. I’m the same size as some of the best cornerbacks in the NFL right now. Tre’Davious White, Jaire Alexander, Xavien Howard—these are the names of elite cornerbacks that I’m the same size as. I don’t know why my size would be a factor. Those guys are the best cornerbacks in the league."
It is interesting that he mentioned Tre’Davious White, who is currently the Buffalo Bills’ top cornerback. There is no question that size hasn’t been an issue for White in four seasons with the Bills and even earned a contract extension last offseason.
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If the Buffalo Bills were to draft Asante Samuel Jr., it would likely have to be with their first round pick or trading up into the second if he were to fall. However, the selection of the cornerback would give this defense the long-term answer they have been looking for at the spot opposite Tre’Davious White.