3 running backs the Buffalo Bills should watch closely at the NFL Combine

Tyler Badie, Missouri

Measurables: 5-8, 190lbs.

Tyler Badie is probably the best receiving back in this draft. The Buffalo Bills have never really gotten significant contributions from the running back position in the passing game. While Devin Singletary is serviceable as a pass-catcher, he lacks the speed and athleticism you want when a player is given the ball in space. Badie is short, but he still is thick enough to break tackles with his low center of gravity. Badie has proven that he can run the ball in a zone scheme and is not limited to just being a pass catcher. He also has lined up at receiver and returned kicks for Missouri early in his career, giving him some intriguing versatility.

In his career at Missouri, Badie had 126 catches for 1149 yards and 11 touchdowns, and in 2021 alone, he nearly had 2,000 yards from scrimmage. One misconception about Badie by many is that he only projects a pass catcher at the next level. When in fact, Badie proved to be one of the best runners in the nation last season.

One of my favorite parts about Badie is that he has never fumbled in college. Ball security is one of the most important and overlooked traits at the running back position, and a player who can make plays and protect the ball is valuable for every team.

Badie will likely have some questions entering the combine about his size and how that will impact his testing. Badie could solidify his spot as a mid-round pick in this year’s draft with a solid combine.

Badie is one of the most exciting fits of any running back in this class for the Buffalo Bills. He gives the Buffalo Bills a skillset at running back that they have not had the entire Josh Allen era. Badie is a big-play threat and could be lined up all over the offense. Because he is smaller and his skill set is best in open space, he could be a third-down type of gadget player and bring something to the table that Devin Singletary cannot.