Ranking the Buffalo Bills UDFAs most likely to make the roster
9. WR Neil Pau’u, BYU
Neil Pau’u is a lengthy receiver who was a walk-on at BYU and started playing wide receiver in college after being a quarterback in high school. Pau’u was never the main target at BYU, but in his last two seasons, he put together campaigns of at least 45 receptions and 520 yards. Pau’u had a poor 40-yard dash time of 4.71 at BYU’s Pro Day, which likely contributed to his undrafted status.
Pau’u is a long shot at making this roster or the practice squad. He relied too much on his size and physicality at college. When players depend on those traits, they usually have to be dominant in college to thrive at the next level. Pau’u is a good college receiver and likely will make a play or two against some of the lower competition in camp. However, he probably won’t be with the Bills past final cuts.
8. OT Tanner Owen, Northwest Missouri State
Tanner Owen comes from Division II football, where he played left tackle. Given his skills, Owen was an excellent finisher in the run blocking game and was able to handle most DII pass rushers with ease. However, Owen does not have the lateral movement or footwork skills to be a practical tackle in the NFL. I would not be surprised to see him be moved around a bit in camps to find a positional fit.
Breaking: Buffalo Bills are signing NW Missouri State OL Tanner Owen as a UDFA! He was a dog and one of the most athletic offensive lineman in the draft! He played at the Hula Bowl! Here is Tanner running routes in a private workout with an NFL team #BillsMafia @Hula_Bowl pic.twitter.com/cINOAZxe5c
— NFL Draft Diamonds (@DraftDiamonds) May 2, 2022
Owen is a solid athlete, as seen here. This was not necessarily a video from a workout with the Buffalo Bills, but this indicates that some teams may view him as a blocking tight end in the NFL space.
Unfortunately for Owen, the Bills are pretty set at tackle and tight end, so he does not have a great path to the roster. His niche skills as a blocking tight end could help him get a spot, but he is a little too much of a tweener without an actual position for that to be the case.
7. WR Malik Williams, Appalachian State
A five-year player at Appalachian State, Malik Williams had over 2,000 career receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Williams also was a punt returner his last two seasons for Appalachian State, with 200 return yards averaging 10 yards per return.
Williams is a smaller receiver at 5-10, 185 pounds, a solid athlete with good speed. Williams was a solid mid-level college player. However, he lacks any elite traits that would garner real NFL potential. Williams likely will find himself looking to compete for one of the last practice squad spots on the team.