Over the years, the Buffalo Bills at times have signed a number of players at a specific position to create competition during OTAs and training camp. The running back position could be one of those this offseason with Devin Singletary and Zack Moss under contract, the signing of free agent Duke Johnson and a number of running backs in the 2022 NFL Draft that could fit within this offense.
One of those running backs is Tyler Badie out of Missouri, who could be a Day 3 option for the Buffalo Bills.
Measurables/Stats
Height: 5’7″
Weight: 199 pounds
Arms: 29 3/8″
Hands: 9 1/8″
Tyler Badie was a big part of the Missouri offense in his four years there and finished with 513 rushing attempts, 2,740 rushing yards, and 23 rushing touchdowns. He also had 126 receptions, 1,149 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns.
This past season was by far his most productive with 1,934 yards from scrimmage on 322 touches and 18 total touchdowns.
NFL.com Scouting Report by Lance Zierlein
"Undersized, change-of-pace back with a big heart and pass-catching talent. Despite a lack of desired size, Badie took on a monster workload and produced at a high level. He played in a run scheme heavily tilted to outside zone and is at his best in space, although he’s natural and confident in tight run lanes. He’s a tough runner but lacks short-yardage leg drive, so his role as a pro could be fairly well-defined as a talented third-down back who can handle an occasional spike in carries if needed."
How Tyler Badie fits with the Buffalo Bills
As Zierlein notes, Tyler Badie is not a big running back but was asked to do a lot for the Missouri Tigers, particularly his final season there. It is also important to note that Badie didn’t slow down as the season went along, in fact in the final three games he averaged 34 carries a game. He made the most of those carries as well with averages over five yards per carry in each game.
In the NFL, and particularly with the Buffalo Bills, Badie likely would be a passing down back behind Devin Singletary. However, his experience could set him up for the opportunity to be a key part of this offense as a rookie.
The running back position is one that could have a lot of moving parts and while it would stand to reason he would be competing for a roster spot with Duke Johnson, who is viewed as a pass-catching running back, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a running back group that consists of Singletary, Johnson, and Badie with Zack Moss being the odd man out.
In that scenario, Badie likely would have a limited role as a rookie but could become a bigger part of the offense in 2023.