Could Tommy Sweeney find his way into the starting lineup for the Buffalo Bills in 2021?
In 2019, the Buffalo Bills drafted two tight ends with the selection of Dawson Knox in the third round and then selected Tommy Sweeney out of Boston College in the seventh round. At the time, Sweeney was considered to be a depth addition but he quickly moved up the depth chart as the Bills suffered numerous injuries at the position during training camp.
He would get a chance to play about 30% of the offensive snaps in the first three games as Knox and some other tight ends worked their way back from injury. However, as tight ends returned from injury, Sweeney saw his playing time significantly cut for the remainder of the season.
After missing all of last season, Sweeney now finds himself in a position to be a major surprise during training camp and the preseason. The tight end position is one that has some uncertainty entering training camp and considering there is no heavy favorite at the moment, Tommy Sweeney is a player who could be a starter at some point this season.
Profile
Position: Tight End
Age: 26
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 251 pounds
Years of Experience: 3
2020 Stats
Tommy Sweeney missed the entire 2020 season after starting the year on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He would then be moved to the Reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive but developed myocarditis and was placed on injured reserve.
Expectations for the 2021 season with the Buffalo Bills
Tommy Sweeney is a player that has a wide spectrum of outcomes for the 2021 season. When considering that Dawson Knox is the likely starter but is far from a lock, Tommy Sweeney could easily move up the depth chart and surpass him.
On the other end of the spectrum, Tommy Sweeney could be a potential roster cut. If the Bills keep only three tight ends on the roster someone like Reggie Gilliam, who is a key special teams contributor, on the roster and could be the third tight end on the depth chart.
While these are possible outcomes, the most likely scenario is that Sweeney does make the roster but doesn’t have a weekly role. Instead will get some chances throughout the season depending on the matchup and situation.