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Can any of the UDFA the Bills signed make the Roster?

By Caleb Holfoth

Nov 24, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; General view of a Buffalo Bills helmet on the field prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; General view of a Buffalo Bills helmet on the field prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tariq Thompson #14 of the San Diego State Aztecs looks on from the bench in the second quarter during the Northern Illinois v San Diego State game at Qualcomm Stadium on September 30, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /

Buffalo Bills UDFA #5: Tariq Thompson (S, San Diego State) 6-0, 210 lbs.

Tariq Thompson is such an intriguing prospect for Buffalo. After a fantastic four-year career at San Diego State where he had 219 tackles, 12 INT’s, 35 PD’s, 6 FF, 6 FR, and 12.5 TFL in 47 games. Thompson is a very similar do it all type of safety that Buffalo currently has in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. While Thompson went undrafted due to poor athletic testing and limitations that stem from his athletic trouble.

Thompson struggled some at the college level because of his speed and inability to play with very fluid movement which is why he went undrafted. Thompson has a very unique upside because of his production and IQ at the position. For more on Thompson check out this UDFA player profile.

*Stats courtesy of San Diego States Athletics Page

Thompson enters a safety group that is a little weaker than last season already due to the loss of Dean Marlowe. With Poyer and Hyde, both locked in as starters the backup roles are up for grabs. In a competition for those last two spots are 2019 6th round pick Jaquan Johnson, this year’s 6th round pick Damar Hamlin, and 2020 UDFA Josh Thomas and Thompson. Thompson is not competing against elite talent but instead players who are similar to him. High upside players who need to develop.

Thompson is the least likely to make the team on paper but if he can contribute on special teams right away he could snag one of the final roster spots. However, Thompson will likely be on this season’s practice squad. With the experience and upside of Johnson, Hamlin being a player whom Beane took in the 6th round, and Thomas having a year under his belt expect Thompson to be cut but stick around and develop for a chance at the roster next season.

Prediction: Cut, Signed to Practice Squad

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