Buffalo Bills 2021 NFL Draft Prospect to Know: S Jamien Sherwood

Jamien Sherwood out of the University of Auburn is a player that the Buffalo Bills have shown in after previously meeting with him virtually. However, he is a player that a majority of the team has expressed interest in with upwards of 20 teams meeting with him.

For the Buffalo Bills, he is a player that could fill a specific need that has not been addressed under Sean McDermott. Let’s take a closer look at his profile and how he might fit with the Bills.

Measurables/Stats

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 216 pounds

Arms: 34″

Hands: 10″

Jamien Sherwood played 34 games over three seasons for Auburn and had 140 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception, three fumble recoveries and 10 passes defended.

NFL.com Scouting Report by Lance Zierlein

"Sherwood is a big, sure tackler with the striking power to leave a mark. He can intimidate receivers working into the middle of the field and has the size to cover tight ends. He must play down safety or in a robber role as his speed and athletic ability will get him into too many binds and get him beat in the pros. It wouldn’t be shocking to see a team eventually look to move him from safety to linebacker, where his athletic ability would go from hindrance to help. He could make the move if he can add more size onto his frame and learn to better take on (or slip) blocks, but most teams will likely view him as a big, scheme-dependent safety who is tough but limited."

Highlights

How he fits with the Buffalo Bills

The nickel position is essentially a starting role for the Buffalo Bills and their defense. Last year, Taron Johnson played a career high 77% of the defensive snaps. While the nickel scheme gives the Bills plenty of advantages, there is certainly weaknesses that opposing offenses can exploit.

The main weakness is that the Bills go smaller with two linebackers and five defensive backs. This means offenses can either overpower in the run or utilize a tight end more frequently in the pass game. This is where a player like Jamien Sherwood could come in and eliminate some of those weaknesses a nickel defense presents.

He is a big body safety that can match up against some of the league’s tight ends in pass coverage but also is an excellent tackler. According to Jon Macri of Pro Football Focus, Sherwood had one of the lowest missed tackle percentages in college last year. He could also be an asset on the field defending against the run.

If the Buffalo Bills were to add Sherwood, he could split the nickel role with Taron Johnson and give the coaching staff a little more flexibility in matching up against offensive personnel.