Buffalo Bills: Breaking down UDFA signings under Brandon Beane
![Dec 7, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens (4) is hit by Buffalo Bills cornerback Levi Wallace (39) as he throws a pass during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports Dec 7, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens (4) is hit by Buffalo Bills cornerback Levi Wallace (39) as he throws a pass during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e5e840a0e6099c749b48cd97d6d8b6d78adde0280a507014681820c111cb30fc.jpg)
2019 Undrafted Free Agents
Undrafted Signings: QB Tyree Jackson, WR Nick Easley, WR David Sills V, OL Blank Hance, LB Tyrel Dodson, LB Juwan Foggie, CB Cam Lewis, K Chase McLaughlin,
Still with Buffalo: LB Tyrel Dodson, CB Cam Lewis
Still in the NFL: TE /QB Tyree Jackson (Eagles), WR David Sills V (Giants), OL Blake Hance (Browns), K Chase McLaughlin (Jets)
Cam Lewis is another practice squad mainstay for Buffalo since joining after the 2019 draft. Lewis came locally from the University of Buffalo and has stuck around as a versatile option for Buffalo to pull up from the practice squad. Lewis made appearances in five games in 2020 and ultimately ended the season on Injured Reserve.
Lewis is a smaller corner but he has a chance to make the roster as a backup slot corner who is capable of playing on the outside. After some early-season struggles last season many thought that Lewis would be capable of taking over for Taron Johnson. However, after Johnson came on late last season and produced to of Buffalo’s biggest plays of the season his job is not in jeopardy. Lewis has the opportunity to make the 53-man roster but if not could spend another year on Buffalo’s practice squad.
Tyrel Dodson was one of the most highly touted undrafted free agents after the conclusion of the 2019 NFL draft. Dodson sat out most of 2019 after a 6-game suspension but joined the Bills practice squad not making a single appearance. In 2020, Dodson made the 53-man roster and filled in to start for Tremaine Edmunds twice due to injury and made 10 appearances all season. Dodson ended the year with 22 tackles, two TFL, one sack, and 2 passes defended.
Dodson is by no means a star but he showed he was capable when forced to start at middle linebacker for the Bills. Dodson also plays a large role on special teams playing 139 snaps over the course of 10 games. Dodson is a really physical player and while he still is raw his physical traits are impressive. Dodson will likely make the team in 2021 as a backup linebacker who has a large special team’s role.
As for Tyree Jackson, David Sills V, and Blake Hance are all practice squad players who signed future/reserve deals with their respective teams. Chase McLaughlin will be seeing the Bills twice a year as he is now the starting kicker for the New York Jets. McLaughlin has bounced around the league being a part of six different teams before he found a home playing for the Jets. The most interesting player here is Tyree Jackson because he is officially making the switch from quarterback to tight end as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.